Wow, it has been two months and the challenge is over!  Thanks to those of you who donated already!!  The good news is that I've learned a lot and while I still struggle with urges, I do think my pulling has decreased overall.  I'm confident I pull MUCH less at home now, so the car really remains the struggle.  I think the most important insight I've gained is how to vary my tools and implement them before I need them.  It seems obvious, but it isn't what I was doing.  I still need a little practice on it, but at least now I'm conscious of it.

The more I blog about this disorder, meet other pullers & pickers,  and research these body focused repetitive behaviors, the more I am flabbergasted by how common they are.  (If you include all pullers, even those who don't have visible bald spots, it is the 3rd most common mental disorder following only depression & substance addictions...yikes!!!)  Despite that, most Drs haven't heard of them and even fewer know anything about treating them.  Patients are scared to tell their Drs because of previously judgemental and under educated "professionals".  This is NOT right and it is my mission to fix it.

The Trichotillomania Learning Center wants to spread the word too.  I'm still allowed to take donations for a while even though the challenge is technically over.  Please support TLC & me by a final donation to my fundraising efforts.  I didn't quite make it to 50% of my goal, so PLEASE donate if you can!

For more info about my journey, check out my Trich blog at:  http://itstrichy.wordpress.com/welcome/

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.  If you don't use credit cards online, email me about about making an off-line donation.  I can credit it here later.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!  Chances are you know someone with one of these disorders but they're too afraid to say anything to anyone.  We hide in fear & shame. Forward my blog link to anyone you know who might need or want some information about chronic hair pulling.

Thanks also to http://www.chelseanicole.com who took the photo at left.  That's the most hair I've had in 19.5  years and she captured it beautifully.