I use the phrase "medical mess" a lot to explain my circumstances in a brief way. It all began when I was diagnosed with scoliosis in 2006. They quickly decided I would need surgery, and so June-July 2007, I spent approximately twenty days in the hospital. After that, there was a lull. Everything seemed fine.
2009 came along, and little did I know my life would be changed forever. I was eleven at the time I pulled my first hair. It started with my eyebrows and lashes. Soon, the habit became noticeable, and before I knew what was going on, it had turned into a disorder called trichotillomania. Quickly after this diagnosis I saw my first therapist.
Around this time, I was starting middle school: a big transition for any child. A few months into my first year of middle school, I found out I would need a second surgery for my scoliosis. This was a very rare thing to happen, and that made me angry. This surgery had no complications though, thankfully, and soon I was back to normal. Because of this, my trich got put on the back burner until the next school year.
When I was thirteen, the endless cycle of therapists began. However, none of them were able to help, and by the time I was fourteen, I had begun pulling out my hair. It gradually got worse, until I was almost bald. So in 2012, I got my first wig.
The next three years we searched for help to overcome my trich. But, as I entered high school, the trich continued to get worse, as well as my depression and anxiety. Finally, when I was constantly missing school and dropping activities I would usually enjoy, we drew the line. I was sent to a hospital for two months. Although the time I spent there I frequently questioned if it was worth it, that experience changed my life.
About THE HERO PROJECT -
I began a YouTube channel in May 2015 when I posted a video that explained my story. Only a week before had I come out about having trich. Before that time, I hadn't told anyone, even my closest friends. I hid my problem. But as soon as I embraced my problems and let others know what I was going through, they embraced me with love and support. I was shocked. This support inspired me to show that same support to others who are struggling with a problem. I especially want to support those with mental illnesses/disorders because of how misunderstood they are.
Approximately a year ago, the ALS ice bucket challenge occurred. This is what inspired the Show Your Hero Project. I initially wanted to spread the hashtag #youraheroshowit posted with a picture of yourself with the symbol of a heart drawn inside a star to show your support for people who are struggling. Now, I have upgraded the challenge into a full scale project to promote self-acceptance and spread awareness for mental illnesses.
Remember, you are loved. And because you made it through past struggles and are still here today, you're a hero.