Trichster Sisters Interviews: Alyssa

For BFRB Week, I wanted to highlight some of my awesome Trichster Sisters. Here is Alyssa, who is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. One year ago on a trip to Pennsylvania, I got to meet Alyssa and her mom Brigitte in person! I recently had a video call with the two of them to learn more about Alyssa's story, and we would like to share to spread awareness.

Me, Brigitte & Alyssa

Alyssa has had trichotillomania for a little over two years. She pulls from her eyelashes and leg hair, although she has not pulled her lashes in a while. She says she pulled her eyelashes "because my brain told me to and I wouldn't stop." It helps her to cope with frustration and feelings. A hard thing about having trich that she doesn't like is that she has to take medicine. When she was pulling her eyelashes she would cover up the spot that she pulled from with eyeliner or mascara because she didn't want to get in trouble. She said "I wish my eyelashes were invisible so my mom couldn't see them when I was picking." Alyssa told me that she has "issues" (in her words), but she is accepting of herself regardless, and that's part of what makes her special. When asked what else is special about her, Alyssa responded, "I'm funny, I make babies laugh, I'm a good friend, fashionable, kind, and smart." She enjoys coloring, playing with kids, playing games, going to school, and likes Legos, Peppa Pig, and Polly Pockets. She plays on a bowling league and she is a Girl Scout. Alyssa would say to other kids who have trich that "you're pretty no matter what."