How to tell someone you have trichotillomania

Apr 2
Just like all of us at HFHP who have first-hand experience with trichotillomania (TTM), you might have hesitated to open up about your condition. Sharing such a personal aspect of your life can be daunting, as not everyone knows how to react or support you effectively. Empathy and understanding are crucial when it comes to conversations about TTM.

Today, let's explore how to approach the conversation with someone about your medical condition and provide them with the right guidance to offer their support.

We encourage you to share this article with those close to you, as helping them understand your journey can make all the difference in your self-care and well-being.

Educate yourself.

Learn more about trichotillomania, so you can explain it to your family and friends in a way they can understand. Share information about the disorder, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

That’s why we make so many resources about TTM available on our website! Feel free to share any or all of them with your friends and family.

Choose the right time & place.

Find a time and place where you feel comfortable and have privacy to share your story. You may want to choose a quiet and comfortable location where you can talk without interruption.

Be mindful of emotions and realize that it might be difficult for all of you, not just one person, during the conversation.

That’s why timing matters – try not do it during the middle of a family holiday or right as your loved one is in the midst of another stressful event.

Be open and honest.

Be honest with your family and friends about your struggles with trichotillomania. Let them know how it makes you feel and how it affects your life.

Share your emotions and your journey with them.

Be clear, set boundaries.

Explain to your family and friends what you need from them. You may want their support, encouragement, and understanding. You may also need them to help you manage your trichotillomania.

Also, set boundaries on what is ok to say and do in terms of how they interact with you about your condition.

We’ve created a guide that you can give loved ones with advice on what they should say – and not say – to someone who struggles with hair pulling.

Seek professional help.

If you have not already done so, seek professional help from a therapist and/or a support group.

You may want to bring your family and friends along to a therapy session, so they can learn more about the disorder and how to support you.

Join our kind community.

In addition to support from a trained medical professional, we warmly invite you to join our private, online peer support group, and to take our guided self-care course, "UnTrick Yourself."

We encourage you to stay connected with our kind community composed of women who get it, because we all have trich, too. You'll find more helpful advice for relationships and conversations in our course and support community.
UNTRICK YOURSELF

Learn more therapy tips for chronic hair pullers

Join our self-help course designed for women who have trichotillomania.
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