can't stop cutting hair?

I'm not sure if it's an obsessive compulsive tendency or something else. I will just sit there feeling my hair and I'll feel a bit that feels uneven so I get the scissors and just cut the ends, but it's not even fixing anything because I'll do it over and over and over without even using a mirror. I just HAVE to cut it right then. When I do it in the mirror that's what I cut inches of my hair off because I'll sit there for ever just snipping away.
Six years ago It was down to the middle of my back and I got so upset one night I just cut it all off in one go to just below my ears and it hasn't been much longer since. I just can't stop cutting my hair. It gives me the same satisfaction picking my skin does and I really doubt I'll ever have the will power to stop.



I really want to cut my hair now. Just a little bit.. damn and that's what starts it. Just that little bit right there... just a little.

Hi,

Yeh that's that nature of OCD... We don't feel like we have any control over our actions. there are ways to trick ourselves though and get out of the OCD cycle. i think that how one does this is unique to each person's situation though. Sometimes, when I get an obsession in my head to do something, I trick myself into thinking that I've already done it, and I can move on. This doesn't always work though as it's difficult to do.

Kevin

I know how you feel. I have been cutting my hair for about 6 years now. I am so sick of me! I just got done with a 3 day cutting spree. I have a clogged sink drain and sore arms and hands. I wish this would go away. I've tried many drs. and many meds. I am sick of wasting my money when nothing helps. I am ready to accept the fact that this is the way I am going to be forever. Sorry for being so negative. I am just in a rut. The kind that I get in right after an episode. i am looking for answers to this sickness. Is anybody out there who can help? Has anyone had any success with meds. vitamins , maybe electric shock therapy! I am willing to try anything. I WANT MY LIFE BACK! I WANT MY HAIR BACK!

I have too been cutting my hair for a long time + it got worse after having my son 6 years ago, the compulsion is so bad i start sweating + know i need to do it otherwise i am so aggitated + snappy. I am constantly touching my hair + its just natural i am doing it now, i am always checking how long it is + for stray long bits that annoy me so badly, i must look crazy. The back of my hair is cut so short it is like i have clippered it, i too dont look in the mirror i will watch t.v. or any other daily activity at home + will get my hair between 2 of my fingers + just chop away, i hate that im doing it when im doing it but cant stop, then when i see the mess i cry. My kids are used to me doing it now + don't bother saying anything as i get angry as i dont know why im doing it myself. Then people say to me oh why have you done that again it was getting to a decent length to style + i get so mad with them like it wasn't me that has done this to myself, because after it doesn't feel like it was me, because i don't wanna do this. People have tryed hiding the scissors + i go + buy some more like a matter of urgency, + i pity the fool that would ever try + take the scissors off me. My doctor said is a form of self harm but i dont think it is, its definately a compulsion + i wanna stop now, please help someone.

Hi lizyknk - I think it is a combination of ocd, bdd, self harm, and anxiety. The bottom line is it really doesn't matter, we just want help!!! I have spent so much money on doctors and pescriptions I am so discouraged. There are so many side effects with meds. Plus nothing has helped me to stop cutting. i am so tired of looking like a weirdo with this bandanna on my head, and I am sick of people staring!!! How rude. My head is freezing in the winter and sweating in the summer. If anyone out there has had any success with any kind of treatment can you please let us know!! I wish I were a man, then I could get away with being bald! Lizyknk, I was just wondering if you were once known for your beautiful hair like I was. I use to get comments almost daily on how gorgeous my hair was, which makes me think it is a form of self harm for me. Just wondering. Take care -- Imshell

Hi guys

Just want to let you know that i have had and have the same problem.
All i want to pick up the scissors and start snipping.
It stopped me from sleeping, working, i felt people were looking at me, i'm weird.
But i know It is all about self control.
Has any of you been to the doctors what did they say?

Sarah x

Yes Sarah, I have been to many doctors. They seem perplexed as to what it is. They put me on all different kinds of meds. none of them have helped. I have been cutting for 6 loooooong years!!! Hopefully someday I will be free from this craziness. How can you get help when the doctors don't even seem to know what it is to treat you for. I cut again just tonight! I feel like stabbing myself in the head with the sissors when I finish! I get so mad at myself. Hopefully I cleaned upthe hair so my husband doesn't see it when he gets home! This is so tiring. For me it is a crippling disease. It takes up so much of my time. The only positive thing about it, is it saves me alot of money on haircuts, coloring, shampoo, and whatever else there is when you have hair. It's been so long I don't even remember. Oh well, I know one day I will be whole again, I just hope it is soon. We can never give up. Good Luck to you and if anyone reads this who has had any success with treatment, please pass it on to the rest of us. God Bless and Happy New Year.

Its reassuring to know I'm not alone in what has become a kind of hell in the past 10 years ... I;ve no idea what causes it though I believe mine was triggered by additional stress cluding possible becoming a single mum. Likewise I go through periods when I will leave my hair for a few weeks and then cut until it almost looks like its being shaved. I would also llike to know if there is any help for this problem. Even on line help for those times when you feel you really want a distraction.. The guilt is becoming worse. I hate myself everytime I do it as I fell I am letting everyone down - particularly my daughter. For the most part its a secret shame I hide. I am sometimes really afraid - if it wasn't for her I probably wouldn't still be here. You know its senseless but do it anyway. I have never sought professional help - I would be too embarrassed. Sharing any thoughts on this problem willl be very helpful,

HI, Its so nice to have found this post. I have been cutting my hair for 20 years. I can say it has been gotten a little better over the years, I think only because its so short and I cant seem to let it grow. The best way for me is to realize I really cant start because once i do I end up being in the bathroom for hours, but saying and doing are two seperate things, the anxiety and urge sometimes is much too strong for me to handle.

I also wanted to share some things that have helped me. I do think medication does sometimes take off some of the anxiety. Also, I think checking in the mirror and trying to style your hair until you get it right is also just as bad as cutting. Checking your hair in the mirror I think starts the obsession then turns into the haircutting compulsion. Its such a hard thing to stay away from the mirror, but when I do I know I do much less cutting. I hope this helps, if anybody has other suggestions, that would be wonderful. Also, times in stress really causes the anxiety, which always makes me want to go check my hair.