9 Reasons You Should Talk about Your Trichotillomania Symptoms
The decision to share your experience with trichotillomania symptoms is a hugely personal one but it can lead to getting the best support and treatments.
Make it count
If it’s your first time opening up about hair pulling, it's important to choose someone who will be understanding- this could be a friend, sibling, parent, doctor or a person you feel can give you the support you need.
Here are 9 strong reasons that sharing, at the right time, can be a really positive step:
Seeking Qualified Help: Talking about hair pulling with someone you trust can- in turn- encourage you to seek help from qualified medical professionals who can discuss impactful support.
Raising Awareness: Sharing your own experience with trichotillomania helps raise awareness about this complex and often-misunderstood condition. It can reduce the stigma for others and promote understanding.
Creating Accountability: Sharing your struggle can create accountability for managing the condition as you'll have someone who understands and can encourage your efforts. You can, for example, choose together non shaming code words for when they notice you pulling to show they are here to support.
Reducing Shame: Speaking openly about trichotillomania can help reduce your own personal feelings of shame or guilt associated with the condition. It can be a significant stride towards self-acceptance.
Building Trust: Sharing your experience can strengthen trust and deepen your relationship with the person you confide in.
Exploring Coping Strategies: It provides an opportunity to explore and develop coping strategies and mechanisms to manage the condition.
Expanding your knowledge: It allows you to gather information from others who may have experience with trichotillomania or know of helpful resources for support. Sharing your experience can also help you build a supportive network of individuals who understand and empathise with your struggles.
Improving Relationships: Confiding in others about your experience can strengthen trust and deepen your relationship with the person you speak to. It can lead to better communication about other aspects of both your experiences and challenges.
Inspiring Others: Your openness can inspire others who may be struggling with similar conditions to seek help and hopefully feel more confident to share their own experiences.
Sharing your experience will most likely provide emotional and practical support during challenging moments, but it could also expose misunderstandings and unfounded judgements about the condition.
If this happens, please don’t be deterred from being open in the future!
There are many people out there who will provide the unconditional love and support you need, and we hope in time you can bring these people closer to you.
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