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I have a type of OCD called trichotillomania. It is very rare but I am absolutely positive I have it. My parents know that there was something wrong with me but didn't know it was an actual mental illness. It makes me pull out my eyelashes when I get stressed. And I go to a very competitive, highly stressful boarding school, which means I'm stressed ALL the time.

My trichotillomania (TTM) started in middle school and there was a point when I didn't have any eyelashes at all. Then, without any medical help, I trained myself to stop the urges to pull out my eyelashes. And they grew back.

But at the end of last year it came back! I have full eyelashes on my right eye, but half of my left eye has none! I cover it up with eyeliner and not many people notice because I have pretty heavy side bangs, but it still drives me crazy. I would be so much more confident if I was just normal.

The only person I've talked to who has TTM is away at college now and I barely talk to her.

What can I do to stop myself from picking? Its mainly when I'm doing my homework at night.

Any suggestions??? Something to do with my hands? Some way to get me to stop?? I'm desperate. I've tried sooo hard. Its a mental illness so I can't just tell myself to stop. And I can't seek medical help, I go to a boarding school.

i also have OCD. and you can stop it on your own. when you're stresed, get up and do something else for a couple of minutes. something i woud do would be like, get up and do five jumping jacks. sounds dumb, i know, but its helped a lot !

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