Trichotillomania Treatment Options & Coping Strategies

In times of stress, boredom or anxiety, those with trichotillomania (also known as compulsive hair-pulling) tend to have an especially difficult time with their symptoms. [Here's a refresher on what trichotillomania is].

If you have trich, some of these ideas might work for you-- I know many of them have helped me!

Treatment Options:

-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. CBT is known for treating many illnesses, including anxiety, depression and fibromyalgia. I had a huge breakthrough in my treatment for trich during a CBT session, and have encountered studies and individuals who tout its efficacy. Ask your GP, psychologist or psychiatrist for a referral to a certified CBT practitioner for group or individual sessions.

-Medication. The bad news: there's no special pill that will stop you from pulling your hair. The good news: some medications which help anxiety, depression or other mental illnesses can aid in treatment of trichotillomania, too. If you are already on medication for a comorbid condition, chances are its positive effects will spread to your hair-pulling. When one illness is especially bad, others are, too; when one is successfully treated, you'll see an improvement in others, too.

-Alternative therapies. Many people have had success with alternative therapies, such as herbal remedies or different types of psychology/talk therapy. Ask your doctor if one of these may benefit you.

-Support groups. Improve your self-image, meet others with similar situations and share ideas that have helped you cope. This is an excellent way to make friends who 'get' what you're going through, too.

Meanwhile, find some coping strategies that work for you. (These are meant to help control symptoms, rather than treat the underlying illness). Below are a whole bunch for you to try.

Coping Strategies:

-Play with fidget toys-- a slinky, silly putty, a bracelet...

-Talk to someone you trust (especially if they have a similar disorder).

-Create a barrier between your fingers and the area you usually pull from. Wear a hoodie, gloves, bandanna or a hat.

-Pay attention to when and where you usually pull. Sometimes awareness is enough to stop pulling.

-Set small, measurable goals. "I will not pull for the next hour", or "I will not pull more than twice today". Continually raise the bar, and celebrate when you succeed.

-Wear an elaborate hairstyle or fancy hair clips.

-Wear nail polish or perfume. You'll be likelier to notice your hand reaching for your hair.

-Put lotion on your hands. This will make grasping hair more difficult.

-Pet a cat or dog.

-Meditate.

-Try mantras, like "I am stronger than the urge to pull".

-Lift weights, go rock climbing or swim. Your arms will be too tired to pull.

-Keep a journal.

-Know your triggers.

-Practice self love.

Image Source

10 Little Things To Do For Yourself Today

It's hard, in this fast-paced world, to make time for yourself. It's easy, however, to feel guilty when you do. Stop the madness!

Not only is taking a step back from commitments and treating yourself once in a while totally okay, it's actually good for you! Keeping yourself happy and healthy increases productivity, betters your mental health and is exactly what you need to brighten your day. So let's get started!

1 Have a hot bath, complete with luxe bubble bath, candlelight and champagne. You deserve it!

2 Finish a task you've put off for a long time, despite its importance. Opening a savings account? Organizing your closet? Updating your resume? Whatever it is, do it now. Just get it over-with; what a huge weight taken off your shoulders!

3 Take a trip to the dollar store. No need to spend a lot to have fun shopping. Pick up some craft supplies, a colouring book or a silly toy that reminds you of childhood. It's good to do something frivolous and silly every once in a while.

4 Get all dolled up. If you feel lousy, looking the opposite may be enough to perk you right up.

5 Listen to music that makes you happy. I like Demi Lovato's album, Don't Forget, the song Fuck You by Cee-Lo Green, Danger Days by My Chemical Romance and anything Doo-Wop.

6 Stop. Sit down. Breathe.

7 Make a date with yourself. Do you have to pencil appointments into your agenda just to make sure they happen? Then make an appointment with yourself! Make time for you. You're worth it.

8 Spend time with someone who makes you feel good about yourself. Have coffee, get manicures or hang out on the couch. You'll be grinning in no time!

9 Write yourself a love letter.

10 Be productive. Push yourself just a little. Get something important done. Then celebrate!

Image: Demi Lovato

How to make decisions

Source unknown.

What's in your NYE party bag?

With just a few days to go until 2011, most of us are looking forward to NYE parties. Make some plans, pick out a sparkly top or little black dress! Before the festivities, make sure you have these things in your bag for a stress-free, truly glam evening.

~Lipstick. Touching up your make-up throughout the night is no fun, and neither is lugging your entire cosmetic bag to a soiree, so keep it simple. Apply your make-up, and bring a tube of crimson or hot pink lipstick on hand to enhance your pout.

~ID.

~A camera (or camera phone). You're all dolled up and having a blast! Looking back on tonight will be fun.

~Safety pin. You never know...your outfit might need an emergency alteration.

~A condom. According to a study, 33% of women will have an affair on New Year's Eve. Be prepared!

~Breath mints. For aforementioned hookups and an overall feeling of freshness. Mmmm!

~Bus fare or money for a cab.

~Perfume. Wearing your favourite scent will help you feel confident, and you'll smell awesome! Instead of lugging the bottle, try a travel mini or a cotton ball soaked in scent and stored in a little Ziploc.

~Band-aids. Blisters can strike any time. Don't let them ruin your fun.

~Cute+comfy flats. If you're wearing sky high heels, consider bringing some flats to change into if your feet get sore.

Most importantly, bring confidence and fun! NYE is all about enjoying yourself, so go wild!

2 New Ways to Catch Creative Ideas Whenever They Strike

You're at home on the couch, tub of popcorn on your lap and movie on TV. Suddenly, a brilliant idea strikes! ...but no paper is on hand. You'll remember later, right?

How about using one of these creative and convenient ideas??



1 It looks like black paint--but it will act as a chalkboard! Simply paint a couple of coats on the wall of your choice (paint over it in a different colour, if you like) and voila!! Check out the hardware store to buy.



2 Remember writing on the wall (or wanting to to) as a kid?  Here's your opportunity! Art supply stores are a great resource, even if you're not an artist.  Purchase a roll of mural or butcher paper. Roll it out on the floor or tape a large section to the wall when you need to brainstorm. Pages can easily be folded or rolled up and stored, or recycled when you're done with them.

Go off and be creative now, my dears! Where will your ideas take you?