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Cindy L's suggestions
Get Information
The first thing I suggest to you is to get the book
"Brain Lock" by Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz. He explains 4 ways to stop a habit.
It is based on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, but his theory works. He
also has a small section on trich.
Behavioral Techniques
Second, I do a combination of behavioral
techniques. I invented these, so they only are proven on me: when my hand
goes to my hand I say out loud "STOP" then to my scalp hair "GROW". This
stops the brain pattern and that is the theory behind Dr. Schwartz's book.
You have to change the brain pattern, that is the key. You have to
distract the brain from the get-go of pulling.
Going To Bed
Put lotion then gardening gloves (the stretch kind) on your hands before
going to bed.
Reading
Use rubber thumbs (you can get them at an office supply store)
when you read so you don't get into that trance and pull with your free hand.
Watching TV
If you are watching tv and feel the urge, keep a brush or
comb by the couch and brush your hair, it will stimulate the scalp and
energize it and won't get you in the pulling mode.
Using the Mirror
When you are in front of a mirror, limit your time to 5
minutes, then you know you have to get out and not linger to do damage to
your scalp or your lashes or brows. Put post-it notes on the mirrors to
remind you to only stay five minutes or keep a kitchen timer in the
bathroom to time yourself.
On the Phone
If you are on the phone, keep your gloves on.
Diet
Another key factor is diet. Some people claim (The John Kender Diet
and you can get it on this mailer, just ask John) that it works for them.
Foods to cut out
Try to eliminate all sugars, egg yolks, wheat products
from your diet. Start slowly then you won't feel so overwhelmed by it.
Drinks
If you drink soft drinks, switch to non-sugar fruit juices. I
only drink bottled water, decaff coffee (also eliminate caffeine, which is
in regular coffee and chocolate and other food products - learn to read the
labels on food), and orange juice. I drink nothing else.
Alcohol
Also eliminate all alcohol from your diet.
Legumes
Peanuts are also something to avoid, as well as all legumes and beans.
Like I said earlier, ask John for a complete listing of things to avoid.
Hair & Skin Care
Also, avoid hair products and skin care products that
contain "stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol". Anything that
has "...yl alcohol" in it do not use. Use cuticura soap and botanical hair
products.
I use Nick Chavez' Volumizing Hair products and they are the best. I have
used them for two years now, and people think I wear a wig because my hair
is so full and luxurious and shiny.
I don't recommend products unless I have used them for a while, and these
are the BEST! You can only get them on the tv shopping channel QVC; their
number is 1-800-345-1515. The prices are about the same as salon prices.
Stress
I believe that God plays the major role in this for me. I tell
him to take my problems off me and I feel better and less stressed. Stress
is a key factor for me to avoid.
Drugs
I have had trich for 36 years so I have tried everything I know of.
I have tried the drugs and they only made me sick and I got permanent
anxiety condition from them. There is no known drug to stop hair pulling.
Hints
- Once you're in the "trance" of pulling iit is very hard to stop. That's
why you have to stop your hand when it wants to go to your head.
- Be aware, that is another key, of what yyou are doing.
- Also, put a rubber band on your wrist annd snap it when you feel the urge
to pull. This will also distract your brain and "snap" you out of it!
- Anything to break the brain pattern and before you go into a trance.
- I recommend a behavioral therapist and sstick to the program. It won't be
easy, but it is worthwhile to try the behavioral techniques.
Personal
I have also started a support group and an organization called
TSS - Trichotillomania Support Services. I want to put on personal,
intimate seminars here in the Washington, DC area for people on the East coast.
These seminars will be small in number, but working seminars. I'll explain
later, if you are interested.
Again, these are the majority of things that I do. I hope they help you.
If you need to talk, I am here for you.
Your friend,
Cindy L
Alexandria, VA
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