Pulling Hair?

[Sakura.J]

I don't know whether I'm supposed to put this in the Self Harm section, or somewhere else, but I'll just post here...

I have this awful habit of pulling my hair when I'm upset, just want to get my mind off of things, or sometimes when I just want the feeling of my hair being pulled. It doesn't hurt all the time, but it depends what kind of mood I'm in. Let's say...I'm sad. I'll start yanking my hair hard until I feel better. Other times, when I'm bored, I catch myself lightly tugging at the roots of my hair.
I want to stop. I really do. But I feel...funny if I don't pull my hair for long periods of time.

I've even thought of chopping off my hair with scissors one night just to get myself to quit. I didn't though, because I chickened out. I've tried finding something else to occupy my mind when I want to pull my hair, but it doesn't seem to work. One of my friends told me to try and find five things for sight, hearing, smell and touch, and it kind of helped, but after a day of that I'm back to pulling. I think it's starting to become an addiction, and I don't really know what to do about it.

I know this seems really insignificant, but it bothers me, and I would like some help. Anything. Thanks!

[Xineas]

One option could be to get a box and put 1 dollar in it every time you pull your hair. It may seem childish, but once you start running out of money and you realize you can't get it because it's in the box and you can't open the box, your brain might start thinking and realizing that it's a bad thing and the urge might go away.

Another option, which is harder to do, is get someone to tell you not to do it, every time you do it. As you'd need someone to watch you the whole time, this is not as easy to achieve as the other one, but it helps creating that reminder for yourself, saying not to do it over and over.

Good luck! Don't cut your hair though.. :P

[x_sepi_x]

I have this exact same problem but its really hard to do anything about it. I think really we have to brainwash our brains into not doing it lol.. i know it sounds odd but dats probably da best way to stop.. ive realised that i always have to do something with my hands. i often find myself with deep nail marks on the palms of my hands after a long period of time as i tend to clench my hands without realising.. just like pulling hair.. Think of it this way, the longer you pull your hair out, the less hair you're gonna be left with :/

[Euphoria]

I have a friend of mine who dealt with the same situation. This is an actual disorder called Trichotillomania. She has been professionally diagnosed with it and is in therapy and on medicine for it. There's nothing to be ashamed about as it is a form of self harm, and as you can tell here on th, hundreds upon hundreds deal with self harm. I put a link on here with more info about this disorder. I highly suggest you talk to someone about this and get treatment if possible before it becomes more serious. If you need anything at all, I am here for you. I hope I helped some<3 xx

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tri...omania/DS00895

[Concrete Angel]

Gosh, I have the exact same problem! It's reduced now because my mom kept an eye on me and kept stopping me. I do it everytime I'm stressed which is quite often.
The link Konton posted does have seem to have all the info you may require. (:

[Miss Violet Sparrow]

I have this too. And I bite my nails. Isn't that lovely? Anyway, yeah, I've had trichotillomania for years.

[Sakura.J]

First off, thank you all for being a big help.

Xineas, I'll try both of your suggestions. I don't have much money on me right now, but I think it'll help. Thank you.

I haven't told anybody about it, and I'm nervous I'll make my momma angry if I do. I generally keep things to myself out of habit, because I don't want to burden my family and friends with all of this. If it helps any, I went to a doctor not to long ago and got diagnosed with mild anxiety. After looking at Konton's link (thank you, Konton), I think that my anxiety might be the problem.

Is there anyway I can deal with this on my own? I'm not sure if I can handle telling my mom, or going to a doctor...

[Concrete Angel]

Hey again sweetie.
Well, sometimes, it's too much to take on alone. That is, if it becomes a serious problem. I think a doc can really help you out, because if it isn't controlled now, it'll become way worse.
I always told my mom to keep an eye on me if I tug at my hair, and it's been a great help. I hardly do it these days.

Take care of yourself! <3

[Disastrously Rose]

I pull my hair sometimes, but only so lightly that it feels good, it's only a slight tug and it just makes my skin feel good. I know that seems odd, but I think this makes me come up with an idea that might help you.

Whenever you find yourself yanking at your hair, reduce your pulls to such a light force that it doesn't hurt yet just feels like a fly tugging at a couple strands of your hair. If you get used to the light pulling you can deduct the force of the pull until you aren't pulling your hair at all. And by that point you most likely won't notice because the tugs have become so slight that you can't even feel them.


I really hoped I helped,
Best of luck (:




Scarlett
x

[Concrete Angel]

Originally Posted by SometimesWeJustNeedHelp

Whenever you find yourself yanking at your hair, reduce your pulls to such a light force that it doesn't hurt yet just feels like a fly tugging at a couple strands of your hair. If you get used to the light pulling you can deduct the force of the pull until you aren't pulling your hair at all. And by that point you most likely won't notice because the tugs have become so slight that you can't even feel them.

Now that's a really good suggestion! Take it from pulling to tugging to nothing at all. That way, you can stop. It won't become such an addiction. (: