I’ve mentioned my trichotillomania before on my blog, but I don’t talk about it very often. It’s not OCD, but it probably lies on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum.
Trichotillomania by j4d3 on deviantArt
As an OC, I can tell that it is different but related. In my experience, it’s not induced by an intrusive thought, although I do pull out my hair significantly more when I’m stressed. Usually, I will feel a hair on my scalp that doesn’t feel like the others, and it doesn’t feel “right” until I pull it out. So, in that sense it does function kind of like my compulsions.
I pull from the crown of my scalp. I have a little sprig of hair there that I have to hide. It’s been this way for maybe a decade.
Interestingly, I want to pull out other people’s hair too. If they have black hair and I see a couple pieces of gray, I want to pull them. Like, REALLY bad.
A former therapist encouraged me to squeeze my fist as tight as possible when I want to pull– I tried it, and it fascinatingly does mimic the release I get from pulling my hair. Sometimes I try that.
I’m so grateful to have my OCD under control. I wonder if I’ll ever feel the same about my tricho.
JACKIE LEA SOMMERS 
It’s interesting that the urge is there to pick out others’ hair as well. Thanks for continuing to share an inside look into these struggles.
I know. Isn’t that SO WEIRD? (Even in all of my OCD weirdness, I still think this is one of the weirdest things– wanting to pull out other people’s hair!)
Thanks for not pulling my hair, I’ve been seeing gray in my bangs!!!!
C’mere, you!! Imma get those gray hairs!!
I have the urge to pull out all my gray hairs too, Jackie. I’m guessing that’s not the same :). All kidding aside, I want to thank you for continuing to be so brave and open about sharing your struggles. Every time you do that you help so many people!
Thanks, Janet! It’s my pleasure to share!
I didn’t know you had trichotillomania, Jackie. Do the ERP techniques for fighting OCD help at all with it?
Thank you for talking about it so openly.
Often I don’t even realize that I am pulling out my hair. Or I don’t realize it until the moment right before I pull.
It’s not caused by intrusive thoughts or related to dealing with uncertainty, so I don’t think ERP would work in this situation. 😦
Thanks for sharing, I have heard of that trick but have not tried it.
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