Understanding Trichotillomania: Causes, Impact, and What You Can Do

Many people have never heard of Trichotillomania, and many never will — until they or someone they know is dealing with it. Trichotillomania is a mental health condition that causes an individual to compulsively pull out their hair.

Some people with this condition pull out their hair without thinking about it. It’s an automatic behavior. Others do it in a more focused fashion as a sort of coping mechanism or a way to deal with stress.

Either way, Trichotillomania can cause hair loss and bald patches, as well as deeper psychological impacts. Let’s take a closer look at this condition that is far more than just a bad habit, and what you can do to fight back if you’re dealing with it.

What Causes Trichotillomania?

There isn’t one singular cause when it comes to this condition. Rather, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to it.

Some people may have a genetic predisposition to it, as it tends to run in families. While that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically have it if your parents or grandparents did, it’s something to consider looking into.

Psychological factors like stress and anxiety are large contributors and can often trigger Trichotillomania as a way to cope. Negative emotions, including loneliness, can also trigger the condition. People who have trouble with emotional regulation might also be at a greater risk of developing Trichotillomania.

Environmental factors like peer pressure, negative relationships, and even traumatic life experiences are often associated with this condition, as well.

Noticing a pattern?

Many people with Trichotillomania use it as a way to cope with things. It can eventually become a source of comfort even if it causes pain and a harmful change in your appearance. Some people might think it’s “easier to pull” than to deal with the root of these issues. That temporary comfort forms a cycle, causing you to pull your hair over and over again.

What Is the Impact?

Unfortunately, the effects of Trichotillomania can cause even more problems for a person’s mental and physical health. Consistent hair-pulling can create bald patches and an irritated scalp. Not only can that be painful and irritating, causing inflamed skin and itching, but it can also be embarrassing.

As a result, it’s not uncommon for people with this condition to struggle with self-esteem issues. Many will choose to isolate, which often makes the condition itself worse.

What Can You Do?

It’s important to remember that Trichotillomania isn’t just a habit that can be stopped or controlled with more willpower. It often requires a professional to help someone manage the condition.

If you’ve been struggling with the effects of this condition for a while, one of the best things to consider is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to manage your urge to pull your hair by first identifying the negative thoughts causing the behavior. Getting to the root of the issue is often the best way to start a healing journey.

Once you understand your triggers and where the hair-pulling began, you can start to challenge your negative thoughts and replace them with more positive ones. While CBT doesn’t cause those negative ideas to disappear completely, it does make it easier to shift your perspective and feel more in control, rather than allowing your condition to control you. You’ll learn healthier coping mechanisms and eventually be able to move forward without the urge to pull out your hair.

Trichotillomania can be embarrassing, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of if you’re dealing with it. Now is the time to get the help you deserve by reaching out to a therapist who specializes in Trichotillomania therapy. Feel free to contact us for a consultation today.