I just pulled out 30 eyelashes because of stress. Can anyone offer me advice on how to stop?

[Anonymous]

I was really stressed today, and when I get stressed I start pulling out my eyelashes. I know it's weird, but it is SO hard to stop. I feel like crying because my lashes look so bad right now. Does anyone have ANY advice on how to break a self harm behavior like this? I want to stop.

[Felinegirl]

Replace it with a less harmful version of self harm or fidgeting first, then work on doing that less without going back to your old behavior. For example, I clean my nails to perfection. It's the opposite of harmful, but it's still satisfying. I also heard of people holding ice cubes or pulling at a hair band around their wrist.
Or tear pieces of paper apart.

You can also go to a doctor and ask him for advise. He might send you on to a psychologist who can help you deal with the stress, or he might have other ways to stop pulling your lashes.

[Asker]

Thanks!

[Answers_needed_pls]

Dont worry i jave this problem as well! Its super hard!! I find out that when i thought about when i do it i found out it was when i was alone with nothing to do! Now i always wear a strechy wrist band to keep my hands busy!

[feminismisnarcissism]

I would learn about DBT, a type of therapy specifically intended to deal with these types of behaviors. One technique is "paced breathing" for example. it totally works-look into it.

[Asker]

Thanks! I will.

[Rahdle]

Eventually you'll have none left and have to stop

But no use a stress ball or pencil or literally anything to occupy your hands

[Asker]

I'll give it a try, I am very desperate.

[Rahdle]

Or bite yourself when you catch yourself doing it. Negative reinforcement. But keeping your hands in your pockets or occupied doing something should work

[Bubblemonster]

I have the same exact problem! It really is hard to stop! Just try and think about something positive or like the guy said get a stress ball. It helps (:

[Asker]

Great to hear I am not the only one!

[Asker]

Were you ever able to stop?

[Bubblemonster]

Unfortunately no :( i dont do it as much, but I still occassionaly do it.

[Xfitchick]

Go out and sport. A good run? A good bike? Go to the level you kill your body. Stress gone.

[Chromekids]

Much like biting nails, you have to mentally tell yourself no and destress another way like counting down or tapping.

[Peachyboo]

I would see a doctor or counsellor, that may be stress or anxiety

[BellePepper]

You need to get a therapist.

[Anonymous]

😐 really 😒

[Asker]

Yep... I hate it.

[Rahdle]

Really 🤗