Many people use the phrase; ‘makes me want to rip my hair out’ when they are stressed or upset. Yet some people literally pluck their hair out. These people have a mental disorder called Trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania is a obsessive compulsive disorder that involves recurrent irresistible urges to pullout body hair. It results in bald patches on the scalp and in some cases lack of eyebrows and lashes. It can also result in significant distress and the appearance of lack of hair can cause interference with social interactions. Although it is not well known; there are around 200,000 cases a year. It can be triggered by depression or stress like several mental disorders.

Anonymous says “I have had ‘Trich’ since I was in the third grade. I pulled my hair out, but I did not think that it was a big deal.” That did not last for long. She states that kids started making fun at her for her nonexistent eyelashes and eyebrows, or laughed when they caught her pulling.

Eventually her forth grade teacher took notice and looked her problem up. She found trichotillomania and explained it to both the girl and her parents. “Once we knew what it was we were stuck at a standstill” she explains “Countless doctors, meds, and therapy did nothing to stop it. I still struggle with it today.”

It was only one of many mental disorders that children, teens, and adults share. Its side effects can be seen more then others, but does not make it any more real. Disorders are not only effect the one with them, but the people around them as well.

“I am terrified of talking about it and I feel like a freak,” She says. “But hopefully me coming out will help others do the same. You are not alone.”