Birthday Beauty Treats

Thursday 9th March marked my 23rd birthday. I don't want this post to come across as braggy in any way, like a 'look at all of these wonderful gifts, I'm so spoilt' type of post. However, I received a few beauty-related gifts that I am so excited about, and whilst I throw myself into trying each and every one of them out, I wanted to give you guys an insight into what will probably be making its way onto this site in more detail soon. Kind of like a 'these are super pretty, here's a glimpse into what's to come' post, rather than a brag as to how many gifts I received. Anyway, my friends and family clearly know me far too well, as most things I got were beauty items that I've been lusting over for a while. Here are a few things the beauty addict in me is jumping up and down about...

It's Not Negativity, It's Reality

I created this blog as a way to help others who also suffer from trichotillomania. To help them see that they are not alone in their struggle, to create a place for open discussion about the disorder, a space to ask questions without judgement and as a way to offer the beauty advice I have accumulated over the years which can help cover or ease the disorder. On the whole, I want it to be a positive space on the internet that will help the progression of understanding the illness and help break down the stigma and ignorance of others. But that's the big aim. The small, everyday aim is centred around the person who may regularly read this site or stumble across it when searching for articles on trichotillomania. The ones who read this to find comfort in that there is someone out there like them- bald eyelids, struggling with the judgement of others, the fear of people knowing what you do. And whilst I try to keep this as a helpful, motivating site, it isn't sustainable. If I write about trichotillomania in a way which the everyday sufferer can relate, this cannot be wholly positive. Because it isn't a positive disorder- it is soul destroying.

Setting Trichotillomania Goals: Does It Work?

I've been there far too many times; pulling out all of my eyelashes in a splurge and then promising myself I won't do it again, setting an upcoming special occasion as a target to have all of my eyelashes back for. And more times than not, I let myself down again. We all set goals in life; whether it's career goals or more personal ones, having something set in our minds to work towards drives us forward and supposedly motivates us in achieving whatever it is that we want to achieve. With trichotillomania, this would work in theory. But after over a decade of continually setting myself targets only for me to 'fail myself', I have to ask, is it worth it? Should we keep setting these goals for ourselves, or is it only adding to the pressure and making the situation worse?

Why Having My Eyebrows Tattooed Has Made My Trichotillomania Worse

You might know that earlier this year, I was lucky enough to have my eyebrows tattooed by the wonderful Sian Deller. It was one of the best beauty experiences of my life (if not the best), and have not regretted it since. After deliberating for ages and weighing up the pros and cons about a thousand times, the opportunity presented itself in January and I took the plunge. I haven’t looked back. Although I love every single thing about them, I did want to write this post just to open the discussion with other trichotillomania sufferers who have had their eyebrows tattooed or are thinking about getting them done. Since having them tattooed, my hair pulling has been severely aggravated. I pick and pull at my eyebrows so much more than I did before and am aware that it has happened to a few other trichsters as well. So, is it still worth getting your eyebrows tattooed?

7 Ways To Treat Trichotillomania (And Make Your Life A Little Easier)

The tiniest amount of research online will enlighten you to the sad fact that, currently, there is no cure for trichotillomania. It may be disheartening to think that the cycle of pulling will seemingly never end, and, trust me, I've torn myself up over the idea of being stuck with this horrid disorder for life. However, hope is not all lost. Despite there being no magic wand you can wave and make those urges to pull instantly disappear, there are numerous ways to help control those feelings. Many people have wonderful success stories of going pull-free, so don't think that it's totally unachievable. So, if you're looking for potential ways to treat, stop and control trichotillomania, this post is for you.