@Shawads, tried to send a dm, but it said I couldn't.
So I have put my reply to you in a spoiler so as not to go off topic. Anyone is welcome to read it, nothing too personal.
Hi, Thought I would try using the direct message rather than go off topic in the thread.
The hair twisting and pulling out is really difficult behaviour to explain to other people, isn't it? I really just can not stop myself. People think by pointing out what I am doing I will stop, but I am doing this deliberately and consciously. I am not doing it out of habit, it is an overwhelming desire.
I am telling you, but I am sure you know exactly how I feel.
I went to the doctor, as I haven't done this since my early 20's and the patches were so obvious I felt self conscious and quite frankly ashamed. We discussed it at length, and my other body focussed compulsions (I rub my thumbs together until they bleed, scratch my legs until they are raw). It seems that if for any reason you can't twist your hair you replace one body focussed behaviour with another. You need to deal with the root cause rather than that one behaviour.
They tried the usual options, counselling, which was on the phone due to covid, but was quite good. We also tried CBT distraction techniques with squeeze balls etc, without much success, though it might be worth a try as I am finding it useful now I am on medication. They said wear a beanie hat indoors, but as you might guess, I just stuck my hand under the hat! They said wear gloves, but the compulsion is so great that I just took them off.
Finally the doctor has prescribed bright red lipstick. Just joking, got to make light of it with someone who knows what I have to contend with. I have never met anyone else that does the same, it is really is a relief to know I am not on my own.
Anyway I have finally started anti anxiety medication. I am really finding that is helping. Not completely stopped, but in combination with the distraction techniques, it is much better. I was reticent to start the medication, as I take enough other medicines, but I gave it a go. I take sertraline daily and I am sure it has helped.
I felt stupid going to the doctor, but once I went, I realised I should have gone much sooner. Hair is slowly growing back.
Take care and let me know how you get on.
The hair twisting and pulling out is really difficult behaviour to explain to other people, isn't it? I really just can not stop myself. People think by pointing out what I am doing I will stop, but I am doing this deliberately and consciously. I am not doing it out of habit, it is an overwhelming desire.
I am telling you, but I am sure you know exactly how I feel.
I went to the doctor, as I haven't done this since my early 20's and the patches were so obvious I felt self conscious and quite frankly ashamed. We discussed it at length, and my other body focussed compulsions (I rub my thumbs together until they bleed, scratch my legs until they are raw). It seems that if for any reason you can't twist your hair you replace one body focussed behaviour with another. You need to deal with the root cause rather than that one behaviour.
They tried the usual options, counselling, which was on the phone due to covid, but was quite good. We also tried CBT distraction techniques with squeeze balls etc, without much success, though it might be worth a try as I am finding it useful now I am on medication. They said wear a beanie hat indoors, but as you might guess, I just stuck my hand under the hat! They said wear gloves, but the compulsion is so great that I just took them off.
Finally the doctor has prescribed bright red lipstick. Just joking, got to make light of it with someone who knows what I have to contend with. I have never met anyone else that does the same, it is really is a relief to know I am not on my own.
Anyway I have finally started anti anxiety medication. I am really finding that is helping. Not completely stopped, but in combination with the distraction techniques, it is much better. I was reticent to start the medication, as I take enough other medicines, but I gave it a go. I take sertraline daily and I am sure it has helped.
I felt stupid going to the doctor, but once I went, I realised I should have gone much sooner. Hair is slowly growing back.
Take care and let me know how you get on.
Aren't we due a chaos?
