Aa
Trichotillomania to other compulsive acts???
I was just wondering if there a long term solution for compulsions? I started by sucking my thumb until I was about 12 (I would have to sleep with my hands behind my back to keep from doing it) and then moved on to pulling my hair. After my huge bald spot that only a ponytail would cover I stopped the serious hair pulling when I was about 17. Then I got chicken pox and picking at my skin was my next major compulsion. Now I still pick some and still play with my hair (I rarely pull) and now I compulsively eat. It's just so frustrating! Is there any way to end this? My counselor seemed bewildered to the disorder. She told me to "just stop." Sigh....I did get on Wellbutrin and this has diminshed that "knawing feeling" to act out my compusions but after my feeling rejected by my counselor and too ashamed to talk to my friends and family about it, I'm lost as to what to do next? What do you tell your patients to do after they are out of your care to help them long term?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This is a really important question. Revolving compulsions (symptom substitution) is not uncommon. It sounds like you have done a great job of getting on top of various ones. Don't diminish how impressive this is even if others did take their place.
Your counselor's reaction is very troubling. I suggest you try and tell her very directly how badly she 'missed the boat' on this one. If she can't 'get it' and be more empathic not to mention actually helpful, you should consider a change.
I think we can assume that the various compulsions have a similar origin. The basic principle "If you feel it in your heart, you won't have to feel it in your skin (or hair, or eating)" applies.
Some people reach a point in their therapy where they have turned a corner and put it all behind them. Other than maybe in specific very stressful situations, the compulsive issues are history.
More typically it is an on-going but more and more successful effort. I think of it as therapy continuing for life but at some point I check out and people have the resources to do the same sort of techniques on their own.
This is hopefully at least a beginning of an answer to your question. For now I would focus on getting your treatment back on track and finding more support systems of people live and on-line who are more open to your concerns and needs.
tg
Your counselor's reaction is very troubling. I suggest you try and tell her very directly how badly she 'missed the boat' on this one. If she can't 'get it' and be more empathic not to mention actually helpful, you should consider a change.
I think we can assume that the various compulsions have a similar origin. The basic principle "If you feel it in your heart, you won't have to feel it in your skin (or hair, or eating)" applies.
Some people reach a point in their therapy where they have turned a corner and put it all behind them. Other than maybe in specific very stressful situations, the compulsive issues are history.
More typically it is an on-going but more and more successful effort. I think of it as therapy continuing for life but at some point I check out and people have the resources to do the same sort of techniques on their own.
This is hopefully at least a beginning of an answer to your question. For now I would focus on getting your treatment back on track and finding more support systems of people live and on-line who are more open to your concerns and needs.
tg
Thank you very much!
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