A fiddle toy is not a musical instrument.
I’m that annoying kid in class who clicks their pen, not sorry, it’s a coping mechanism.
The following is a far from a comprehensive list as to the ways Trichsters cope with the urge to pull. They are my own experiences. Feeling the need to lighten the mood a bit, so enjoy these gifs and memes- I did.
1. Fiddle Toys
The majority of articles and resources for Trichsters promote the use of stress balls, fiddle toys (the weird wormy thing you see above), and other toys meant for tactile stimulation. Although I’ve had minimal success with these, at times I have used them, so they’ve been included #whynot
2. Worry Rocks
Stones, pebbles, bottle caps, and elastic bands all serve the same purpose here for me. Not necessarily stress/worry relieving, but they serve as a way of keeping my fingers busy
3. Hats
Hard to pull when your hair is covered. Also see Day 3: Braids, Buns and Hats- The Art of Hiding
4. Hairstyles are major key
Sometimes it’s ridiculous the number of hair styles I go through before leaving the house in the morning. Pony-tail to braid to bun to a combination before finally deciding to leave my hair down. It really depends on my mood, the type of day, and how confident I’m feeling. My biggest insecurity is my hair. My opinion of my hair as I leave the house plays a huge roll in how much I’ll pull or play with my hair in any given day
5. Hot beverages
Now I do really just enjoy coffee & tea. Those who know me can certainly attest to that, but hot beverages serve another purpose. I’m a clumsy person (thanks mom), and so holding hot cups is best done with two hands. Can’t pull when you hands are busy protecting your precious caffeine
6. Pen Caps
I’ve stopped the pen clicking- I just don’t buy them. Although I do love putting the caps on and off of my pens… slightly less annoying
7. Rings and Necklaces
Rarely will you find me without a necklace and a ring on, both physical things that I can’t lose (as easily), that I can fiddle with if necessary
8. Keeping Busy
As I eluded to in Day 2: But Doesn’t It Hurt? I LOVE keeping busy, as for me idleness is the downfall of all resolve not to pull. An emotional coping mechanism if ever there is one. Free time, as rare as it is in my life, is when my pulling is at it’s worst
9. Just Hiding.
As we all do, somedays I just need to take a break and hide for a while. A day to not worry about what my hair looks like, to not have to hide my pulling. Accepting that pulling is part of who I am has allowed me to finally enjoy these days without guilt. Now I cherish them, accepting they are going to happen, and focus on ways of taking care of me #selfcare
10. I Resort to Other BFRBs…
Over the years through attempts to hide my pulling I’ve developed other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours, but thats a story for tomorrow.
This is by far a complete list, some other coping strategies suggested by the TLC Foundation can be found here, all 50 ways! Check-out the other resources I’ve started to compile in Helpful Links & Articles.
Now go tackle Wednesday!
