Dear Olivia,
Thank you.
For your voice. For your courage. For showing up so fully and honestly on Dax Shepard’s podcast and speaking the words so many of us have struggled to say out loud: I pull my hair.
I’ve lived those words too.
For more than 20 years, I hid my trichotillomania behind black eyeliner, behind jokes, behind perfectionism. And just like you, I carried the weight of shame — thinking I was the only one. Thinking something was wrong with me. Thinking I just needed more willpower.
Until I realized… I needed more awareness, more compassion, and more community.
That’s why I built HabitAware, a smart bracelet to help people retrain their hands and minds. And later, BFRB Changemakers, a nonprofit built to uplift the voices of people with body-focused repetitive behaviors. Both are rooted in the same mission: to help others feel less alone and more empowered.
And that’s what your story is doing right now.
You reminded the world that trichotillomania isn’t just “bad habits” — it’s a mental health issue, a coping mechanism, and a silent struggle for millions. You gave us visibility. And more importantly, you gave us validity.
Whether or not we ever meet, I just want you to know: You’ve already made a difference. And if you ever feel ready to do more together, I’d be honored to join forces — from one warrior to another.
With love ❤️, strength 💪, and 👀awareness ,
Aneela Idnani
Founder in Trichotillomania Recovery
habitaware.com | bfrbchangemakers.org
