Trichotillomania: My nightmare

[DramaKid13]

Ok, I have a stress disorder called Trichotillomania, it's when you pull out you hair, whether it be hair on your head or pubic hairs. In my case, it's my eyelashes. I started about 2 and a half years ago, and I can't stop. It becomes a habit, like chewing your nails, but eyelashes provide protection for your nails, and also without them, you look like a freak, especially when people notice. Anyway, I do it without realizing it, and it's one of my only ways to relieve stress. Since I began doing it, I went from the nerdy shy kid with barely any friends to a popular outgoing teen, therefore I worry stopping will bring me back to that little kid, because without stress, it's easy to be happy.

However, I need it stopped, eventually, my eyes will be damaged. I have tried almost everything in the book, having stuff like putty in my hands at all times or wearing gloves at home. I have told teachers to watch me all times, I have had therapy for 3-4 months, and on and on and on. It's come down 2 options, continue trying to find willpower to overcome this, which I have struggled with this entire time. Or taking medicine that will weaken my urge to pull, so I can find my willpower to overcome it. But I'm nervous that one, I may continue using the medicine because I want the problem eliminated forever, and two, if it is successful, I am nervous that I may go back to it

If anyone has this or thinks they can help me, please please please post.

Thanks

[Ambrosia]

Well, I don't like out my hair or anything like that, but I chronically scratch my head (which causes my hair to come out) and I had a cousin who did what you do (Hair AND eyelashes). The best I can tell you to do, since you seen to be struggling, is get Stress medicin. Maybe that will help

[Syvelocin]

I have dermatophagia and dermatillomania myself. Behavioural Modification Therapy can be very helpful for people with compulsive BFRB. I would look into a professional with some experience in this, or at least the impulse control disorders. It's difficult to get over, and it isn't like any other habit (or even an easy one to treat, like nail-biting) since BFRBs are usually more extreme and noticeable (if you were to pay attention to my hands... they've gone through a lot. It's much more damaging than nail-biting, even if you bite your nails to the quick).