https://www.reddit.com/r/trichotillomania/comments/jbyw5d/hoping_for_support/
created by margotiii on 15/10/2020 at 23:37 UTC
4 upvotes, 2 top-level comments (showing 2)
Trying to quit for good tomorrow and am hoping for some support and encouragement from this community.
Just to give some background, I’ve been pulling out my hair since I was about 9 or 10 years old. Mostly eyebrows and eyelashes, but I’m starting to pull more from my legs and scalp in recent years now too. I’m 30 now and have been at this about 20 years punctuated by a few brief remissions. Pulling has been such a point of suffering for me and I am so ready to finally be rid of this negative aspect of my life.
I’m so inspired by the stories I see on here. Thank you all to the people that post them. It’s a big reason I haven’t just given up hope.
I’ve tried so many things to quit: supplements, logging my pulling, therapy, wearing gloves, wearing fake nails, wearing headbands, mindfulness, getting fidget toys, sheer will power. Etc.
Mostly my attempts have been to reduce my pulling, but not quit completely. I’m going to try that this time and go cold turkey. I’ve tried a few times, but haven’t had proper support and tools for success.
I’m really trying to set myself up for success this time and have a few things ready that have helped me in the past. Fake nails help a lot. Therapy has been helping some. My husband is my biggest support I am planning to have daily check ins with him.
I think there’s a piece missing though. Accountability and support from a community. Tomorrow is supposed to by first pull free day. I could really use some help from this community to stay hopeful and optimistic- and I could honestly just use some kind words and encouragement.
Today isn’t going so well. I’m like a food addict shoveling in cookies and ice cream before starting a diet tomorrow. I pulled out every last eyebrow and eyelash I had left today and I’m feeling very low right now. Definitely no helping me feel like today could really be my last day of pulling ever.
Despite how I feel, I’m still going to give this a shot tomorrow. What I could really use to help me is words of encouragements, success stories, and just feeling like I’m not so alone with this.
I’m planning on posting here every day for the first week. Any kind words of support are so appreciated.
Comment by [deleted] at 16/10/2020 at 00:51 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
hey! first off, so much power to you. the fact that you’ve been dealing with this for two decade and have been trying everything at your disposal says a lot about you and your character. it also means you shouldnt beat yourself up about the relapses, you working on it in itself is a huge success, you posting here is also a huge success, and it’s nice to hear you can identify support systems like your husband.
i know for me i can’t go more than 2-3 days without pulling, and it takes a lot of energy. but even if it’s half a day or a couple hours that you aren’t pulling, seriously, hype yourself up because it is not easy at all. even when i relapse i just think about how far i’ve come, so be really gentle with yourself and make a big deal out of all the steps of progress no matter how small. because every minute or second you aren’t pulling is you being good to yourself, and that’s something to be really proud of.
for me right now i’m trying to figure out when i pull the most and try those substitution things. so for example i pull a lot when i’m studying or in class, so instead i snap a ton of rubber bands. i have these thick brittle ones so honestly it kind of mimics the feeling of what i would feel when i pull hair. it also makes my hands nimble which is usually when i stop pulling. i also know that i pull a lot and also pick my skin on my feet when i get out of the shower, so i’ll immediately put socks on or even shoes and try to be busy myself with something else. going on walks or runs even when you start to feel it is good too, i find it helps. i also know i pull a lot in bed before heading to sleep and watching tv or reading, so i try to think of an activity to do instead that i enjoy because the thing is i also love pulling so i gotta do something else i love to compensate. so i’ll do art, crochet, paint my nails, do a puzzle, anything.
i’m wishing you lots of good luck, and if you pull tomorrow, then you pull tomorrow, and then you try again another day. it also might help to not think of it so much like sobriety and more like reduction, so if you pulled for a couple hours, try ten minutes less, or 20 minutes less. good will come, you are so strong and i’m sending you lots of warm thoughts and good vibes🌟❤️
Comment by chunkychat666 at 15/10/2020 at 23:54 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
💓