When a Habit Turns Bad
Ever mindlessly twirl a strand of hair between your fingers, then find yourself surprised when it’s gone? Most of us have. But for some people, that innocent pull becomes a relentless urge, a secret battle they fight with themselves every day. This is trichotillomania, and it can feel isolating and embarrassing. But here’s the truth: you’re not alone. Millions of people experience trichotillomania, and there’s hope for managing it (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Trichotillomania goes beyond the occasional stray hair. It’s when the pulling becomes compulsive, leaving noticeable bald patches or thinned areas. You might feel an intense tension building, a need to pull that’s relieved by the yank of a strand. The problem is, resisting that urge can feel nearly impossible. And the emotional toll? Significant. The shame of visible hair loss, the anxiety of hiding it, the social withdrawal it can cause – these can all become a heavy burden (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
If this sounds familiar, know this: seeking professional help is a powerful step. A therapist can be your partner in understanding trichotillomania. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and develop a personalized treatment plan. This might involve a therapy technique called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps you identify and challenge the thoughts and feelings that trigger your pulling. Medication can also be an option, especially if anxiety plays a role. Most importantly, a therapist can create a safe space for you to explore this behavior, develop coping mechanisms, and build the strength to manage it.
The road to recovery from trichotillomania isn’t a straight line. It takes time, commitment, and a willingness to be kind to yourself. But studies show promise. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that CBT was effective in reducing hair pulling behaviors in adults (McElroy et al., 2016). Remember, millions manage trichotillomania, and with the right support, you can too. There are resources available, from organizations like the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (https://rarediseases.org/organizations/trichotillomania-learning-center/) to mental health hotlines like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) (NAMI, n.d.). You are not alone in this fight. Take a deep breath, and know that a happier, more fulfilling life is within your reach. You’ve got this.
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
McElroy, J. F., Phillips, K. A., Gunderson, D., Franklin, J., & Liang, J. (2016). Cognitive behavioral therapy for trichotillomania in adults: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 77(2), 222-230. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3190970/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (n.d.). HelpLine. [invalid URL removed] (accessed April 22, 2024).