Trichotillomania and the Stress of COVID

The entire world is feeling the pain of the coronavirus, but those with underlying mental health conditions may be suffering the most. Trichotillomania is one of those conditions. Sufferers compulsively yank out their hair, sometimes leaving noticeable bald patches. Since depression and anxiety often trigger this condition, you could say that COVID-19 is literally making people pull their hair out.

Symptoms

Some people with this illness deliberately pull out their hair while others do so unconsciously. In certain cases, the condition is mild and results in minor hair loss. In other instances, it results in large bald patches or overall hair thinning.

If you have trichotillomania, you may bite, chew or even eat your hair. You may find quitting difficult because pulling out or otherwise abusing your hair gives you a great sense of relief. Also, stopping the practice can cause you more tension and anxiety. Stress at home or at work contributes to your compulsion, causing you to spend more time yanking at your strands.

For some, this condition causes other harmful behaviors. You may bite your nails or pick at your skin when you are under pressure.

Treatment

If you have trichotillomania that you cannot control, you should seek treatment. Behavioral therapy and/or some medications can help you manage the condition.

If you stop pulling out your hair, it should grow back. Until it does, ask your hairstylist for help. A weave or hairpiece can often hide bald or thin patches. If you have pulled out your brows or lashes, a makeup expert can show you ways to hide those issues as well.

Final Thoughts

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues. Social distancing, mask requirements and constant news coverage have turned up the stress for everyone while taking away some important relief valves. You may be seeing your family and friends less while you are stuck at home. Even simple social interactions seem unwise. This isolation can make your hair-pulling worse.

Don’t suffer in silence. Reach out for help from the professionals, even if it’s through telehealth visits. And remember, this crisis will not last forever. If you are experiencing the devastating effects of hair loss and would like to learn more about the different wig options available to you, please request a free private, confidential consultation with a trained Transitions professional hair loss specialist. To find a location near you click here.

 

Photo Credit: Engin_Akyurt Via Pixabay