Hair pulling is one of those mental health struggles we rarely talk about, partly because so few people understand it, and partly because shame keeps it hidden.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Olga Cirlugea, a licensed clinical psychologist who shares her personal experience living with trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder), a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB). While Olga brings clinical insight, this conversation centers on what it’s actually been like for her: when it started, how it’s shifted across different seasons of life, and the sensory, self-soothing “ritual” that can make hair pulling hard to explain to others.

Olga opens up about the impact of stigma, what it meant to finally receive compassion from others, and how acceptance has been just as important as behavior change. She also shares what has helped her manage trichotillomania over time, including building awareness, tracking patterns, using fidgets and replacement tools, attending support groups, and focusing on the underlying emotions driving the urge to pull.

Trichotillomania / BFRB resources mentioned:

• TLC Foundation for BFRBs: https://www.bfrb.org/

• International OCD Foundation (BFRBs): https://iocdf.org/bfrb/ 

• TrichStop: https://www.trichstop.com/

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Music Credit: Nathan Byrne with Reel Byrne Media. 

Note: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical/therapeutic advice. Such information is not intended nor otherwise implied to be mental health advice or a substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a mental health or medical professional. If you become distressed and need support, call 988 to access 24/7 mental health support, call 911, or visit your nearest emergency room.