I'm Not A *F*r*e*a*k* ! (I have Trichotillomania)

Each strand falls from my hand to the floor I wonder what did God give me hair for I pull it out strand-by-strand and piece-by-piece There’s enough down there to make a wig at least My cat coughs up hairballs but the hair is mine I now have a new red carpet, is that a sign? It’s not a habit, it can't be broken You can't make me quit with your hateful words spoken It’s a disease; over 8 million people have it Some people have no hair at all, and it's the pits I pull the hair from the top of my head Sometimes I wish that I were dead I don't want to pull it out at all But before I know it, another strand will fall Collecting in piles by my bed on the floor GOD I DON'T WANT TO PULL ANYMORE I don't realize I've done it, until it's too late This disease that I have is an inherited trait I've done this since I was a baby And now I do it so much, it's driving me crazy It's not like someone who bites his or her nails If I tried to stop it, my mission; it fails I've gone as far as wearing my hair up I can't stop pulling so I just give up My hair is so thin on the left side of my head Maybe I should start pulling from the right side instead If you pull out your hair, you are not alone There are so many with it, the number's unknown You’re not the only person who pulls People who poke fun are the ultimate fools They are scared of the things they don't understand Maybe they should pull their hair strand by strand It’s a release of frustration to pull out each piece I pick them by thickness or courses to say the least If it isn't the right piece that I’ve pulled To the floor it is thrown, my beds already full Don’t judge me for having this disease I can't win Because pulling my hair out isn't a sin It’s just like being born with no hair out all At least they don't have to worry were each strand will fall I don't try to hide it from my family or friends They are there for me from beginning to end Some people pull it from the head, legs and arms Yes, we know that we're causing our bodies harm But we cannot help it; it's something we can't defeat Medicines help those who are truly helpless; weak We don't have AA or NA for this disease So if you don't mind, don't make fun of us please? This is something that none of us can help But we're here for each other when there is no one else I stand here today and proclaim that I suffer From Trichotillomania like so many others I’m here to tell those who think they are freaks That there are others out there, no more will you seek You’re not alone in this fight you are in Because sooner or later WE WILL ALL WIN!What is Trichotillomania?: Trich = Hair ~ till = pull ~ mania = madness (the 'o' links the word together). Recurrent pulling out of one's hair resulting in noticeable hair loss. An increasing sense of tension immediately before pulling out the hair or when attempting to resist the behavior. Pleasure, gratification, or relief when pulling out the hair. The disturbance is not better accounted for by another mental disorder and is not due to a general medical condition (e.g., a dermatological condition). The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. http://www.geocities.com/trayseelynn for more information Written April 20th, 2002 © on Apr 19 2002 04:55 PM PST    18 • 0 • 9