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

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