153. I Couldn’t Stop Pulling My Hair! I Hid My Disorder For 30 Years Until... (Trichotillomania)

Have you ever felt ashamed of a habit you couldn’t control?   In this episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, Kristina Orlova speaks with Aneela Idnani, co-founder of HabitAware and mental health advocate. Aneela opens up about living with trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder), how shame kept her silent for decades, and how awareness and acceptance transformed her recovery journey.   Aneela shares: • Her early experiences with hair pulling and intrusive thoughts • The hidden shame and secrecy that fueled her struggle for 20+ years • How pregnancy and stress intensified her compulsions • The turning point—finally opening up to her husband and seeking help • How HabitAware’s Keen Smart Bracelet helps build awareness and break the cycle   This conversation also dives into: • Why awareness is the first step to any lasting change • The role of self-care, mindfulness, and acceptance in recovery • How shifting perspective can turn struggle into strength • The importance of removing shame and embracing your full self   Whether you’re navigating OCD, BFRBs (Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors), or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, tools, and strategies for healing.   📲About Aneela Idnani (guest): Co-founder of HabitAware Long-time lived experience: pulled hair since adolescence; integrated intrusive thoughts and self-soothing behaviors into her journey HabitAware: habitaware.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aneelaidnani   ✂️ TIMESTAMPS: [00:30] Aneela’s Untold Story [01:39] When Hair Pulling First Began—and Why No One Saw It [03:46] Living in Silence: The Hidden Shame No One Talks About [06:11] The Moment Everything Changed—Her Husband Finds Out [07:33] From Struggle to Solution: How HabitAware Was Born [11:01] The Game-Changer: Turning Awareness Into Freedom [14:18] ADHD, Intrusive Thoughts & The Spiral of Self-Criticism [15:55] Shutting Down the Inner Bully: Mindfulness That Works [20:47] From Self-Hate to Self-Grace: Reframing the Struggle [24:43] Losing It All, Finding Meaning: Processing Grief Differently [26:47] Want to Heal? Here’s How to Reach Aneela & HabitAware   ✅ Free Resources & Links 🎁 Free OCD Survival Kit & Classes → www.shorturl.at/KcTxM 📖 OCD CBT Journal → www.shorturl.at/7pUxB 🌐 Website → www.korresults.com/ ✍️ OCD Academy→ www.ocdacademy.thinkific.com/   📲 Stay Connected Facebook: www.facebook.com/korresults Instagram: