This month, we are highlighting stories “In Our Voices,” where community members share the tremendous impact that you can make by donating to TLC. Today, we hear from Raphaele.
Hi! My name is Raphaele. I’m 43 years old, and I pull out my hair. I did about 3 times today.
I had a long period of over 10 years when I did not pull at all. Then I was very disappointed about 5 years ago when I started pulling again. I really don’t know what the trigger was, but I haven’t been able to stop this time around.
I’ve tried anti-depressants, but I didn’t notice myself pulling any less.
I tried seeing a doctor but he didn’t know about trich – and didn’t help.
I’ve tried everything – wearing gloves, wearing things on my fingers – eventually I just got so frustrated with all those little things that don’t work.
I’ve really felt on my own in terms of managing my trich.
But last April I went to the TLC conference – and it was life changing.
I met others who pull and pick, heard their stories, and shared mine. The TLC Community became my family – we talk to each other almost daily on Facebook. To have people who just get you — when you can write a few words on a Facebook post and everyone understands — that’s truly a blessing, a gift.
- We need to give the gift of community – by supporting TLC’s outreach programs so that no one ever feels like they are “the only one.”
- We need to give the gift of treatment access – by continuing to train more treatment providers – so that EVERYONE has access to knowledgeable providers trained in best practices.
- We need to give the gift of answers – by moving the BFRB Precision Medicine Initiative forward. This is a ground-breaking opportunity to finally understand why some treatments work – and others don’t – and provide the answers we’ve all been asking.
So, that’s why I am sharing my story with you – we need to come together to end all of this suffering.
If we don’t do it, who will?
Please, think about the gifts you’ve received thanks to the generous hearts that support TLC.
Will you pay those gifts forward?
Most sincerely,
Raphaele
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Filed under: activism, All Posts, bfrb, dermatillomania, Hair Pulling, In Our Voices, parent, Resources, Sharing, skin picking, trichotillomania
