I can’t stop pulling my hair out

[sunshine31]

Hi everyone. I just wondered if anybody else struggles with chronic hair pulling? ( trichotillomamia). I’m a 37 year old female, I’ve had this issue with my eyebrows since I was 18 however for the last few months I have started pulling my hair out from my head & it’s really affecting me now. I have a huge bald patch on my head & have to wear a headband etc to cover it up. But I just can’t seem to stop it. I’m worried people will notice & think I’m weird. I do struggle with anxiety & worry about anything and everything & have done for years. I’ve posted on here in the past about fear of cheating OCD as I’ve struggled with that aswell on numerous occasions.

I’m more concerned about why I’m actually pulling my hair out..the anxiety that’s causing me to do this rather than the actual habit of it. I have got telephone appointments with councillors/ therapist coming up so I’m hoping this will help. I’ve had CBT previously for generalised anxiety but didn’t mention this problem them but now it’s got a lot worse I know I need to. I’m just worried that if I tell the therapist they will think I’m really weird. Friends & family know I struggle with anxiety and worrying but only my boyfriend knows about this particular struggle. I just wondered if anybody else on here struggles with the same/ similar thing. Many thanks.

(Transferred by Moderator)

[Forum Moderators]

Hello:

Forum Moderators here – Please look at the OCD Action website, where you’ll find helpful information and resources about conditions related to OCD here: https://ocdaction.org.uk/learn-about-ocd/related-disorders/

You can also contact the OCD Action Helpline and Email Service to talk to or email someone who understands.

Our Helpline volunteers provide confidential and unbiased help, information and support for people with OCD and related conditions. Contact our Helpline by:

• phone: 0300 636 5478
• email: support@ocdaction.org.uk

And please remember that you’re never alone – OCD Action is  here to help and support you.

Forum Moderators

[Forum Moderators]

Hi:

Forum Moderators here – just checking in, as it’s been a while since we replied to your topic.

We want to be sure you know that, in addition to contacting the OCD Action Helpline and Email Service, you can visit our website’s Resources page: https://ocdaction.org.uk/resources/

You’ll find lots of helpful web-based resources on topics such as:

• An introduction to OCD
• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention
• Funding specialist treatment
• Getting a Yes from the NHS
• Good Quality CBT with ERP
• Making the Most of Therapy
• Medication for OCD
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Preparing for a GP Appointment
• Primary Care for Adults
• Reassurance seeking
• Secondary Care for Adult
• Support for Families and Carers
• Treatment Options
• Treatments Not Recommended for OCD
• What to Look for in a Therapist
• Your Journey through the NHS

We hope you find this helpful!

Forum Moderators

[Forum Moderators]

Hello:

We’d also like you to know about this additional support OCD Action offers for you.

OCD Action Support Groups

Online Support Groups:

• Provide a safe and welcoming environment
• Allow you to connect with others and offer mutual support without judgement
• Are all peer led, assisted by a team of trained volunteers.

Who can join?

Anyone based in the UK and living with and/or affected by OCD or a related condition including:

• People who have these conditions, whether diagnosed or not
• Their parents, caregivers, partners and loved ones
• Students aged up to 25 in college / university/ other educational institutions
• Young people aged 16 – 17
• Young people aged 18 – 25

Types of groups

OCD Action offers specialised groups including:

• Pure O – General\Pure O – Intrusive Harm Thoughts
• Pure O – Scrupulosity & Morality
• Checking OCD
• Contamination OCD
• Perinatal OCD
• LGBTQ+ OCD
• Men’s OCD
• OCD for People of Colour
• BDD
• OCD & Autism
• OCD & Hoarding

What important details do I need to know?

• You can sign-up to a maximum of two groups initially. After attending at least once, you’re welcome to sign-up to another group
• Participation is easily accessible via Zoom, or
• If you don’t have internet access, we have a few phone support group places
• There is no charge to join
• Because of the high demand, please only sign up if you intend to use your place(s)
• To retain membership, you must attend a session at least once every three months

What are Navigating Services sessions?

As a Support Group member, you’ll be automatically be invited to monthly Navigating Services Sessions. Attendance is optional, and you’re free to opt out of the session mailing list at any time.

Led by our Helpline team, these sessions include:

• Information and support on accessing recommended treatments through the NHS and/or privately
• Opportunities to share lived experience of accessing support (for attendees or others)
• Answers to questions/concerns regarding recommended treatments and/or service provision

Want to know more about Support Groups?

For more information before you sign up:

• Email sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
• Call 020 7253 5272
• See our website: https://ocdacti

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