We all know the adage “A picture is worth a thousand words” and nowhere is this more applicable than to those that suffer from trichotillomania. Seeing the extent and the effect of one’s pulling in pictures can bring about a startling realization as to what is going on. It can also be a great way to measure a person’s progress – to actually see hair growth where there was none before, to actually see eyebrows and eyelashes growing in, and to see your hair growing right before your eyes. Many people with trich take pictures so they can document their experience. Understandably, many people with trich are also not willing to share those pictures with any but there most trusted friends.

Our files are full of before and after pictures of our clients that have suffered from trichotillomania. However, most people do not want to share these pictures, and for good reason. Many of them do not want to take the chance that someone they know will recognize them, as they have worked hard (some people for most of their lives) to hide the disorder from everyone around them. Others don’t want to see what they looked like before; they’d rather bury those pictures and forget about that stage of their lives so they can more easily move on with their life.

No matter the reason, sharing something as intimate and personal as pictures of ourselves when we feel we are at our worst is very hard to do. After all, who wants thousands and possibly millions of people seeing a side of them they don’t like to share even with their best friends and loved ones?

Yes, these pictures tell a story no words can describe and they may help others to not feel so isolated and alone just by seeing there are others out there that are suffering as they are. But it is a rare occurrence when someone feels safe enough to open that door to allow others to see them at their most vulnerable.  I would have a very hard time doing it and don’t know if I could. To those that do, thank you for your strength and your openness – you are an inspiration. To the multitudes of those that do not, let’s work on getting rid of that urge to pull so you can take delight in seeing your hair growing back in and so that the pictures you keep in your mind are those you can cherish forever.