Overcoming Trichotillomania: The Power of Awareness | Aneela Idnani | TEDxFargo

Aneela Idnani is a mental health advocate on a mission to raise BFRB awareness. BFRB stands for Body Focused Repetitive Behavior, a family of conditions that include compulsive hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking (dermatillomania) and nail biting (onychophagia). These are the most common mental health disorders you've never heard of, with approximately 1 in 20 Americans affected.
You can't change what you don't know is happening. This is particularly true for people with BFRBs, like Aneela, and is why she and her team created a smart bracelet, HabitAware Keen, to help build awareness of these trance-like behaviors. Awareness empowers YOU to consciously choose healthier coping strategies and change your life. A talk to share because mental health matters.
Aneela Idnani is Cofounder & President of HabitAware. For more than 20 years, Aneela hid her battle with compulsive hair pulling disorder (trichotillomania), a mental health condition. After sharing this secret, HabitAware created Keen, a smart bracelet, that uses gesture detection technology to bring awareness to hair pulling, skin picking and nail biting disorders. With awareness, people can “Retrain The Brain” to healthier coping mechanisms.
Aneela is a mental health advocate, raising awareness of these very common yet unknown conditions. HabitAware is partly funded by an NIH/SBIR research grant and was named one of TIME Magazine's 2018 Best Inventions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Cosmic-Wanderer]

Suffering from it since i was 13 im 26 now nearly 27 (male) its an absolute life wrecker and people who don’t have it will never understand

[@Habitaware]

I am sorry for the pain this has caused you. Recovery is absolutely possible and I wish you well on your journey to finding peace with it! I do believe that people who don't have it will finally come to understand as we share our experience and pain. By educating others we can break the cycle of shame and stigma and blame and pave the way to compassion. love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@Cosmic-Wanderer]

HabitAware recovery is definitely possible because i believe my longest period of not picking was a 1 year i believe when i was 19-20ish but now its back and it sure is stress anxious and boredom. It seems to me if i have a stressful day or event then about 2-3days later it kicks in

[@Habitaware]

@@Cosmic-Wanderer knowing your pattern can help you break it! i hope you find activities that help you destress

[@Cosmic-Wanderer]

HabitAware exercise definitely helps alot as well as not being stuck in the house alot. Thanks ♥️

[@hadley7081]

Go you Man! You got this!

[@SKYYLOVE]

*i was also 12 when i started pulling out my eyelashes & today i am making the conscious decision to stop, while being patient with myself in the process. anyone reading this: please pray for me. i’m sending you all love, light, & healing energy* 🕊

[@Habitaware]

awareness/consciousness is key! decide to replace, rather than just stop. by practicing to replace the behavior with healthier strategies you can create new "go-to's" for your "restless hands" to engage in when your mind gets restless. praying for you & wishing you love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀 on your healing journey! Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@audraashley5072]

Praying for u!

[@helenayoung4064]

SKYY LOVE the same for me i was 12 years old when i started my hair pulling I didn’t understand all I know it was like a relief and now lm 35 and it got worst as i got older but now lm looking for help i’m tired of the expensive wigs the frontals the lace closures lace wigs

[@k1llzy1n1t]

I have trichotillomania but on my head it just idk its like my brain tells my pull out your hair but I try to prevent it

[@kathrynadams4895]

@@k1llzy1n1t same.. i really want to stop, especially when I look in the mirror and try and rearrange my hair so you can't see, but I just don't know how...

[@ryyxxa]

I know that feeling I'm crying rn

[@Habitaware]

sending you a big hug! as I just shared with another person who posted, recovery is possible. - look within for the understanding. When do you pull? Where do you pull? Who are you with? What are you doing? What are you thinking, feeling? Start bringing your awareness to these things. They hold the key to your recovery plan. love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@nomonomislander5134]

Shreya Srivastava can we talk?

[@ryyxxa]

@@nomonomislander5134 yes sure we can

[@FintasticHub]

My girlfriend has the same condition. We are in long distance relationship for nearly a year. She fears to go out in public all her family members think it's just a bad habit of her. Sometimes she cries when someone scolds her and mujhe samjh nahi ataa kya karu😔. I always try to motivate her. I haven't seen her as she's from Assam while I live in UP. She fears sometimes that i or my family might not accept her.😓 And all I say to her is"koi baat nahi everything will be fine".

[@nomonomislander5134]

Shreya Srivastava :3

[@annelenan3010]

When the stress rises, I feel my fingers tingle, as they reach for the hair again. Then, I wonder: when will it be over 😞

[@hendhanooda1926]

Here the same 💔

[@Daisy-hv8zb]

I’m sorry it’s this way for you. I’ve been like this since I was very, very young and even though I’m nowhere near getting over it I’ve managed to stop pulling at my eyebrows and hair. I’m only trying to stop with my eyelashes now. I know it’s a struggle believe me. But it can get better. I’ve discovered when I put Vaseline on my eyelashes it makes it harder to pull and at one point I even had all my eyelashes even though i dont anymore. Point is it can get better. 🥺

[@nanolego1359]

Oh god that qustion

[@FernandaSantos-mv3jg]

I started hair pulling when i was around 14 i think. I mostly do that when I'm anxious or even bored. There was a time where there was a literal hairless hole in my scalp, a friend of my mom noticed and then I went to the doctor but never got diagnosed, I mean, I went to a dermatologist so Idk if she could diagnose it. I took some medicine and it grew back, but i remember i had a lot of frizz because of the hair growing and i felt so ashamed of my hair, and i had always loved my hair. So now, after some years, I've noticed that this mania is coming back again and im trying to heighten my awareness so i dont end up with a whole in my scalp again. I even thought of shaving my head when it happened the first time. It's really frustrating when you notice what you're doing.

[@sanyasoni6347]

I am also suffering it from last 25 years....but I could not get rid of this habit....I try it so many times....but It stopped some month Nd then it start it again. I m also upset...is there any solution ...plz tell me...

[@btblessed2201]

“He gently grabbed my hand, and I gently resisted the urge to punch him.” 😂 FELT THAT, it really is like that. Sometimes if I’m pulling around my best friend he gently grabs my hand and I know it’s for my own good... But every time it’s like white hot rage fills me because the only thing I want to do is feed that obsession.

[@Habitaware]

yes! its so hard when someone else says "NO!" -- just makes you want to do it more. love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@oifelix3108]

your never walk alone bts have our backs :)

[@Sterlo139]

Factss💯💯

[@jainawhite1482]

Thought I was the only one that had a bit of anger when people would tell me to stop. Most of the time I would feel like if I were in public and for example, my mom, would casually look me in the eyes and say “stop” silently. And it would fill me with rage and embarrassment that other people around me saw her sign and would ask about it. But no one has asked... I still continue to struggle with it, especially in this time of quarantine and lock down. However, today has been a great day of finally making the decision to work the hardest ever at it. Of course I still can’t physically get myself to say I have it (I’m still working on this part) but I’ve been doing SO GOOD at reminding myself to be aware of this habit. I’ve put sticky notes up in the places where I’m mostly prone to pulling and I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my chest. Sorry to put this in just this comment section but wow really did myself good with this comment. I wish you luck with breaking your habit too, it’s really hard but we’ve got this!! :)

[@tamradaoudir1432]

@@oifelix3108 they really are😭

[@krizchelannrasonabe4198]

i pull out those rough and thick hair because it is satisfying. now i have bald patches on my scalp

[@sanchezraizasheenm.4367]

same, been tying my hair up to cover it,

[@bradleyoconnor5184]

Same here! You’re not alone

[@shrubo2001]

Me too, been pulling out those rough strands which is oddly satisfying but I ended up with a bald patch, and it's so embarrassing. Can this be treated?

[@ruchijhawar467]

Same here...and no one's seems to understand and people just tell me to stop.

[@bradleyoconnor5184]

@@ruchijhawar467 I’ve shaven my head so that I can hopefully break the habit by force. Does seem to be helping

[@ambercastillo7034]

I’m still in shock this has a name I can’t believe after all these years It has a name I’m crying as I type this This story hits home The way she describes it The shame I thought something was wrong with me Like how twisted I must be So much shame But I can’t believe this is a real thing omg

[@aneelaidnani]

oh Amber! I am sending you a big huge virtual hug right now. I'm so grateful and humbled to be part of your recovery journey - you are not alone and there is NOTHING wrong with you. love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@emcarveth]

I understand sweetie. I've had trich since i was a child. First it was my eyelashes, currently it's my eyebrows

[@katekilgannon404]

I'm 35 and it's been over 20 years - yet I only learnt the name today. It's such a relief.

[@LiZrd.03]

It's been 16 years for me. It is really hard to stop

[@fromthehaymeadow]

hi girly i know exactly how you feel, i found the name for this when i was about 12. im currently 23 and have been struggling with this since i can remember and i am so happy that you don’t feel alone anymore since i used to feel alone too ❤️❤️

[@clockchest186]

“Just stop!” Yup, cured. My hair just grew back immediately! It’s so embarrassing. I am ashamed. But I will beat this and get my beautiful hair back.

[@sayeedoifode8752]

I wish I also had the courage to say the same! But thats way too hard

[@benobunny9699]

I almost overcome this..

[@jamailakyeremeh956]

I can't!!! :( acc everytime I feel bored or have nothing to do with my hands without realizing I start pulling out hair from my edges my sis sent me a tiktok and then i started doing research now I am here watching this

[@veronicaherrera7586]

And until then … you’re still a whole person. I’ve had this for 40 years. Since age 12. Here s to better tomorrow’s while loving ourselves today.

[@Aliasssssssssssssssss]

Even with self awareness a simple pull will take a hair... my subconscious is too good at it. I have overcome suicidal depression but this seems like a demon that can't be slain...

[@jainawhite1482]

Trichotillomania needs more awareness!! I’m from Kansas and no one knows what this disorder actually is. If my family member hadn’t studied psychology in college, I don’t think I would’ve ever been able to diagnose this disorder!

[@kaitlin1299]

I finally was at 11 when I was breaking down and felt like a freak when my mom noticed my hair. I was trying to find someone that was like me and did research. It recks my life

[@PinkStarburst13]

Hi Jaina. I’m from Kansas too and I started pulling at the age of 12. I remember the first time I did it. I had a bad breakup with my first boyfriend. I really thought I was the only one that did this. Mind you, I am 38 now so this was the 90’s. I went through middle school and high school looking like I had a mullet. I hated how my hair looked. To this very day, I still pull my hair. I notice it’s when I am stressed, anxious or depressed. I heard the word trichotillomania through a Psychologist when my parents divorced when I was 16. I so wish there was more info on this when I was younger. I wish you nothing but the best. ❣️

[@ruchijhawar467]

Absolutely agree..even in India there's not much awareness and people even doctors tell me it's just a bad habit and ask me to stop as if I'm not trying to stop since so many years.

[@therealvidadi]

I am from New Jersey. I started when I was 16 & now I’m 20.. I’m still doing it. I’m aware of it too.. I just couldn’t stop & I still can’t stop. I know I definitely have it. I picked for years.. for years. I picked in the same spots from before where my hair grew back & the second it did, I went right back at it.. attacking it. Destroying my hair & myself overtime.

[@katwilliams2950]

I think it needs awareness but also the more uncommon factors too. Like it's not just constantly doing it, doesn't need to be hair pulled from the root or till significant baldness, or not just hair on your skin or face.

[@lujancampos488]

okay min 2 and i started crying so bad this made me realize im not alone

[@aneelaidnani]

YES YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! Here for you! love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@adaliaharrington9670]

I’ve struggled with hair pulling ever since I could remember. I am currently 15 years old and feel SO much community because of your story. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone and that there is a cure, thank you❤️

[@Habitaware]

there is a huge community out there Adalia! so glad you are finding us & with it, love, support & resources. You definitely are not alone. love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@marijanikolic9719]

Hey I’m Marija and I’m 16 I have been pulling my hair out for about 8 years now. It’s not that bad but I would like to talk about this with someone that has experience and is about my age. So please if you have some time think about it I would be so thankful.

[@adaliaharrington9670]

Marija Nikolic Yes! I would love to! Message me on insta and we can talk❤️

[@mybatteryisalmostdead]

Marija Nikolic do you still do it

[@marijanikolic9719]

Adalia Harrington I saw message just now, what’s your ig?

[@MoraleAsmr]

I started pulling my scalp hair when I started high school, started getting bald spots in the back of my head. I was so ashamed of it I never thought I could stop. People made fun of me and not even my parents believed me when I told them it's a disorder called trichotilomania. Anyways I'm 23 years old and I finally overcame it, my secret : OIL MASSAGES!!! I cannot stress this enough, be alert of where your hands are and when you get an urge to pull try massaging instead... rosemary oil personally worked wonders for me... I have a full head with thick hair now... I know it's easier said then done and I'm not saying this is going to happen overnight.. took me a about 2 years to heal and regrow my hair. Thx xx

[@sharbaninandy854]

Thank you!

[@roykurian72]

I felt as if my daughter was writing this. Everything is the same, the school, bald spots etc..I as a parent didn’t understand her. Now she is 23 years too…. She was in high school too when it started. I will tell her about the oil massage .. thanks

[@sofymercado2184]

❤ thank u

[@yanaandfriends5143]

Wow i want to show this to all my friends and family who just cant understand that I CANT JUST STOP PULLING.

[@Habitaware]

1 in 20 Americans suffer from a BFRB - that means we all have at least one person we care about that is hurting in hiding! Please do share & help us raise awareness and compassion. love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@teresaharris9671]

I’ve done it since I was about 10. Even my hairdresser says just stop it. She learned of this condition in cosmetology school so why is she just telling me to stop. No one will get it

[@Habitaware]

@@teresaharris9671 its mostly because they learn one sentence in school - not how to solve it. and when people are met with uncomfortable things that they can't solve, its easier to dismiss than to sit with it & try to understand. but to worry, WE get it & are here for you! love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@dreamychristie3771]

Exactly

[@CS55CL16]

Same! I would but my mom’s response would be “your generation just needs excuses”

[@Abel0205]

Anybody reading this and suffering from the same problem - be strong, we all can make it!

[@Alone27H]

😭😭

[@hayetarab4479]

❤️❤️❤️keep it up!!

[@Rokshlop]

😢

[@upsclover1948]

​@@Rokshlop😢😢

[@ClementineKimamalou]

❤

[@anesav81]

I’ve noticed that my biggest trigger was stress from school, which inevitably led to procrastination and lack of motivation to even complete assignments. During quarantine I felt relief from the time off, but after starting this semester my hair pulling has gotten to the point where I don’t even notice how long it happens for, then all of a sudden its 3 am. I’m 21 but i started pulling around the beginning or before high school so 12/13. I started with eyelashes because of the whole make a wish thing we used to do as kids, and now i slide my nails against the rough textured hairs or try to pull each strand of hair straight to remove the bumpiness. I want to stop so badly but my hands don’t.

[@oliviamay5]

I feel you, I hate realizing I've wasted hours just pulling away at my lashes. We all wish we could just simply stop.

[@jasondew1054]

@@oliviamay5 Same here. It's been affecting my productivity. I can just sit there and pull as my mind goes blank, and when I regain "consciousness" about me pulling my hair, I feel so guilty because of the time that I lost.

[@uwu7001]

it's scary how similar our stories are and yet we're complete strangers-

[@oliviamay5]

@@jasondew1054 Funnily enough, I was picking my lashes while reading your comment. I find my mind goes blank as well or even with my swollen eyes I can't stop. Do you happen to have anyone in your life you can talk to about this? A part of me feels as though I won't stop until all my eyelashes are gone, completely.

[@jasondew1054]

@@oliviamay5 I understand your feeling. I have contacted a therapist so that they could at least advise me on ways to deal with it. I have been trying different ways to curb with the urge to pull my hair, for instance squeezing a stress ball (though it isn't as effective), wearing a rubber glove might be more effective as it takes away the feeling of touching your lashes with your raw finger. Don't give up we can do this!

[@nana-do9im]

only the people that have it will understand, this honestly made me cry and reading the comments knowing there’s people that actually understand and don’t think i’m weird .

[@ln9033]

Same :(

[@adrianam8344]

Im suffering and it’s been going on for too long :(

[@seeanson3138]

I FEEEEEL YOUR PAAAAAAAINNN

[@seeanson3138]

I pluck off my eyebrows and lashes of stress

[@paulajara1811]

:/

[@DEATHVIAL]

Adriana M I’m very deeply here for you, if you want a listening ear you can add me on Facebook or whatever social media. If you live in Australia I can text and call you.

[@DEATHVIAL]

Adriana M it’s been 7 years but no matter how long it’s been it should always been seen as something that needs help

[@girlboss6881]

I cried reading the title because I never thought I would get help

[@Habitaware]

We are here to help. You are not alone! love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@mmwalczak2013able]

I’ve suffered with Trich since I was 12 I was severely bullied and had no idea what I was doing to myself .. I’m now 25. I’ve pulled all my eyelashes and some of my eyebrows, it continues to this day. It’s a rough road .. if you have Trich I feel the ache in your heart .. I feel your pain .. keep looking forward. We can conquer.

[@Habitaware]

I am so glad you know how your pulling started. Knowledge is power. If you can take time to build awareness of your thoughts, feelings and actions when you are pulling you will start to find the clues to replace the behavior with healthier strategies. YOU can conquer! love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

I’m glad this is happening to you.

[@princessbloom1460]

@ it isn't something you wish on others.

[@marievonhefley9948]

80% of its victims began at age 12 due to trauma. Me as well. I’m. I’m now 55 and just started again after I ceased all pulling for a decade after getting extensions. This helped very much because I would begin to pull that hair and that’s what wasn’t comfortable so I stopped. After much trauma, I’m balding on top from pulling. It’s abhorrent.

[@komalmahal2582]

Wow I feel so overwhelmed seeing so many people here go through the same thing. While this habit comes from stress and anxiety, mine is also linked with ocd/perfection. I feel like a certain weird hair with weird texture and split ends doesn't deserve to be on my head and I keep pulling it out 😓

[@cassietolleson225]

No I am the exact same way when pulling too, same exact thought as well. When I first started I thought a reasonable explanation was that since it wasn't as soft or silky as the other hairs on my head so it didn't need to be there, which kept me from feeling guilty about it, but as years passed all my thick wire like hairs were gone and my hair became so thin I became so self conscious. I also recently found out I have ocd and it's explained why I am the way I am. I used to think ocd meant like always having everything flawless and neat, but it's actually when you set so many ridiculous and unfair rigid rules for yourself. I hope you have an amazing healing journey as I hope everyone in these comments do too. Reading comment sections like this make me tear up bc I realize or remember I'm not alone❤️

[@komalmahal2582]

@@cassietolleson225 thank you Cassie, more power to you

[@sxyngel]

truth. same feeling.

[@justinamcafee8635]

That is exactly what I do!! Mine actually started from picking at the split ends of my hair in middle school. I am so glad to know it’s not just me!

[@gouripatil2476]

@Komal Mahal, I feel the same way. How are you today? Any better than a year before? I am suffering from 2014 and my hair regrows stronger but I just cant resist the urge. 😭

[@paulajara1811]

I just want to stay in my room forever. I still can't accept.

[@Habitaware]

it definitely takes time to get to a place of acceptance. back in 2004-2005ish, I totally felt this way. my life was falling apart and I was pulling more. I encourage you to take this time in your room to write as much as possible and release the emotions with pen and paper. i hope i was able to plant that seed of hope that the weight you carry will lessen in time

[@DEATHVIAL]

You’re beautiful and this will not be who you are but in time who you once where xx much love

[@hadley7081]

If you’re gonna do that you’ll need some supplies •snacks •food •water •mini fridge

[@Sterlo139]

Staying in your room will give you even more urges to keep pulling. Distracting yourself by going out and stuff is the method.

[@rishitachawla688]

I feel the same and luckily I'm in quarantine now (everyone is)

[@jessicamartinez6049]

I also suffer from trichtillomania. I pull from my scalp and sometimes my eyebrows to. I hate this disorder. It takes away my pride and beauty.

[@dansestaffan]

You are and will ALWAYS be beautiful. With or without hair

[@S0ad01]

Shaved my head recently 🤍

[@LongtailluverE]

I have been waiting for someone to talk about my condition!

[@wolfbenson]

I started pulling from the left side of my head at age 11. I combed hair over the bald spots from hair on the right side. Then, one day in gym class, the teacher saw!! This was in 1965, a year after the Beatles made long hair on boys legitimate. In small town Wisconsin in 1965, no one ever heard of such a thing or had any idea what to do about it. I was half bald for almost 4 years. Strange thing about trich is that I only felt the urge to pull from either the left side, or the cowlick part of my head. Absolutely no desire to pull from anywhere else. Another ritual was to first twirl the hair, isolate one, "snap it" and then put it in my mouth. The hair had to be the "right" thickness when I chewed on it or I wasn't satisfied. How I stopped. I am now 67 years old and stopped cold at age 15. The desire to pull remains to this day (so much for re-wiring the brain). My father smoked 2 packs a day. He asked me, "Why do you pull out your hair? I don't understand it!" I said, "Sure you do. You smoke two packs a day. Why don't you stop smoking?" He threw down the gauntlet: "If I stop, will you?" Tears welled up because I knew I couldn't do it. I said, "Yes." He stopped and I stopped. I told my brain: "Yes, I hear you. I know what you want but you're not getting it. Now leave me alone." My brain didn't believe me and just increased his nagging (an "extinction burst" they call that in ABA land). I would reply, "Uh, look, I feel sorry for you, but really, I've already told you, NO and that's it." I stopped. Over the years, I would find that on the oft occasion (usually when I'm driving and lost-no GPS in those days), my hand was up to the left side of my head. I pulled out a hair!!!! Horrors. So I'd say, "Ok, you managed to sneak one, but that's it. And I would pull no more. Over the years, I think the brain did re-wire as the urge just slipped away, bit by bit, until today, in very rare occasions, I get the urge, but no pulling. And when the urge comes, it is like a little child whimpering instead of a 4 year old tantruming. You can do it tooooooo.

[@bels9773]

I also get into a trance and pull until my arms hurt. Only in a certain part of the back of my head... I’m desperately trying to stop

[@soulfullygraced2521]

Wow thanks for sharing. I will try this self discipline tool. 🙌😍

[@allisonparramore2642]

I also only feel the urge to pull from specific spots, and I also have a ritual of finding an individual one, preferably that is short and textured, I bring it to my mouth also. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to go through this when there was even less awareness. Thank you so much for sharing, I and I'm sure many others have felt less alone and discouraged after reading this.

[@oliveburnham8318]

I pick certain spots also! Typically along my hairline, cowlick, or part. I too have a specific hair type I go for, but i just cant control it. Thank you for sharing your story! I dont bring the hair to my mouth, but I understand having that specific feeling of needing to do something with the hair.

[@andreamurphy1126]

Benjamin Wolfson .... Wow. I just read this today, 12-1-20... I am just like this. I started age 7 or 8, can't really recall. It was really bad until age 29. Forced my self , willed myself as I was so sick of Scarves, wigs, being hot in a wig... Having half a life. I had a really bad, sad time w shame. I pulled for 22 formative years. Sadly. I prayed and prayed. I finally knew that keeping my hair wet and gloves on my hands helped me to stop. To this day I don't speak to my siblings as they were so mean to me. I favored my left side too for ten yrs but then it was entire head except one small area in back. Ugh. Stay well. My hair is really nice even tho I'm older. I'm Sooo glad I have hair. I know what it's like to look in mirror and see a bald girl. Sad.

[@AnnMaeMonique]

I am crying because i never thought someone out there actually feels the same way that I do🥺

[@_phgirl_5820]

aww i believe in you! mine started a year ago. i still hide it to this day. i pick my brows and eyelashes. i havent told my mom abt this. im afraid of being judged. :((

[@Luvliaa]

I just came to tell everyone you can do this♥️. I had Trich for 7 years and I’m currently 6 months free at the age of 20. I know how hard it’s trust me I had so many people not understanding what I went through even my family members and they made matters worse. Just try to keep your hands busy and don’t think about pulling your hair. I know u don’t realize it sometimes but u can trigger it to stop. Wear scarves, get those little fidget toys, do a hobby, or even play games♥️

[@JessyO-fd7sv]

Did you heal your self from it or still struggling??

[@Luvliaa]

@@JessyO-fd7sv I healed myself from it. Going 11 months strong 🤎

[@dianalovee4020]

Girl I suffer from the same): I’m glad to hear I’m not alone.. I’m 21 would you mind sharing some tips?🤍

[@sharbaninandy854]

@@Luvliaa Extremely proud of you! Good Luck! Even I am trying self-healing. Hope things improve.

[@dolphindouyin]

Do you still feel the urge? I’m trying to stop but the longest I went was a week

[@MormonMustang_]

40 year old male and have suffered since age 4/5. It was eyelashes until the 8th grade and then went to eyebrows. The lifelong ridicule and shame is unspeakable. I've suffered with anxiety , addiction and social phobia. God bless everyone with this disorder.

[@justinkauffman4777]

That feeling when you look down and see an eyebrow under your fingernail and want to cry just knowing that it is getting worse and looking worse, it hurts my heart and makes me want to cry with every eyebrow

[@EVH596]

I’ve been trying to stop for almost 8 years now, and I thought it was getting better, but after school started again it got bad. My eyelashes have started growing back, but I still feel the urge to pull. My eyebrows are almost completely gone, through, and it makes me feel so ashamed and disappointed in myself. I’m just so glad to know that I’m not alone, and that other people understand what I feel and go through.

[@skoop9188]

I’ve been struggling with this since I’m 8 years old, I’m 17 now and it’s been short periods of time when I felt it was going away but I just can’t stop, it always comes back. And it makes me so sad because I feel like I can’t get over it, it’s going to be there for the rest of my life. I don’t feel supported, my mom is aware of this problem but she gets mad at me whenever she sees me doing it or finds a bunch of hair on the floor

[@allisonparramore2642]

I can relate to you a lot, I also started pulling at age 8 and am now 17, and my mom also gets frustrated and gets upset with me for doing it. Thank you for sharing, I felt less alone and discouraged after reading this.

[@zeenie5489]

The same exact thing is happening to me with my mother.

[@andreamurphy1126]

제니 .... Read my comment to guy above your comment. You Can Overcome. Know this. It's possible..

[@overcomethepull]

I’m so sorry about the lack of support you feel. You will get through this and you are fully capable of overcoming this in your lifetime. I promise you there is hope. I am living proof after struggling for 7 years. You can do it my love!

[@goodvibes6969]

@@overcomethepull Thanks😞 , I wish that ur words become true for us

[@grappjas]

I just dont know how to stop doing it

[@lo.lo713]

me too, but during this time of the virus take a brake and my eyebrows are slowly coming back

[@grappjas]

Sham Tm thank you very much, i will try this!

[@mybatteryisalmostdead]

Take medication. It really helps. Ever since I’ve gone on mine I've stopped completely

[@amarac.trumble6586]

Me either I shaved my head and it helps me break the habit. I stopped for two years after shaving it all off..

[@grappjas]

No one asked for your opinion oh i didnt know there was treatment.. 😁thats good news

[@lm8187]

When she said “Dr google told me” it was laughable but so relatable. I remember when I was 11 there was very little information on the internet about Trich, people were not as aware, and frankly, too ashamed to speak up. I remember googling, and going to youtube trying to hear someone talk about this. I am now 19, and have spoken up about it on some social media platforms to show awareness. I find this so empowering, her research on this disorder gives a lot of insight and makes us feel less lonely. 15 years battling this disorder, self image issues, anxiety, hours upon hours of sessions, hiding out in my room to relieve what it going on internally, does not and will not define those of us who have it. So many of us have suffered in silence, we have hidden our biggest secret, ashamed of what others would think. Do you know how strong you are the moment you become self aware? 💗

[@Jennifer-sn4lw]

honestly at this point, ive totally given up on healing. this is not a disease that can be cured, rather, it is an addiction, a characteristic, another part of me. i developed trich when i was in highschool, and i distinctly remember the horrifying shame and fear i felt when my mother looked me in the eye and told me that she had already noticed my eyebrows thinning, and me colouring it. i was devastated, and thats when i truly realised what was happening to me. all my life id dealt with nail and skin picking syndrome, now it all makes sense. ive dealt with this side of me for almost 6 years now. and im nowhere near done. ive been called possessed, given weird stares, parents forcing me to show my bald spots to them, then screaming at me for doing it again, for doing it for attention. when all that didnt work they decided to dismiss it as something that is nonexistent. they still dont believe it is actually a disorder. so of course therapy is out of the question. although i havent cured it, and sport two big bald spots on my head as we speak, i have noticed some ways you can relieve the urge, or stop the action of pulling. . for long hair, keep it tied. prederably in ways what would not be easy to remove. braids, tight buns etc. . find out the catalysts. they can be certain places in the house, or certain times of the day, even certain activities you do. then be extremely aware of what youre doing in those situations. if you feel the urge to pull, immediatesly, and i mean instantly without even giving it a thought, remove yourself from that situation, and do something else. for eg. i found out my catalysts are lying in bed whatching yt while no one's nearby, college stress, studies, fights with my family etc. everytime i feel the urge to pull, i just get up and talk to ppl. . love your hair. thats it. one of the most effective ways to prevent hair pulling, is by giving your hair love. devote time to maintaining your hair. comb it, stimulate it, oil it, shampoo it, get a hair mask, style it to the best of your ability, just treat it like youd treat your loved one. although it sounds crazy, trust me. imagine yourself having a head full of hair, and all the amaxing hairstyles youd wanna give yourself after your hair grows out. most of all, dont ever be ashamed of yourself for having trich. it is not your fault, and dont lose hope. even if you relapse, its okay! give yourself a break and love yourself.

[@Jaye11]

This made me cry… Having Tric sucks- I have suffered from it since I was 8 years old.. I am now in my late 30’s- I pull the hair on my head and bite my nails.. many things this amazing woman says is so incredibly true.. Having this issue puts in a dark box and makes you feel so horrible about yourself , it beats you down mentally for years and then when asked by strangers why are you pulling or why are you bald or why did you shave your hair or whatever … it makes you feel even worse.. makes you feel like there’s absolutely no way to over come this issue.. People that don’t suffer from this have always said to me “ Just stop” .. It’s not that easy, especially when you have no idea that your doing it.. When you pull you don’t feel pain - it’s more of a comfortable feeling or no feeling at all.. so it feels almost impossible to stop something that you have no idea when your doing it.. all you see is hair all over the place and bald/ thin spots on your head.. It takes a lot of courage to come out to your family/ friends/strangers to say I have a hair pulling disorder… it takes even more courage to say this to yourself… To all who suffer from this that aren’t ready to say it out loud- I am sorry you are suffering and your not alone .. You will find a way to get through It..

[@tamradaoudir1432]

I can't believe I cried for 10:58 minutes straight 😭😭😭 I felt every single word in this video I felt all the sufferings that come out through your breath and voice ... Thank you so much for spreading awareness about this disorder people with tritchotillomania exist and they are really suffering in silence, affraid from the judgement of others .... So please if you know anyone with this disorder avoid asking them "why you're doing this" instead you can just help them if they are confortable about it... trust me even some words that show them that they are strong enough to deal with this disorder can make a change, cause you can't imagine how much they need to open to someone about their disorder without feeling ashamed.

[@aneelaidnani]

big hug to you tamara. thank you for finding courage to share & for explaining to others how they can meet people with this condition with compassion. you are a blessing.

[@tamradaoudir1432]

@@aneelaidnani Thank you so much Aneela you are really an inspiration ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@chillimili435]

I also felt😭😭😭

[@annasasha9871]

I’ve been pulling my eyelashes and eyebrows out for 12 years now.. I’m 22. I thought I was alone until I found this. Thank you.

[@amandamayhue9057]

Definitely not alone girl...

[@annasasha9871]

Amanda Mayhue ❤️❤️❤️

[@anetihernandez28]

I am so glad to see this. My daughter has this and it is very very difficult. I wish I could help her and I do not know how. I hope that a parent out there knows that they're not alone. It is okay to be sad, helpless and scared.

[@miniberrystrawberry]

I’m 19 and I have been dealing with pulling my hair for 6 years, since I was 13. For the past few months I have been seeing a psychiatrist who has helped with cognitive therapy. So far, I have gone a month without pulling and it’s the longest I’ve ever been. I know it can return at any moment but I’m working very hard to tell me that I love myself and this behavior is destructive to my body. I have a log where I mark every day I go without pulling and every 2 weeks I buy myself a BTS album (since I collect them and love them, honestly it has been a great motivator). I’m happy at the moment and my stress has been reduced significantly. I hope this year is the year I change my life and stop this behavior 🥺

[@Biebersgurl17]

• V E R O N I C A T I C • I wish you strength through your journey ✨💪🏽 I’m planning on calling and making an appointment at a place that offers CBT for trich

[@MadSides]

Right now i am in the exact phase you were two years ago. Im really trying to hear my therapist and reduce the pulling of my hair but its really difficult. Sometimes i feel like my therapist is not really helping and i should stop seeing him. Do you have any tips?

[@lostyetalive]

Im gonna be 19 and it started at 13 as well. DR google also made me aware of this but my parents scolded me and said that i just wanted attention and wanted to be cool. I still do it when i am stressed. I have very less hair compared to others..maybe not too less but yes less..idk how to stop this..lets see how youtube helps me

[@MattScheck-k2h]

We are here but it feels so very lonely. 1 in 20! It’s so hard I’m so very proud of you. I started at 7 I’m now a mother of 2 28yrs old and I’m still learning to break these ocd habits

[@stellaoei2808]

I started pulling when I was 10, now I am 19. Im gonna cry

[@alora9829]

Me too ...now im 22

[@jessiemelonas]

Same, 20 now

[@ayoitsao]

i started pulling when i was 6 or 7 years old, I don't remember. I am now 20 years old (next week) and I've been pulling for a little over 13 years. It sucks. :/

[@noriely2256]

Can you please text my ig @jawn.nori_ I need a friend to talk about it with

[@stellaoei2808]

@@noriely2256 this is mine @cstellask

[@rileylundd]

i started pulling when i was 9 after my parents got a divorce which was really toxic and my father got into a relationship within two weeks after my parents separated. it’s crazy to believe that i’m not the only one that has it. i felt so alone for years and no one in my family understood it. they acted like i did it on purpose and when they would noticed it, it would make me even more shameful. i’m 18 now and i’ve learned to manage it to a certain extent but i know it will never go away. it always gets worse when i’m depressed or super anxious.

[@de-elarshoe8588]

Sad situation..many people don't understand.. one day we shall overcome.

[@CloverPantz]

1 minute, 30 seconds in. Already emotional. It’s crazy how isolating trich is. This made me feel… not alone… and hopeful Thank you this speaker for being so brave to share their experience .

[@xoRawritsBeckyxo]

I’ve been pulling since I was like 10. I stopped for about 4 months this year. I was feeling so happy with my hair regrowth. Idk what happened, but this month I lost it. I’m back where I started and feeling so ashamed. But tomorrow is a new day, and I’ll be starting over. To everyone else who is struggling, I’m sending you love and nothing but positive thoughts. 🤍

[@sharbaninandy854]

Good luck! May you win. More power to you.

[@falynnworld2084]

Take biotin for hair& one day for women vitamins. That’s what I take to grow my eyelashes back and then when I do grow back in a week and a half I’ll pull them again.😢

[@mari.m0]

I’m suffering the same thing and I just messaged a therapist and I’m crying so hard. I’ve never heard someone relate to me so much. Thank you

[@marialvarez7954]

Had it since I was 9 years old, my family’s chaos and a divorce and violence and school and so many other triggering events that spiked my anxiety- man, I still pull if I dont pay heavy attention to my hands. I have ups and downs but im blessed to have the support and awareness of the community.

[@lindsayanne1038]

Thank you so much for your work. I bought a Keen and it has significantly changed how I operate. I have trichotillomania and I pull my hair. I just started grad school and it's been the most stressful time of my life, but the Keen gives me power in the choice to control where my hands are. I have spent so many nights crying and surrounded by the hair I have pulled out, and this has been such a game changer. I have suffered with trich for a long time (about 20 years as well), but I feel like I'm finally starting to win a battle I've lost my entire life.

[@Habitaware]

so happy to have you in our Keen family & to know that we are helping you win the battle!!! We are so proud of your efforts to study in graduate school. Give yourself the grace and space to practice heightening your awareness daily. Be kind to yourself, Lindsay. You can do this! love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@DEATHVIAL]

Lindsay Anne I’m happy for you and I know you can do this, even with relapse every achievement you make will make me proud

[@plaguedr6748]

What is Keen?

[@philipm3173]

It is crazy to me that with how common it is hardly any therapists/counselors have anything to offer us...

[@leonkennedymunchrizzler]

I have trichitillomania and I’m 13 (it started when I was 7). I love to pluck out the split ends and the coarse curly ones. I also pluck out my eyelashes, so now I have no more eyelashes. People keep thinking I have mental issues but I don’t. Im thankful for my parents for understanding my condition because not all parents understand why their kids love pulling out hair. This made me feel much better and less “weird” :))

[@kathyzhi7916]

I am the same age and I too noticed that I prefer curlier thicker hair to pull out(I don’t pull out normal ones) I relate to this so much because I love my life and parents I just can’t stop

[@ok_kto]

Me too!

[@itzash5499]

I was 11 when it started, 6th grade, eyelashes first, then to scalp. I’m in 11th now, still pulling. My parents disregard it as nothing and doesn’t compare to “real mental health disorders.” This video made me cry if relief. I’m not alone

[@sh9344]

Omg she said everything I’ve been going through 💔💔 she made me cry a river😭😭😭😭 it’s so hard to tell people about it and hide it form them💔💔💔

[@AliKhan-lg7nq]

Helo

[@AliKhan-lg7nq]

Share you number and country plz

[@kimmimcknight3417]

I was either 10 or 11 when my tricho kicked in on all cylinders and i had no eyebrows or eyelashes for a good two years. I finally managed to stop pulling those out, just to start with other hair on my body. I'm 63 now and i still have issues with it. In social situations in public (like church), i try to keep both hands busy with my Bible and a notepad to take notes with, but it doesn't stop the battle raging inside that wants to just pull and pluck...and social anxiety (GAD in my case) has little to nothing to do with it. I have just as difficult a time with it when i'm totally chilling at home, just me and my dog. So i'm SOOOO glad to find out that one in twenty Americans are just like me! I thought i was a freak for the longest time. Thank you SO much for addressing this issue that truly no one WANTS to talk about, even though it NEEDS to be addressed...thank you for making me feel less like a freak, knowing there are many others suffering with this. To add insult to injury (literally!) also have dermatillomania. UGH! It sucks so incredibly badly. 😔 And i'm not picky (pun kinda-sorta intended, yet not?) about where i pick. Anyway, thank you so VERY much for this video, my slanted view about myself is starting to level out a tiny bit.

[@princess-priyadiedrick3611]

Omg this is a terrible sicknesses with little recognized worldwide I am suffering from this from the day I knw myself I am now 37 and ave grown with baldness it has affected mylife so much I even think about killing my self because I feel helpless when I try tlking to people they tell me it is my mind depressing me more ,am a mother of two and at times urges are their to pull my kids hair ,this speaker has left me with hope ,I try my best to stop for my kids but they dnt understand each time the see me pulling the would tell me I dnt love them and my heart would be broken because I can't help myself ,I am even now at this point help less I never stop praying about this issues and I pray one day i can get the strength to stop,for all the people suffering from this terrible disorder I pray for you all I feel each and everyone of your pain just hang in their and know you are special .

[@claudiiia1]

I have had Trichotillomania for 15 years (starting at 8 years old) - pulling my eyelashes and eyebrows - and through spirituality, I have been able to decrease my irritability of pulling. Mindfulness, will power and strength is EVERYTHING.

[@Habitaware]

this is so true - mindfulness and awareness are one and the same. faith in oneself - knowing you have the strength within to make the change can set you free.

[@claudiiia1]

@@Habitaware You are strong!!!!

[@DestinyPineda-q7i]

I was 5 when it started, 23 years later I’m in the same spot and my PTSD, anxiety, depression and OCD have elevated it again in my 20s.

[@misatchi]

I've found for me it makes me feel like I have control over something in my life. My therapist and I have realized a lot of my anxiety and self esteem issues come from growing up an environment that I felt I had no control of. I had a mentally abusive stepdad and an alcoholic mother. My anxiety was sky high and I began plucking my eyebrows in high school. The therapist back then that I saw thought it was because I didn't think I was pretty but my self image wasn't the issue. I crave control in my life and hair pulling is the one thing that gives me a sense of it. I was able to grow back my eyebrows and enter remission for awhile but when my mom divorced my stepdad and her drinking got worse while I was in college, I redirected the urge to my facial hair, something I usually shaved anyways. I've been doing it for so long now that it doesn't even hurt to pull out hair and pulling thick hair is euphoric. Keeping busy during the day keeps me from doing it but when I start to get tired at night or read something, I begin plucking again. I hate what it does to my nails more than anything else but I'm sadly past the point of being embarrassed. Pre-covid, I would do it in public and just not care what people thought. As she said in the video, some people smoke or eat for relief, I pull my hair and in my stubbornly determined hair pulling state I convince myself that I have a healthier addiction than others. I know no addiction is healthy but I really feel like I'm drugged when I switch into my hair pulling state- it's like an itch, if I don't scratch it I'll eventually feel relief but if I just scratch it, the urge to itch will cease and I will be content again. I know that as we work on my issues with control, my hair pulling urges will start to fade but healing is not linear and right now, I am still actively pulling. I think one thing she failed to mention is recovery is a process, relapse is completely normal and being gentle and forgiving to yourself about the disorders you have is the best thing you can do. This isn't going to be easy but healing never is. However, healing is ALWAYS worth the struggle. So I promise to keep working on this. I hope anyone else reading this can find the strength to at least try to get help. Deciding you want help is the first step to recovery. Small progress is still progress and you should be proud of yourself! Try rewards if that helps too! Like "Once I schedule my 1st appointment with a therapist I will get my favorite food for dinner" and little things like that. Treat yourself like a child or best friend. You deserve the compassion and patience you give to others.

[@riancanete9295]

thank you... Im smiling and crying while reading the comments here

[@page394potter8]

Wow it's like i read my biography with exception here and there lol. Be brave ! We'll get through this.

[@pu55inbootsluvr]

Just downloaded your program on my watch. I’ve been struggling since I was in middle school, I’m almost done with college now. I want to gain control over myself, and I want my hair back. Wish me luck! ❤ sending love to all those who struggle with trich, we are in this together

[@valodia]

it’s crazy how i thought i was the only person with this issue, until my friend told me it could be a disorder then i looked it out and it really was. this started when i was a child (about 11/12). it’s so horrible and i feel so guilty but so many people don’t understand that it’s hard to stop. i don’t even notice, then i look it’s done.😪 it usually gets worse when i’m stressed or anxious. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! you can do it, God bless you!🙏🏾

[@Joseph_mary.kasule]

realised last year too ..but it gives a euphoric feeling after plucking ..thought I should keep it a secret cause it was shameful to do it around people they tried to stop me or complain .

[@tituleb4515]

I m suffering from this , I m 38 years old man .. this video made cry .. thank you

[@linleymacmillan4259]

I was 10 when I started doing it, because of stress from test scores and grades. I only found out that it was a real condition. I wish it had more recognition.

[@racheljacobs7007]

I have had this disorder ever since I was in middle school and I remember people bullying me for my subconscious pulling. I love all of you so much and I want you to know that you are not alone. This is such a struggle but we are in this together!!! It totally sucks and no one else will understand except us. Please know that you are worth it. I love you!

[@jayzz2071]

I’ve been suffering from trichotillomania since 5 years . But you know what’s worse than the disorder itself ? Having no one by your side having no one to support you having no one who makes you feel better about yourself . Ever since I got trich , I’ve been fighting all alone none by my side because they all think that I’m going insane and that it’s not a “thing “ . The only question that I keep in getting is “why don’t you just stop” and I fail to explain how serious this disorder is . IT IS A DISORDER NOT A DECISION . To all those who are suffering from trichotillomania , you aren’t alone and we got this! We will be able to survive this battle . FIGHT THIS BATTLE ALONE! The only person who’ll drag you out of this situation is none but yourself . Help yourself by yourself we don’t need anyone ❤️❤️❤️

[@Sterlo139]

I was valedictorian of my preschool class with no eyebrows. The bullying actually intensified in grade school. I’m 21 and still find myself doing it. I wish there was a cutoff age but I know there are older ones going through the same thing. We’re in this together‼️💯💯

[@Mk-qt2bl]

Valedictorian of your preschool class? Hahaha what

[@venusmdepaulo]

I thought it was only me who went through this , only differences mine was very mild and I have stopped this for 5 years , this got me so emotional 😭❤️respect respect ✊🏾

[@ani19r]

Hi, I suffer from trichotillomania for about 8 years. How did you stop pulling your hair? Do you have any tips?

[@venusmdepaulo]

Ani R yes i do what kind of tips, msg me and I’ll tell u x

[@venusmdepaulo]

@@sweetjaydream yhhh I understand it’s hard I got teased for it at school luckily it died down . I don’t mind giving tips if you’d like

[@chelsiaadenka3378]

@@venusmdepaulo can you give me your tips too please? Im in desperation

[@sharbaninandy854]

Hi! Please share how you were able to overcome it.

[@itsjoanne.x]

Started in school days, been unable to stop and currently 30. Crying while watching this

[@cassandrajingoli7121]

Anyone still struggling, WE GOT THIS

[@dawnmalleva]

I started at 8yrs old My mom saw hair loss n took me to the Dr who said I had alopecia and I just went along and endured treatment of cortizone injections for over a year til mom caught me pulling it...then 🙃 it was counseling. It wasn't until I was 30yrs old that I was properly diagnosed with tricotellamania, and the few meds they tried to help were ineffective. During this time, Tric went from being an OCD To an ICD a definitive INCONTROLABLE disorder. I've tried so many things to stop Healing services, my faith, deliverance I will say the Lord has healed me of my shame of this 🙏 and I have shared my story w others in hopes of helping them find ways to heal I'm excited about this device and will look into this!!

[@sakshiawaghade6113]

I m proud of her...😇..i m suffering too from.this disorder...i wish one day I'll stop doing this....and one day same like her I'll reveal my secret infront of this whole world like her

[@HeyJudie]

I've struggled with hair pulling since I was 10 and luckily haven't gone bald but like..... my hair has thinned a lot. I'm. grateful for this video.

[@MartinaKerber]

As someone who has struggled with hair pulling since I was 5 and am now 23 I relate with this on so many levels. I constantly go through cycles of pulling and feel immense guilt during and after each episode but I still cannot seem to stop. Hopefully I will one day be able to by becoming more aware and spreading awareness

[@pallavigogna4859]

I was 12 when I started to pull. Still devastated by this helplessness

[@Habitaware]

trade that devastation for action! i started around age 12 too. back then we didn't have the knowledge + resources we do today. change is possible with our system. love ♥, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder in trichotillomania recovery)

[@23cottaw13]

My 11 year old son just started eyelash plucking. I’m crying because I have hope that he can get the help he needs. Thank you so much for your vulnerability, courage, and dedication to finding a solution. 🙏🏼 ❤

[@svnnahtafireyi]

Your such an amazing parent for being understanding! It’s scary for children and I thank you for being a stable figure for him!

[@veronicaherrera7586]

I’ believe it was a soothing act of love for myself at age 12. I was abused , neglected and “invisible “. I would feel trapped in class due to the anxiety of struggling to focus and with my shame of not having the tools I needed( although it wasn’t conscious to me then ). The plucking gave me dopamine and kind of like a meditative state. I’m in my 50s and have micro scarring and fix my hair to cover it. It’s a life s goal to retrain my brain and hands. In the meantime I’ve learned to fully love myself. I read a book “Healing the Child Within” and it was so powerful. I am NOW that loving parent to my child heart. I’m gentle on myself. Footnote: I had a baby at 16, and 5 more later. I was able to somehow earn my GED, and then on to my Bachelor s in social work. My life s work is to encourage others in seeing their inherent value as a child of God. Peace. You’re so worth it. 👑💎💪🏽🎁☀️💯🕊🙏🏽

[@tinastrichkiste]

I'm so proud of you Aneela! Your speech brought tears to my eyes and I thank you for your courage to go up there and show your -and our all- vulnerability. Thank you also for your great work, I love my Keen 💕😊 Sending you love and a huuuge hug from Switzerland!

[@Habitaware]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! . grateful for the opportunity to share my story and help others understand what we go through. Big hugs back to you my friend

[@hudyhouse0456]

Thank you for what you do. I'm so frustrated with 25 yrs of this and here recently my hair pulling is worse than ever and I'm scrambling to try to hide the bald patches and it is exhausting. This needs a cure!!

[@ln9033]

To all the people who want to leave this bad habit and I think all of us want to , I'm thinking of making a group to keep encouraging each other and at the end of each day we have to say that we didn't play with our hair this day , what do you think?? WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER ❤

[@thatgirlnjesh]

Been suffering since I was 12. Became aware that it was a disorder when I was 19. Now I'm 30 and still pull my hair once in a while, especially when stressed. There's not much stats in Kenya so I've been keeping this secret for that long. My family couldn't understand it. I had to learn how to braid my 4c hair on my own to avoid being asked why I had bald patches. It's a struggle,though I've found solace in writing. Thanks for this

[@clairekariuki8547]

Hey im in Kenya. I have Trich too

[@thatgirlnjesh]

@@clairekariuki8547 Hey sis,great to meet you. My name is Njeri. How's your journey?

[@clairekariuki8547]

@@thatgirlnjesh Nice to meet you Njeri. Not so bad. Mine goes with stress & anxiety as a trigger & i go for the left side of my head. I remember the stigma in school. However, typing this here means I've come to a place of acceptance & some level of self awareness. Have you conquered your Trich?

[@thatgirlnjesh]

@@clairekariuki8547 wow,I totally relate! Mine affects the crown of my head and though the episodes have greatly reduced, I do have some slumps where I've had to completely cut my hair. The last time that happened was 2020. At least now I'm aware of my triggers and I have a few people to keep me accountable when I start pulling.

[@__BvL__]

Thank you for this speech. I suffer from skin picking since I am ca. 12 and just recently found that their is a word for wahr I am doing to myself. Seeing that there are people like me, helps me bracking out of that cicle of shame, although still nobody of my friends/family knows that I have this disorder. Everyone: Keep fighting. We will get out of this, someday, it will get better!

[@Kykydore]

I started by trying to find eyelash and eyebrow growth serums and I found this word...I still cannot believe that this has a name it brings me some relief. Now I have something to tell to the person who tells me that I can stop and that it is easy ...now I can tell them something instead of staying silent and ashamed of myself.

[@gmnavarra]

I absolutely NEEDED to watch this video today. I have been struggling with hair pulling (primarily my eyelashes) for the past 15 years and for so long I truly thought I was alone in all of this. It wasn't until this week when I did a Google search that I discovered the name of this condition, and I've been spending so much time researching on trich and connecting with so many others who are dealing with the same thing. Everything Aneela felt in this video, I could absolutely relate to it.

[@shekarshettigar4184]

I have pulling out my eyebrows and eyelashes from the age of 5 . parents are not understanding me at all . I feel so depressed it feels like having stress in a young age. Thank you for keen Keen Aneela.😊❤ YOU HAVE HELPED ME A LOT🎉❤🎉❤😂

[@Habitaware]

so grateful for the chance to help you! thank you! love ♥, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder in trichotillomania recovery)

[@ihanandeh8326]

I was watching this talk as I watch any other TED talk, and on the minute 6:20 I suddenly burst into tears, I couldn't stop crying for 5-10 minutes. someone really felt my pain and walked the extra mile to find a solution. I ordered this tool on the same day I watched this talk, will receive it soon hopefully..

[@Habitaware]

Sending a big hug & welcome to the Keen family!!! love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder & chief trichster)

[@selfishsage5514]

Im so happy i found this video, finally i dont have to feel alone and ashamed, my family would always make fun of me and laugh at me, and looking in the mirror would always be something so hard to do. But this person brought comfort in me and now i feel like I understand my condition a bit better, thank you!

[@ho-mw6qp]

Can the device send an electric shock? Because even when I become conscious of it I can’t stop... 😂

[@hadley7081]

You gotta try girl I know it’s hard but it works

[@amyy1322]

Try wearing a beanie or anything to cover your hair and leather gloves... You'll look like a mad man but it's process!

[@eminemilly]

Same and one therapist on KZbin was saying focusing on trying to stop or trying not to focus on it can make it worse. Maybe it's different for different people.

[@stankyjo]

Amyy I pluck my eyelashes.. do u have a solution for that ;-; Pls help..

[@ihssaneihssane7165]

Yes it is normal not to stop You should analyse your feelings and thoughts instead of focusine on the behavior , focus on the cause of it and try an alternative that will make you feel better instead of pulling the hair. As example if you are feeling stressed, the pulling is at a high level so you may want to feel relaxed throught meditation or other relaxing technique. If some thoughts bothers you , you need to be aware of those thoughts and treat each one of them clearly and carfully , journaling may help a lot

[@IntimateAlien]

The fact that a ted talk exists on this subject shows how far the awareness for trich has grown. Pulling has been a problem for me off & on since I was 12 years old (over 15 years now) Feeling isolated started it, left home alone during the school holidays while my mum was at work. For the longest time I thought I was a freak, and the only one plagued by this intense urge to reach for my hair anytime I felt anxious, alone, or bored. I'm grateful there's more support, resources, and conversation happening about it now. I'm working towards being pull free, and finding more healthy ways to soothe myself. Thank you for doing this talk.

[@drakestevens9884]

Right? I remember being 12 and looking it up on youtube and only finding one video about it. It’s so refreshing

[@arijitdn]

Awareness need to be spread

[@aneelaidnani]

thats our goal! love ♥, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder in trichotillomania recovery)

[@mariamhassan5861]

I can rarely watch ted talks becuz of my poor attention span but i watched this all the way to the end and i’m sobbing so bad right now. I’ve been suffering from this for about 6 years now and it’s caused me so much harm. This video and the comments in it make me feel so seen and heard. Thank you.

[@aboabdullahalmalik2545]

I had this disease also since one year. I’m so tired 😢 💔 Please pray for me

[@JJ367]

After being made fun of online by complete strangers, I needed this. The situation with the pandemic has made the hair pulling worse than ever. Without any reason to go anywhere, there’s not even any motivation to stop. I have this since I was 8 and I’m 25 now. I hate it.

[@Reereeboilesgo]

I am so proud of her !!! I cried myself , as a grown man. Relating to her pain. This was powerful !!!! Thank you for speaking up for us

[@postgradisrad]

As someone who started hair pulling at 11 and is now 24 finally ready to stop this… this video was so healing and validating ❤️

[@gabriellehodges1996]

I've been doing this since I was 6 and now I'm 26. I was hoping at the age I am I would have stopped. I been knew something was wrong with me, I even took myself to counseling in 3rd grade, but I am glad to see I am not alone

[@monaelacy9530]

I’m suffering and I really hate that it takes over my life!!! I pray that it goes away.

[@JudyBastaty]

I’ve been suffering from Trich since I was 7.. it’s been 15 years. I also pull my lashes and eyebrows, I currently have none, I haven’t been able to let them grow in 4 years. I don’t know if I still have hope for myself but I have hope for other. We must spread awareness. You are all beautiful.

[@justinkauffman4777]

This has been so extremely helpful. I have been struggling with this for 15 years, I am 28 now and it has only gotten worse. It absolutely destroyed my self confidence and makes me isolate. I am a very very long way from getting it under control, but this was very helpful. Thank you!

[@Nannwatchesanime]

I can’t even begin to put into words how this video made me feel. As someone who started pulling hair in high school, now at 34, the amount of things I’ve either given up on, or didn’t even try due to just sheer embarrassment is so disappointing. I’d like to thank this brave person for sharing her story and helping me no longer feel alone.

[@saz4860]

Thank you so much for your bravery speaking on something that is obviously very painful. I've found myself here because my teenage daughter struggles with this and I have felt so powerless seeing how much she panics when she's getting ready for school each morning trying to hide the gaps left in her beautiful lashes and eyebrows. I have no idea how we got here and feel like I have failed her somehow. But now I'm trying to understand and hope we can try to get through this together 🙏🙏

[@anthonysiracuse]

A woman that i love very very much suffers from this very same ailment. She is beautiful and hides because she picks her hair and she doesnt know how beautiful she would be even if she was completely without hair. But i understand....and i have a good feeling shes finding positive ways to heal and grow and love herself.....she sent me this and im happy she did....so i can learn and be more supportive. Thank you for sharing this

[@HoodSwami]

I started pulling my eyelashes and eyebrows around 7th grade. It got bad really fast and was that way for a while. People always asked about it and I was always so ashamed when confronted. I’m a sophomore in college now and I’m proud to say I don’t pull my eyelashes but I still struggle a bit with my eyebrows. I’m hoping within 2 years I’ll be fully over Trichotillomania :)

[@Chh_Nour]

Omg finally someone talking about eyelashes & eyebrows in the comments!!! How is it going now?

[@Mollexi]

I’ve had Trich since the age of 14 (I am now 25). At the age of 17, I shaved all my hair off for a “fresh start” As soon as my hair got long enough to play with, I got those urges to pull my hair again. I know there are many factors around my hair pulling, but I’m so glad I’m not alone. I love to see how people overcome this compulsive disorder to help me too!

[@vierenrichman4370]

I’ve been pulling since I was 11. I felt alone for so long. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@elisesmith8474]

I'm 17, and I've done this since before I could remember. I didn't know it was a 'thing' and doctors ignored me, saying kids didn't feel stress and it was just attention seeking. My longest no-pull streak was 6 months, but I've gone through a horrific pulling binge lately and I just can't stop. Everyone says 'just stop' but it's impossible when I'm sometimes not even aware I'm doing it. I'm so glad there's a community that understands and I don't feel so alone anymore. I just want to be able to wear my hair the way I want without having to hide a bald spot, or wear mascara for the first time in months. I hope we all manage 💛

[@luxehurricane]

This is amazing ❤️ the strength this woman has to be able to get up on that stage and tell the tale that plagues us sufferers. Thank you ❤️