Acknowledging the Struggle

If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you or someone you care about is struggling with trichotillomania. Let’s start by acknowledging the often overwhelming shame and distress associated with hair pulling. Trichotillomania, more so than many mental illnesses, is often not well understood, even by health professionals, and can feel incredibly embarrassing. You are not alone, there are effective treatments available, and it’s important to remember that seeking help is a brave and positive step towards reclaiming your well-being. We have OCD psychologists with a special interest in working with trichotillomania who can help.

Understanding Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of your body. This behavior can lead to noticeable hair loss, bald patches, and significant emotional distress.

Recognizing the Signs

The symptoms of trichotillomania can vary from person to person but commonly include:

• Recurrent hair pulling: This can occur from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body.

• Tension before pulling: Feeling a growing sense of tension or anxiety before pulling or when trying to resist the urge.

• Relief after pulling: Experiencing relief, pleasure, or satisfaction after pulling out hair.

• Bald patches: Noticeable hair loss or bald spots as a result of pulling.

• Hair pulling rituals: Some individuals may have specific rituals, such as examining the root, twisting, or eating the pulled hair.

Common Hair Pulling Rituals

Hair pulling often isn’t a random act; many people with trichotillomania have specific rituals or routines. For instance:

• Examining the hair root: Some individuals may closely inspect the hair root after pulling.

• Twisting or rolling the hair: Hair might be twisted or rolled between the fingers.

• Eating the hair (trichophagia): In some cases, individuals might eat the pulled hair, which can lead to serious health issues like gastrointestinal blockages.

Other Related Behaviours

Trichotillomania often occurs alongside other body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs), such as:

• Skin picking (dermatillomania): Repetitive skin picking leading to skin lesions and infections.

• Nail biting (onychophagia): Chronic nail biting causing nail damage and infections.

Moving Towards Recovery

Living with trichotillomania can feel isolating and frustrating, but it’s important to know that effective treatments are available. Seeking therapy with a compassionate and experienced clinical psychologist can help you develop healthier coping strategies and reduce hair pulling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, has shown significant success in treating trichotillomania and other BFRBs by helping individuals understand and change their behavior patterns.

Why Choose Us for Your Care?

At our clinic, we understand trichotillomania and other OCD-related disorders. We have worked with many others experiencing this. We recognize the unique challenges faced by both men and women dealing with this condition and provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment to help you on your journey to recovery. Our team of warm and engaging psychologists in Sydney is dedicated to helping you reduce anxiety and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Find Relief from Trichotillomania

Take the First Step Today

If trichotillomania is interfering with your life, and you’re wanting help, it’s time to take the first step towards recovery. Our experienced psychologists are here to support you with personalized therapy tailored to your needs. Don’t let hair pulling control your life any longer.

By understanding and addressing trichotillomania, you’re taking a crucial step towards better mental health and well-being. Let’s work together to overcome this challenge and achieve a fulfilling life free from the distress of hair pulling.

Contact us today to book an appointment and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you. Whether you’re looking for in-person sessions in Sydney or online therapy across Australia, we are here to help.