Treatment for hair pulling (trichotillomania) part 3

Coping with hair pulling

Because cure is not always possible, most individuals need to learn some method(s) to help cope with the disorder. The following steps may help coping with hair pulling:

- Write down on a piece of paper all situations
which lead to hair pulling. Most individuals
tend to pull hair while watching TV, reading,
driving, or when they are alone and frustrated.
Try and change the situation or environment to
reduce the hair pulling.
- Keep your self busy with activities that engage
your hands. For example, start knitting, drawing,
writing, painting or play a sport like tennis.
- If you pull hair at night or are not aware of
the situation, wear gloves.
- Join a support group because there are many
individuals with this problem. With these support
groups one can get advice, moral support and
treatment help. While support groups are not for
everyone, they can be helpful for advice.
- If you are bothered by your hair loss, buy a wig,
wear a hat, apply make-up or see a hair expert.
- One way to prevent hair pulling is to keep the
hair short.
- If you do tend to pull hair without being aware,
ask your family members or friends to alert you.
- Learn how to reduce stress
- Talk to your family, educate members in your home
or circle of friends about this disorder.

Trichotillomania is a distressing disorder without a good treatment that works in everyone. Because there is no cure for the disorder, one should learn how to cope with the condition. While the condition is embarrassing and filled with anguish, one should be aware that given time, many individuals will outgrow hair pulling. For those who continue to be tormented by this dreadful disorder, the first place to start is by going to see a health care professional who specializes in psychiatry.