The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Celebrates August’s National Hair Loss Awareness Month By Growing Awareness of People Experiencing Hair Pulling or Trichotillomania
- TLC
- Aug 1, 2022
- 2 min read
(SANTA CRUZ, CA– AUGUST 1, 2022)
The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) is sharing its support of National Hair Loss Awareness Month celebrated in August. Over 80 million individuals experience hair loss every year, with 40% of those experiencing hair loss being women. Individuals who experience hair loss can also include those who have a BFRB called trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder.
Hair pulling disorder usually begins in late childhood/early puberty and occurs about equally in boys and girls. By adulthood, 80-90% of reported cases are women. Hair pulling varies greatly in its severity, location on the body, and response to treatment. Without treatment, hair pulling disorder tends to be a chronic condition; that may come and go throughout a lifetime.
The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors is bringing awareness and support to an underreported and misunderstood group of mental health disorders that impacts approximately one in 20 Americans, with hair pulling being one of the most prevalent. Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors are complex medical diagnoses that affect children and adults alike, and often cause shame, isolation, and emotional distress. Yet despite their prevalence, these behaviors are rarely discussed in the general public.“There are so many misconceptions around body-focused repetitive behaviors, which is why they go misdiagnosed, underreported and understudied,” said Dr. John Piacentini, Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA, TLC Board President and Scientific Advisory Board Chair. “They are often dismissed as bad habits or categorized as self-harming rituals, which they are not. There are tremendous consequences for not acknowledging these behaviors or misdiagnosing them, including depression, anxiety, and suicide for those affected.”
Fortunately, the stigma and shame around these behaviors is starting to change, thanks in part to recent advocacy by comedian, writer, and actress Amy Schumer, who has experienced hair pulling since she was a child. In episode 9 of her Hulu dramedy, “Life & Beth,” which is based on her own life, she wrote an accurate portrayal of hair pulling in a flashback to her teenage years. At the end of the Hulu episode, viewers were directed to TLC Foundation’s website as a resource for support and information. National Hair Loss Awareness Month further allows others to learn about hair loss and to lessen the shame that comes with losing hair for any reason. In addition, this month allows a period of reflection in regard to traditional beauty standards with hair.
In August, TLC is hosting a series of free, online events tailored to a variety of audiences to help destigmatize hair pulling and other associated behaviors, share resources and support, answer questions through medical experts, build community, and provide a pathway forward to managing these conditions. Visit TLC’s website for times and details at www.bfrb.org.
August 15 TLC Together: BFRB Brave BooksAugust 24 TLC Talks: Back to School with BFRBs
About the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive BehaviorsThe TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors is a 501(c)3 health-related human services organization dedicated to supporting the 1-in-20 individuals experiencing body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) through advocacy, awareness, connection, health education, celebration, and equitable access to effective evidence-based treatments. To learn more, visit www.bfrb.org.
To learn more about hair pulling and other body-focused repetitive behaviors, download TLC’s Expert Consensus Treatment Guidelines.
I appreciate how this article focuses not only on awareness but also on creating a supportive environment for people living with body-focused repetitive behaviors. Challenging misconceptions and providing access to expert resources can help many individuals feel understood and encouraged to seek help when needed. Taking time to balance serious reading with enjoyable activities is important too, and I sometimes relax by playing basketball game, a fun casual basketball game with friends. Thank you for helping bring greater visibility to this important topic.
This article does an excellent job of raising awareness about trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors while encouraging empathy and understanding. It's encouraging to see more public discussion around conditions that have historically been misunderstood or overlooked. Access to accurate information and supportive communities can make a meaningful difference. During study or reading breaks, I also enjoy infinite wordle, which offers unlimited word challenges that help keep the mind engaged. Thanks for sharing this important message.
Thank you for sharing such an informative piece. I especially appreciate the emphasis on reducing stigma and helping people understand that body-focused repetitive behaviors are legitimate health conditions that deserve compassion and evidence-based treatment. The free educational events sound like a valuable resource for both individuals and families. When I need a quick break after reading serious topics, I often enjoy fnf online , a rhythm game that's both entertaining and energizing. Excellent awareness initiative.
This is a thoughtful and informative article that shines a light on a condition many people know very little about. It's encouraging to see organizations promoting education, expert guidance, and community support while helping challenge harmful misconceptions. Building awareness is one of the best ways to help those affected feel less alone. After spending time reading educational content, I sometimes unwind with creative music experiences like sprunky, which is a fun way to relax. Great awareness campaign.
I appreciate this article for highlighting an issue that is frequently misunderstood. Explaining that hair pulling is a recognized medical condition rather than simply a habit can make a real difference for those who may feel isolated or ashamed. Public education and open conversations are essential steps toward reducing stigma. When I need to clear my mind after reading health-related topics, I enjoy space waves unblocked, which offers an engaging rhythm-based challenge. Thanks for sharing these valuable resources.