How many of these organizations do you know? I’m going to share the organizations and the inspirational women that founded them.
And by the end of the article, you will know where to go to learn more about BFRBs, support groups, and resources.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
Leader #1: TLC Foundation
Christina Pearson founded the TLC Foundation in 1991. After years of struggling with hair pulling and alcoholism, she decided to seek help. Unfortunately, the psychologist she was seeing did not know much about hair pulling or how to treat the disorder. It wasn’t until Christina’s mom called her about a radio program she was listening to that things began to change. Christina finally learned that her hair pulling has a name: trichotillomania. You can read about her story on their website.
Since 1991, the organization has grown to include a Scientific Advisory Board and TLC membership. Their website includes informative articles and videos about Trichotillomania, Dermatillomania, and other BFRBs. There are search engines to find a therapist or other BFRB related services. They provide online support groups and webinars, as well as resources for parents.
I highly recommend browsing the TLC Foundation website for information and new research updates.
Photo by Chris Jarvis on Unsplash
Leader #2: Picking Me Foundation
Lauren McKeaney is the founder and CEO of Picking Me Foundation. She has compulsively picked her skin for 27 years. Bullies made fun of her. Various professionals thought she was self-harming or using meth. Lauren almost lost her leg when she contracted the bacteria MRSA. She decided to speak openly about having dermatillomania when a stranger asked what happened to her leg. You can read more about her story on her website.
Picking Me Foundation provides resources and tips about skin picking. They have an online support group for adults(18+), and their website says that all BFRBs are welcome. In addition, a Fiddle Pack is available for sale for $10. The pack includes various fidget toys, Band-Aids, finger covers, and more. The foundation donates a pack to a Dermatologist, Pediatrician, or sufferer for each pack you buy.
Check out the Picking Me Foundation website.
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
Leader #3: Canadian BFRB Support Network
Sarah Robertson founded the Canadian BFRB Support Network in 2013. She developed trichotillomania when she was twelve years old. According to their website, “Her experiences within the mental health system and passion to address the stigma motivated her to found CBSN.” A small group of volunteers runs the organization. Read more about the staff and their stories.
The organization provides resources and information about BFRBs. There are downloadable pamphlets that you can print out to help explain your BFRB to others. In addition, they have an Online Peer Support Program. In the program, you can be set up with a volunteer supporter to send confidential emails about any questions you have about BFRBs (the program isn’t a replacement for therapy). The website states that you do not have to be Canadian to access this program.
Check out the Canadian BFRB Support Network website.
Conclusion
The founders of these three organizations are inspiring to me. After suffering from their BFRB for years, they decided to help others by starting their own organizations. That took a lot of courage. Not much was known about BFRBs when they decided to start their organizations. Yet, they still pushed through. And today, they’ve helped and educated thousands of people.
Their organizations have helped me out. I’ve learned more about myself because of them. I’ve learned that I’m not alone. That’s why I wanted to share these websites with you. To learn more to help yourself or support a loved one.
I highly recommend checking out their websites. Leave a comment and let me know what you think about this article!