A haircut?? possibly...

[[li...]]

I have not had a haircut in over a year (besides trimming split ends myself).    I have lost so much hair from my Klonopin & opiate withdrawals that sadly, my long locks are super thin, straggly, and fried looking, and I decided it was time.  My hairstylist had a appointment cancel for tomorrow , so I booked it, but now I am freaking out with anxiety.  I need to go so bad, why are simple things like this so hard?  I am almost 8 months off.

[[Sc...]]

Hi Livestrong!

 

I remember feeling terrified of going to the hair stylist to have a trim.  My hair thinned as well and I lost SO much.  But once I went and sat in that chair, the anxiety slowly drifted.  I was anxious, but it was manageable and I was SO happy I went through with it because it made me feel better about myself after it was all done.  I have confidence you'll get through this.  I felt the same way but it all went better than I thought it would.  One thing that MAY help...is to put a rubber band around your wrist, and if you feel anxious during the hair cut, discreetly pull the rubber band so it LIGHTLY snaps on your wrist.  I know it sounds weird, but it is very effective for anxiety because it takes your mind off the anxious thoughts.  And since they typically put a cape around your shoulders during the cut, you can hide your hands under there. 

 

The simple things ARE hard...I used to feel that way all the time.  Things get much easier over time.  Wishing you loads of luck.  I'm taking my daughter to get her hair cut after school tomorrow (had mine done a few weeks ago!). 

 

All my best to you.

Schatje

[[Kg...]]

Livestrong I had to laugh when I read your post since I remember posting on BB how I could not manage to make it to a haircut.  I think it is because we have to sit there and can't go running out the door w/o feeling embarrassed.  Since I, like you, became desperate I dragged myself to the local shop and did a grit my teeth mode to get in the door. Once I was there I was okay - I did 4, 7, 8 breathing and got my locks cut and my hair blow dried.  I also think Schatje had a good idea - whatever distracts you will help. 

 

One of the things I have noticed now that I am off and feeling a bit better is that I can actually make a hair cut appt and go without freaking out though I still get anxiety about it.

 

 

[[Te...]]

I used to have the same thing, was always worried about getting over there, waiting for the haircut, and most of all, talking to the hair stylist. That would freak me out. What would I say? All I thought about was wd. Would I have anything interesting to say? I tried talking about benzos, but that was a hopeless case. She didn't understand. It turned out okay, but I was really nervous and sweating a lot.

 

The feeling will pass.

[[ho...]]

Oh having your hair done is supposed to be relaxing. Take a picture of what you would like so the communication is clear. The sit back and enjoy the feelings and sensations of someone playing with your hair. Enjoy the the ling brush stokes of the blow out that should definitely follow. Never leave a salon wet and unfinished. Allow your stylist to give you a great shampoo...you could ask for a scalp treatment as it involves more head massage. Just close your eyes and feel the motions. You're thinking about the experience all wrong. I do so enjoy having my hair done...ahhhh