Here are a few of the characteristics of the compulsive hair pulling child’s perspective on the family:

In childhood, we each felt abandoned and on our own without adequate skills or guidance.  We struggled with, now how to thrive, but truly how even to survive.  Our families were chaotic and volatile.  It was difficult to find any sense of peace.  Other family members became angry or upset if we voiced our own needs.  We learned to keep them to ourselves if we recognized a need at all. Hair pulling was a way for us to deal with the chronic anxiety that came from shoving ourselves aside in this way.

What is the importance of family history when it comes to healing trichotillomania?

I believe that it’s important to explore your family history.  Not for the purpose of blaming anyone, but to heal the perceptions which led you to become and remain a hair puller.

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Are you a parent of a hair pulling child? My guide for parents of trichotillomania sufferers is still available and continues to be a helpful guide to parents:

New Parent Guide for Hair Pulling Children

The guide offers helpful tips and action plans for parents who want to help a hair pulling child.