It's Tuesday....
There is no easy way to talk about my condition so I figured that I would do it on a Tuesday!
I suffer from Trichotillomania - Yep, that's a real word! I have suffered with "Trich" for over 22 years now. Just recently, I have decided to actually acknowledge that it's a problem and do something about it.
What is Trichotillomania?
Also known as "Hair Pulling Disorder", Trichotillomania is a condition which makes sufferers consciously or unconsciously pull out their own hair. They pull from their head, eyebrows, face and pretty much any part of their body! A percentage of sufferers then go on to eat the hair which they have pulled out. This can cause them to have significant internal complications.
I am here today to tell you...."they" includes Me!
My trichotillomania has always been in one place, just below my crown and I pull single hairs very frequently. My hair pulling is completely unconscious and I only know that I am doing it when someone tells me. I am delighted to advise that I am one of the 'lucky ones' who doesn't feel compelled to eat the hair afterwards.
Why do people pull their own hair out?
Great Question. I have absolutely no idea!
Over the last 22 years, I have tried a multitude of things to try and a) stop pulling my hair out and b) figure out why I do it.
I have come to realise that I simply cannot stop. It is my subconscious at work so my conscious decisions to stop pulling are in vain. I have kept diaries, trackers and diet plans to see if I can figure out if there is any correlation between when I pick my hair out and sadly....nothing fits! After 22 years I have no idea whatsoever why I continue to pull out my own hair!
What can I do about it?
I have suffered for 22 years without ever seeking medical help for my Trich. This is due to it being pushed down the list by more pressing factors. I will be sharing my story across my blog, my YouTube channel and Instagram over the next few weeks/months and boy do I have a story to tell!
I wanted to share this ongoing issues first and let you know why I am tackling this finally after all this time...
As I mentioned, there has always been something more pressing for my mind to cope with...like...ALWAYS! Now, at the ripe old age of 36, I am actually in a place of happiness.
Yes...I AM HAPPY!
Trust me, there were times when I honestly never thought I would be, ever again!
So I am Happy and I have no major issues to contend with. I feel as light as air and so free....You should try this!
So what did I do? I contacted my GP to F&*£ it all up and start dealing with this hair pulling thing!! Ha! For the first time I am able to admit that I have a problem and I have taken the first steps to finally sorting it once and for all.
I have talked about the beginning of my journey in Part 1 over on YouTube:
I get really nervous, fluff my words and the emotion makes an appearance. This is the first time I have talked about my Trich out loud to others (and myself) so please show some love and support - I need it! I even show a picture of my bald patch on my head which I found really difficult....excuse the GREY HAIR!
So that's my trichotillomania story in a blogshell! This is one story that will keep going for a while. Over the next few months I will be sharing my journeys that seem to have come to a close and hopefully helping so may others who are still fighting their battles. These include childhood issues, teen pregnancy, sudden loss of both parents at a young age, debt, anxiety, depression, single parenting, binge eating disorder, having a disabled child and so much more.
Words of Encouragement
I have fought off everything I have mentioned above. I somehow found a way to build a career, get married to my soul mate, say goodbye to debts and become the happiest I have ever been. I never, ever thought I would do it...but I did. AND you can too. Whatever situation you find yourself in, there is usually a way out. I will do everything that I can to help as many people as i can!
Ok that's enough procrastination - Tuesday beckons!
See you on Hump Day!
Claire x
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