Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Trich or Treat?

Back when I was apart of Trich Support, they would do different challenges (to encourage us to not pull and to be accountable to each other).  I remember one October they had a pull-free challenge called "Trich or Treat?"... catchy, huh? :)  
Well, here's my little Halloween challenge for you... Thursday (10/31) we're going to pick "treat" instead of "trich".  Not choosing trich can mean something different for each of us... being pull-free for the day, pulling less for the day, trying to be more aware of our triggers, learning to accept trich and who were are... pick what your part of trich you are going to work on that day.  And your treat?  Maybe a nice warm bath, going for a walk, getting your special order at the coffee shop, getting a manicure... pick a nice treat for yourself.  You deserve it!

So what's it going to be?  What's your trich goal for Halloween and how are you going to treat yourself?

(And yes, that adorable Jack-o-Lantern was made by my oldest).

Monday, October 28, 2013

Share your story!

TLC shared this link today on their Facebook page- they want YOU to share your BFRB (Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior) experience with them.  As they shared, "People need and want to hear your story, so please share! We are looking for all types of stories: your struggles; your successes; your experience in general!"
So go, check it out and share your story.

*Update:
Here's the questions they asked in case you're curious. And they also say to feel free to answer as many or as little of the following questions.

1.  Tell us a little bit about yourself!
2.  How did you find out or get involved with the Trichotillomania Learning Center?
3.  How has hair pulling or skin picking affected you?
4.  Do you feel comfortable sharing a time that was really difficult?
5.  What advice do you have for others who suffer?
6.  What's a good tip for parents who have a child suffering from a BFRB?
7.  Was there a turning point for you during your struggle with the disorder?
8.  Who is an inspiration to you and why?
9.  What is your greatest strength?


Good reminder

Pic via Clean & Scentsible

Monday, October 21, 2013

Yesterday I gave in to every urge to pull... and my lashes suffered the most (I did pull a lot from my scalp too).
Am I beating myself up about it?  No.  I know I'll have ups and downs.  And I know that today's a new day.


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Self-conscious

I always feel so self-conscious at church.  It's one of the few place I go where people are sitting directly behind me... staring at the back of my head (okay, they're probably not staring at the back of my head, but...).  I always get a little anxious that my thin patch is showing or that all those little new growths are sticking out in every which direction and that the person behind me is thinking, "what the heck is wrong with her hair?!".  And I know that in actuality the person behind me probably hasn't thought twice about my hair.  I know it's all in my own head... which almost makes it more annoying.  I mean- if someone was actually making fun of me then I guess I could have reason to feel so self-conscious and anxious.

Now I have to say, my self-consciousness at church is nothing compared to how I used to feel getting my hair done.  Now that was awful!  I literally had to build up the courage to go... and that was like ever 6-12 months.  I hated that!  So thankful for Jamie (and my previous hairstylist Rachael- who recommend Jamie).  Now getting my hair done is not a big deal.  Phew!

So where do you feel the most self-conscious about your trich? 

Saturday, October 19, 2013

You've made the trich community proud!

Josie's reign as Mrs. North Carolina is coming to an end.  And during her reign, she has done so much for the trich community (have you seen her youtube video? you should!).  You've made us proud, Josie!  Thanks for all you did!!  Here's Josie's farewell (click to enlarge or check it out here):
 

TLC shared some highlights of BFRB Awareness Week.
"Our voices combined across the globe; reaching tens of thousands of people during BFRB Awareness Week! TLC's facebook posts alone reached 17,843 individuals, and we were truly touched by the personal stories of outreach that we received from sufferers of all ages." For their BFRB Awareness Week Highlights, click here.

During the week of Trichotillomania & Skin Picking Awareness Week, I posted daily on Facebook.  And I got a lot of supportive comments and "likes" from friends and families.  Some of the links I posted where shared by others- reaching even more people!  I even had a friend share with me that she also has trich (so proud of you!!).  It was a good week- and I hope more people were made aware of trich and I hope other trichsters realized that they are not alone!

So did you guys do anything to help spread awareness?  Have any experiences, stories to share?  

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Sevenly

Have you heard of Sevenly? I can't believe I haven't heard of this group until today.
Image from Beauty Pullover Hoodie, sold at Sevenly.
Here's their mission:
"In January of 2011, two young Entrepreneurs Dale Partridge and Aaron Chavez got together with the mission of leading a generation toward generosity. With a belief that people mattered, they began a journey to change the world. On June 13th 2011, Sevenly was born. By creating weekly cause campaigns where customers could purchase products that gave $7 to a weekly charity, Sevenly successfully unlocked not only a way to crowd-fund for causes, but to drive massive social awareness as well."
Image from Be You Tee, sold at Sevenly.
How cool is that?!? This week, purchases from their site will goes toward To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA). "To Write Love on Her Arms is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery."  This organization is close to my sister's heart- I know they have made a great impact on her life (My sister recently celebrated her 7 year sobriety- how awesome is that?!?!!!).  

It's great to see a group like Sevenly doing something to help other great organizations.  As of now, this week's campaign for TWLOHA has earned $14,357 (and counting).  And next week, it'll be another great cause. You can check out their past campaigns here (they've donated to Humane Society, Invisible Children, Autism Speaks, and Compassion International to name a few).
Image from Be The Change Print, sold at Sevenly.
(It's not just tees either, they have jewelry, bags, prints, baby toys... go check it out!)

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Curly Hair

I don't have Instagram (I don't  even have a smart phone)... so this isn't a #tbt ("throw back Thursday").  This just happens to be a old picture of me, that I just happen to post on a Thursday :)

Thought I'd share these old pictures of my hair.  My random curly hair.  Yes.  Random.  Just before my senior year in high school, my hair started to get curly.  People even asked me if I got a perm.  The curls lasted a while... about half way through college.  Then slowly I could see the curls growing out... until it was gone.
Both pics are from my senior year in high school.

Oh, and of course... I had curly hair when Brad and I first started dating.  So he loves my hair curly.  Maybe someday it will randomly decide to come back :)

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Yesterday my mom asked me how I was doing (have I ever mentioned that I have a super supportive mom?  Cause I do!!).  Now that Trichotillomania & Skin Picking Awareness week is over, how are you doing?  How are your beads coming along?  And I told her- I have no beads.  And I'm not really even trying.  I've had trich for a long long time.  Sometimes I fight it and sometimes I don't- both can be exhausting!  The amount of time my brain spends on thinking about trich is ridiculous sometimes.  And I don't want it to consume me (both the pulling side and the fighting to stay pull-free side).  As important at it is to fight trich and resist the urges, it's also important to just be okay with the fact that: I have trichotillomania and I probably always will.  "It is what it is."  So yes, I still want a full set of long beautiful lashes, I still want brows that don't need to be drawn in, I still want hair with no thin patches and new growth sticking out everywhere... BUT I also want to be okay with me.  Hair, little hair, no hair- whatever.  It's me.      
Image via Mama Marchand's Nest

Monday, October 7, 2013

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Losing Your Hair

Saw this today on the front of MSN.com today...
so I had to check it out!
Losing your hair? It may an easy fix—like getting more or less of a vitamin—or trickier to treat.
It's true that men are more likely to lose their hair than women, mostly due to male pattern baldness (more on that later).
But thinning hair and hair loss are also common in women, and no less demoralizing. Reasons can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition.
In many cases, there are ways to treat both male and female hair loss. It all depends on the cause. Here are some common and not-so-common reasons why you might be seeing less hair on your head.
--By Amanda Gardner, Health.com

I was curious if they mentioned trich (actually I assumed they would- they're giving 21 reasons. I was actually curious what they'd say about it). And here you have it (click image to enlarge):
What to check it out yourself? Find full 21 reason slide show here.

FYI: Whenever I see articles like this I try to take the opportunity to post in the comment section and share a link to TLC or something.  This is a great way to inform people and spread awareness.  And hey, it's Trichotillomania & Skin Picking Awareness Week still!  Perfect! :)  

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Are you parent of a child with trich? Check out how you can make some noise!

From TLC:


Top 5 Ways for Parents to MAKE SOME NOISE

 
by Wendy, parent of a beautiful trichster
As parents were are tireless advocates for our children.  We spend hours coaching sports teams, volunteering at school, tussling with the PTA, finding just the right camp and DRIVING for days on end.  It’s time to put some of this energy into MAKING SOME NOISE about Trichotillomania.
I am a mom of a 10-year old with Trich.  Like most of us, I was horrified, befuddled and helpless when she started pulling.  Trich was a complete unknown to me.  I was embarrassed and freaked out.  But, now it’s been over a year since she started.  My daughter is managing.  As a family we have worked hard to understand Trich.  We now reach out to our friends, teachers and health care providers to educate them about Trich.  My daughter feels empowered by her knowledge, less burdened by shame since we try to talk openly with others and supported by her community.  Now it’s your turn to MAKE SOME PARENT NOISE!
1. Be Rowdy at School!  
  • At the beginning of the school year talk to your child’s principal, teacher, nurse and school psychologist about Trich.  Provide them with the TLC materials and the TLC website.  DO THIS EVERY YEAR!  Update them on new findings.
  • If necessary establish a formal agreement with the school for accommodations for your child.  My daughter gets to wear a hat or gloves and have fidgets with her in the classroom.   REVIEW THIS EVERY YEAR.
2.       Be Disruptive in the Classroom!
  • Give a presentation on Trich to your child’s classroom.  Leave lots of room for questions.  Of course, get your child’s agreement on this, or encourage them to make a presentation on their own.  I talked to my daughter’s 3rd grade class about Trich and the kids had a ton of thoughtful questions.  Once they had a better understanding, my daughter’s pulling was not such a big deal to them.
  • Volunteer to start an anti-bullying education program at school.  My daughter’s school has implemented Project Cornerstone.  http://www.projectcornerstone.org/.  Get involved!
3. Be Heard at the Doctor’s Office!
  • Every doctor my daughter sees (I mean everyone:  pediatrician, eye doctor, dentist) receives TLC materials.  When asked “Are you familiar with Trich”, well- meaning doctors will respond:  “Well, yes… I have heard of this”.  Take this response as a “No” and start educating!!
 4. Be a Boisterous at Camp and After-School!
  • Think of the hundreds of kids that camp counselors and after-school care providers see each week!!!  When signing your kid up for programs- let the care-givers know that she has Trich.  Why mention it?  Why not!!  Think of this as an opportunity to get the word out.  Include the TLC website and materials.  Maybe you can help out another family!
5.       Be Loud and Proud!
  • Tell your friends about Trich.  Tell your family.  Post it on Facebook.  Tweet!  Throw off your own feelings of shame.  Be honest about this.  If you are ashamed or embarrassed you will only reflect this back to your kid.   When someone says to you, “What’s wrong with your kid’s hair?” say “She has Trichotillomania.  It’s a neurological disorder characterized by……”  This will (1) get them to shut-up and (2) give them some real information.   Get out there and talk about it.  Just think how many people talk about their colons these days!
Always remember, get the support YOU need by reaching out to others.  Take care of yourself (easy to say but hard to do).  It’s not easy, but you’ll find people willing to help you, if you make some noise!
What do you think of the list?  Do you think any of these would have helped you as a child growing up?    

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

At least 2-3% of people suffer with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB). 

That's twice the estimated number of people affected by OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, or anorexia, (according to National Institute of Mental Health).

Wow- so many people have heard of OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorders and anorexia.  But still so many have never heard of trich (or other BFRB).  Why do you think that is?
Have a Facebook account?  Here's a pic from TLC to use for your profile this week:
I just changed mine :)

Trichster shared another image that would be great to share on whatever social media you use: