Living with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming. But remember, there's a whole community out there ready to support you. This article is your guide to finding that support and taking positive steps on your journey to managing BFRBs. Let's explore together how online resources can make a real difference in your life.
Finding a supportive community and accessing the right resources makes a difference for those dealing with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). Fortunately, several online resources and platforms are freely available to help individuals recover. These resources can offer valuable assistance in BFRB management, from support groups to therapy platforms. Connecting with a supportive community can be an incredible step towards healing, as you will connect and learn from other individuals going through similar experiences.
What to Look for in an Online BFRB Community
There are several online support groups for individuals dealing with BFRBs. However, you need to choose the right community to ensure you benefit positively from them. Some factors to consider before joining a supportive online community include.
Active Moderation
Before joining an online support group, check whether the group has a moderator who enforces rules and ensures the community stays safe. A support group with a moderator is usually more organized, making it a safe place to interact and connect with people dealing with similar conditions. Moderators often ensure that the community thrives with respectful comments free of harassment. You will be safer sharing your experiences in such spaces. Additionally, moderators can help maintain the quality of engagements in the group by ensuring that the information shared is accurate and helpful to all members.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Privacy protection ensures that the information you share with group members is not exposed to unauthorized parties. Knowing that the group upholds the confidentiality of its members will help you feel more comfortable sharing your experience with BFRBs, and you might get more support from other group members. Confidentiality creates a safe space where members can share their experiences without fear of judgment or exposure, making the support group more effective. Most importantly, confidentiality allows for deeper conversation among members, and thus, you can learn from the personal and honest struggles of others dealing with BFRBs.
Positive Atmosphere
Dealing with BFRBs and going through the recovery process can be overwhelming. Therefore, you need to find spaces to help you achieve peace of mind. The overall tone of the group you intend to join should be motivating and focused on BFRB management, not just discussing problems. Receiving positive reinforcement from a supportive group can help boost your self-esteem, which is essential during your healing process. A positive atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness that are common when dealing with BFRBs.
Focused Topics
When looking for a support group to join, find one with specific threads and sections dedicated to discussing the different aspects of BFRBs. Topics of discussion can include coping mechanisms and success stories of various types of BFRBs. Attending group meetings that provide comprehensive discussions about the different aspects of BFRBs will open your mind to the various perspectives of BFRB management. Listening to the success stories of other members can inspire you to continue with your healing journey and embrace a positive mindset, regardless of any setbacks.
Best Online Communities for Those Affected by BFRBs
Joining online support groups can provide individuals dealing with BBFRBs with much-needed emotional support and practical tips that can help your recovery process become more seamless. Below are some of the online community groups you should consider joining.
Reddit (r/trichotillomania and r/CompulsiveSkinPicking)
Reddit hosts lots of groups known as subreddits. Those dealing with BFRBs have dedicated communities on the platform, such as r/trichotillomania and r/CompulsiveSkinPicking, where individuals share their experiences with BFRBs and the coping strategies they have adopted to aid their recovery process. There is much to learn from these BFRB communities on Reddit, and most of them contain professional therapists, individuals dealing with BFRBs, and families with loved ones struggling with various BFRBs. The diversity in these groups helps you view your condition from different perspectives.
The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors is a comprehensive resource for individuals affected by BFRBs. We offer a wealth of information, including educational materials, research updates, and support networks. We also provide access to treatment providers, webinars, and online support groups that can significantly aid in managing BFRBs. Engaging with our foundation's resources can help you connect with experts and peers dedicated to BFRB recovery. Additionally, our site features personal stories and coping strategies from those who have successfully managed their BFRBs, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Regular newsletters and event announcements keep you informed and connected to ongoing developments in the field.
Instagram and Facebook
Several Instagram accounts are dedicated to BFRB awareness and recovery. If you struggle to find an Instagram page, you can use BFRB-related hashtags to find more relevant content. Most Instagram users uploading BFRB content often highlight their experience with the condition, tips, and motivation. Searching using the hashtag ‘#BFRBs’ will unlock several BFRB posts from many users.
Additionally, several Facebook groups are dedicated to supporting individuals coping with various BFRBs. Groups like Trichotillomania Support provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals struggling with the urge to pull their hair. These groups offer opportunities to seek support, receive advice, and share personal experiences. Engaging with such communities on social media can be a valuable part of your recovery journey, helping you find platforms that foster a sense of belonging and support.
7 Cups
7 Cups provides free anonymous support and counseling for individuals dealing with BFRBs. Joining 7 Cups can be a significant step in your recovery journey since you get support and connect with individuals who understand your struggles. The primary advantage of the application is that it allows anonymous interactions, which is particularly essential for those who prefer to keep private about their condition.
The platform provides emotional support from trained listeners, which can be vital if you need someone to talk to without feeling judged. The listeners are compassionate and dedicate their time and attention to an individual’s needs. The platform also features communities and forums, allowing individuals to share their experiences dealing with BFRBs and their adopted coping mechanisms. These forums can provide a sense of belonging and help you tackle loneliness or isolation.
The application provides a continuum of care service where you can access professional therapists at a fee. You also get additional self-help resources such as mindfulness activities, guides, and exercises to help you manage your condition.
YouTube
Several YouTubers create awareness of BFRBs on their channel by sharing their struggles with BFRBs and some coping mechanisms that work for them. Channels like TrichJournal provide insights and support for those dealing with BFRBs. You can also search for the term 'BFRBs' on YouTube, and you will find a wide range of videos that offer in-depth information on various aspects of BFRBs. These YouTube channels are educative and can help you cope with the compulsive habits of BRFRBs.
Find Community at the TLC Foundation for BFRBs
Several online communities and platforms provide support for individuals dealing with BFRBs. However, you need to take your time and find a suitable platform to ensure you benefit from it. Interactions with individuals in these communities can help you overcome isolation and positively deal with your condition. Knowing that you are not an isolated case can help build your confidence and promote a positive mindset. Getting a broad range of insight and support can be essential in your recovery journey since you will have more profound knowledge of how to deal with your condition.
