Trichotillomania is a frightening and confusing disorder for a child to deal with, but it can be just as scary for the parents of children who are suffering from it.
What is trichotillomania? It is a disorder, which causes someone to uncontrollably pull his or her hair out. It is typically related to stress caused by everyday circumstances like relationships or a demanding schedule at school. If your child suffers from this disorder, here are a few tips to help you and your child manage their trichotillomania.
Keep Up Awareness
Trichotillomania is more common than most people realize. Research done by Time magazine stated that Trichotillomania in the United States alone affects around two million people. Symptoms in children usually show up at the prepubescent age of 12. Like a drug addict, pulling out their own hair instantly satisfies them. The best way to support them is to overcome your own ability to understand how it actually eases their pain and to love them unconditionally.
Talk Openly About It
Search your area for age appropriate support groups and let others help you keep the lines of communication open. At the very least you can find open forums on Trichotillomania on the Internet. Make sure they’re aware that they are not the only ones dealing with it. Others, even celebrities like Charlize Theron, have suffered from the same disorder.
Keep Their Hands Active
You’ve heard the phrase “idle hands are the devils workshop”. In your child’s case it literally is true. Any activities that peak their interest and involve the use of their hands can be used as a positive distraction. Drawing, sewing, or playing an instrument may not only keep their fingers busy but it can also boost their self-esteem. Keeping your child’s hands covered can also be helpful. Get them involved in baseball or let them play dress up with fancy gloves.
Create Zen Time
Often times your child will experience a time of day when their stress level is extra high and are likely to succumb to hair pulling. It is typically in the evenings when they are getting ready for bed and are alone with their thoughts from the day. It could be helpful to get your child into a nightly routine of taking a relaxing bubble bath or doing a calming activity that they enjoy.
Try Trichnotherapy
Some therapists are able to find the root of the problem, which is associated with the memory center of the brain. This therapy also referred to, as Hypnotherapy is successful through a series of brain and memory exercises. The brain has the ability to assess the memory causing the disorder and it can heal itself.
It is very possible for your child to overcome trichotillomania. Don’t lose hope and be your child’s best advocate. They will be on their way to living a happy, healthy, and normal life and we can help. At Transitions of Wisconsin we help those suffering from Trichotillomania with a hair replacement option. We have many options for people experiencing bald spots, hair loss, or even want to have more volume with their hair. Contact us today by clicking here!
Author Research Links
http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1909704,00.html
http://www.healthofchildren.com/I-K/Impulse-Control-Disorders.html#ixzz41wFDfthx
http://www.ibtimes.com/olivia-munn-battles-trichotillomania-five-celebs-ocd-symptoms-734128
http://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-beauty-products-help-trichotillomania
http://www.trich.org/
