From their blogs to mine

So shortly after creating this blog, I went on a reading frenzy around some of the blogs/articles up on TLC. This is the Trichotillomania Learning Center, and for those of you who pull (over even pick skin) this is a great resource for you. I really honed in on two specific ones: "Surviving Freshman Year" and "50 Ways to Stop Pulling Your Hair." These were important to me because:

1. I'm in college... even if I'm NOT a freshman. I think college poses tons of difficulties.
2. If I can find ONE trick to help me stop pulling, I'll do it.

Basically, I've learned that having trich can get me benefits in class. No, really. If you can get a physician to sign off on your situation, you can be accomodated. This is a real thing, so if we need help, we are entitled to it. For me, this is most likely going to include counseling services, which I may have already mentioned. Along those lines, my trich is related to stress, so if I can get accomodations for both.

The author also provides 3 really good tips:

1. Keep yourself in a public place as you're less likely to pull. I definitely like to be around people because it keeps me honest and helps relieve anxiety I feel from being isolated.
2. Get enough sleep, be hydrated and eat well. This one is REALLY hard for me because I don't sleep... It's almost impossible due to my schedule which leads into...
3. Time management! Seriously, post-its and planners are my best friend. I'm trying to get even closer.

These are things I'm actively working on (some more than others). Of course, I steal ideas from everywhere. There are lots of suggestions in the second article. One that I have found really helpful s playing with silly putty in class. Not only does it keep my hands busy, it makes me keep my hands away from my head. I don't want to mix that stuff. I'm also incorporating a sticker chart in my life. A little childish (especially since I'm using Disney princesses), but for every day that I don't pull, I'm going to ask my roommate to put a sticker on our calendar. This way I'm accountable to her and myself. I get a sticker for yesterday by the way. It was the first time I went a day without pulling since early January :)

One last thing I'm working on is of my own design. The inside of each of my wrists currently read 2/14 6:00 pm. This is the last time I pulled. Every time I reach to tug at a hair, I see it and am reminded of the progress I've made thusfar, and I don't want to mess it up.