I pull my hair out! Currently, I have no eyelashes or eyebrows (my main areas). I've tried therapy and quitting but my nails suffered from me trying to replace my habit. I'm not stressed.

This has been a habit since I've been a little kid. Please help! This is really starting to depress me.

Hey girl, I'm so sorry to hear about your prob. Rest assured though, girlie, you're not the only one who deals with that prob. Trichotillomania, or obsessive pulling out of hair, affects many teens. The good news? You can overcome it.

Trichotillomania is a disorder that has been linked to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Many people don't even realize that they're doing it. What happens? You get a powerful urge to pull your hair, get the satisfaction from doing it, and then want to do it again. The brain conditions this behavior -- you're more likely to repeat it because it is reinforced by a positive outcome: the stress relief you feel when you give your tresses a tug.

You can break the cycle, but don't fight this battle alone. It's important to go to a doctor or therapist so they can coach you through it and break those bad habits. I know you've tried therapy before but you gotta realize that there are many strategies to solving this problem: it's not a one-fits-all thing at all. My suggestion is to try another therapist and see what he suggests.

Different things work for different people, but in the end it's all about resisting the urge and breaking the behavior. Some people need medication to help them. Others just need to hold something to keep themselves distracted. Always remember that you're not alone—so many people are going through it, too.

Outside of therapy try reducing the stress in your life. Be sure build a little 'me' time built into your day. Maybe it's a jog around the neighborhood. Maybe it's curling up with your fave book. Have those moments where you can breathe, relax, and escape from all the stressors in your life (sports, school, boys, 'rents, etc.).

You can make it through this, girl. All it takes is being strong (I know you are!) and reaching out for help. Be confident! It'll be hard, girlie, no lie, but with the support of your fam, friends, a strong therapist, and us at GL, you will do it and persevere! Good luck, trooper! I believe in you!

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11/16/2009 7:00:00 AM