It is unknown exactly how many people suffer from trichotillomania, but it is a condition that can affect millions of Americans. Trichotillomania is the incessant urge to pull your hair out, which includes facial, body, or the hair on your head (leading to bald spots). Most people who suffer from trichotillomania attempt to supplement their treatment program with coping techniques called fidgeting. Here are a few ways fidgeting can assist you in your fight against trichotillomania.
- Fidget with Intent
Creative fidgets, like origami or a handicraft, that you can be proud of yourself for are a cool way to feel productive. Handicrafts can consist of knitting, crocheting, tatting, macrame, or embroidery. Origami is a good hobby because it’s portable; you can easily tuck tiny paper into your pocket for later (or even tear a page from a notebook) and create mini models anytime you want to fidget. Other kinds of fidgeting consist are:
Writing poetry, letters or journaling
Doodling or sketching (with pen and paper or with your smartphone)
Whittling or carving
Pen twirling
Coin manipulation tricks
Tying rope knots
- Include Multiple Types of Fidget
Each person has different fidgeting needs. Some people like the feeling of achievement that comes from being productive. For others, a fidget that involves a pulling or plucking motion (imitating the feeling of pulling out hair) is the only type of fidget that does the trick. Here are some fidgets that satisfy the need to pull:
Buying paintbrushes, then plucking the bristles off
Pushing and pulling clay or Play-Doh
Pulling the fibers of a pipe cleaner, an old rag, or even eyelash yarn
- Always be Prepared
When you discover something that works for you, making your new fidget a consistent go-to fidget is crucial. Getting caught on a long trip without it may cause you to say good-bye to your eyelashes. And if you are like many other trichotillomania patients who often start plucking unconsciously, it is critical to keep up the habit of having occupied hands at all times so they won’t absent-mindedly wander to your hair and start pulling.
It is important to remember that these coping techniques aren’t an alternative for professional treatment. There are several treatments available, which include therapy and prescription drugs, in addition to hair restoration and wigs to treat trichotillomania’s effects while you learn to control your compulsions. So, fight your trichotillomania on all fronts; using these fidgeting suggestions along with receiving treatment and discovering hair restoration alternatives.
At Custom Hair Tampa Bay, we know that one of the main reasons anyone decides to purchase a wig is to feel more confident and comfortable in their skin. At no other time is that as critical as when someone is facing a serious medical condition like trichotillomania. A custom fitted, natural-looking wig removes just one of the challenges you’re facing as you battle illness. To schedule a free consultation at one of our three locations, click here.
Photo Credit: kaboompics Via Pixabay
Sources
https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2016/12/15/productive-fidgets-8-ways-to-deal-with-anxiety-and-depression/
http://ask.metafilter.com/86948/Fidgeting-with-a-purpose
https://www.buzzfeed.com/annaborges/trich-tips?utm_term=.eykA40ZMR#.qdBwX3LlQ
https://www.trichstop.com/fiddles-and-fidgets