I recently watched some youtube videos about Trichotillamania and found quite a few on how to cover it up with make-up or hair extensions.
One particular video was made by a young girl, applying make-up to cover up her lack of eyelashes and eyebrows. Sat at her bedroom window she spoke in hushed tones as she tried to avoid being seen by her neighbour outside. A few times she said her neighbour looked freaked out, supposing that this must me due to him seeing her make-up-less face.
She seemed totally ashamed of her true appearance yet was comfortable enough to share this secret face with any other sufferers searching for online help on covering up.
But why should she be ashamed?
In fact, I thought she looked much prettier without the make-up though I'm sure I could never convince her of that.
I know this because I have also had the same battle for almost 15 years, although finally this battle is easing up.
Years ago I was horrified at the thought of anyone seeing me without make-up. I would run to the bathroom, head-down, as soon as I woke up to make sure all was in place. I had this all covered, I was on top of it, until the odd morning where I was too tired/rushed/busy and would find myself suddenly in the middle of the office at 9.45am (shock, horror!) with no make-up on!!!
Deciding that the eyes of the whole world were upon me I'd rush to the toilet asap to fix this fatal error! Of course, after this happening a few times, I realised that actually, no-one gives a shit, and no-one had even the slightest incling of this devastating situation.
Slowly, over the years, I gave less of a shit if I'd forgotten my make-up, realising other things were more important, and gradually I arrived here, where I very rarely use make-up, and you know what, I very rarely feel paranoid about people looking, which is ironic.
I guess my plan is that if anyone ever mentions it, I'll just call their bluff by coming straight out with it and see if they have anything to say then. I've been preparing for this situation now for almost 15 years...but it looks like the only one paying attention to my missing eyebrows and eyelashes, is me.
