Kim's Newspaper Article
This article appeared in the Boksburg Advertiser, Friday July 10, 1998 (Kim wasn't allowed to see the article before it was published. Some of the info in here is therefor not completely correct)
Do you feel like pulling out your hair because of frustration?
Sufferers from Trichotillomania, commony known as Trich, have the habit of pulling out their hair - not to get rid of frustration but as a form of satisfaction. Atlasville resident Kim Taylor is a trich suffere, and has been pull-free for a year and a half. She explained that the repercussions of the disorder are devastating - victims are left with bald spots, thinning hair or total hair loss. The emotional torture to which sufferers are subjected is even worse.
The worst thing is that people are very cruel about the disorder and one feels all alone. Some people think you're mad, said Kim.
She wants to let the public and other trich sufferers know that they are not alone in this struggle. Sometimes you just wish you could speak to an understandng person, wsomeone who doesn't judge you, but truly wants to offer help and support, explained Kim.
This is why she decided to start a support group. The initial sessions are run on a one-to-one basis, and subjects like self-esteem, self-control, a trich diet and advice on the handling of the problem are discussed.
Certain foods can enhance the urge to pull, and it is, therefore, advisable for sufferers to avoid these. Problem foods include sugar, beans, peas, cold drinks, cakes, peanuts and chocolate. According to Kim, fruit, rooibos tea, milk, cheese and bananas are 'good foods'.
It is very important not to think you're mad or alone in this, Kim said. That is why I'm urging sufferers to get involved with the support group. It can help so much. Sufferers can, at all times, remain anonymous or use non de plumes, and there is a special programme for parents which guides them in their dealings with their children's problem.
Anyone interested in joining the support group can contact Kim at xxxxxxx or write to her at P.O. Box 16713, Atlasville, Boksburg 1465 (South Africa).
There is also a website which provides information on this disorder - the address is jly2.com/ttm