r/Trichsters • u/Sasslockholmes • Jul 01 '24
About to relapse from a decade of no pulling
I’m 28F and I started pulling at 11. I stopped in 2014 after finally being medicated for bipolar. And now I’m a whole adult and I’m in such a good place in my life. But tonight, I noticed that familiar feeling of one single hair being out of place. Then I felt my head and there a small circle of hair that is so PAINFUL and it feels like my only relief would be ripping the spot out. It actually feels swollen even tho I got someone to look and they said the hair looks normal and healthy. Am I the only one who can feel a texture difference from the healthy side of my head to the pulling burning section. This is a feeling that has become strange over the years. I need to feel the dopamine rush from getting the exact right hair out. I’m currently holding an ice cube to the spot I want to pull. Anyone got solutions to stop a relapse before it begins fully?
2
u/NoorHan14 Jul 03 '24
Girl get a mask in your hair. Hair oiling or anything else you have and wrap your hair up. In a few hours have a nice shower and blow dry your hair, should give you a nice reset :)
1
u/theBFRBTribe Jul 03 '24
In my experience, journaling and movement help a whole heck of a lot when it comes to getting my mind off pulling. Plus, exercise can bring you a dopamine and adrenaline hit if you find a mode of exercise you really, really love. Another thing that helps me is meditation, especially deep breathing. I hope this helps! My inbox is always open!
1
u/JizzBeef Aug 31 '24
I don’t have any advice to give, but holy crap the way you describe that painful feeling is spot on.
6
u/pot_watering_can Jul 01 '24
Try to get yourself out of the hyperfocus - go do something that you really enjoy, that relaxes you, gets you moving or truly keeps you occupied. Whatever works for you.