I am 27, have a job I enjoy and recently got married. Life is good. However, since I was seven, I have pulled out my own hair. I have lived with this for 20 years and I don't know what to do about it. I mostly pull my hair when I'm feeling anxious, but also if I'm sad, bored or lost in thought. I tend to have bad phases and then be OK for a while, but the good periods don't last long. Sometimes I don't even notice I'm doing it. It's become a habit, which leaves me feeling low and bad about myself.

I have had psychotherapy in the past, when I was having problems with my husband, who was then my boyfriend. It helped a little, but I still pulled my hair. I recently plucked up the courage to ask a GP about it and he looked blank. My parents and other family members knew I did this in childhood, but I don't remember them taking me to see a professional for help.

I know I am the only person who can take control of this, but I feel so alone. Is there anybody out there who has had this habit and managed to kick it? Neither my husband or friends know anything about it and I could never tell them. I've told my hairdresser that my hair falls out with stress, because I can't tell him the truth. I don't think it is noticeable, but it scares me that someone may spot a bald patch soon. Perhaps they already have, but simply haven't said anything.

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