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I originally ordered my Keen bracelets back at the end of July and began wearing them in August 2017.
I did an unboxing Keen video when I first got them and calibrated them.
I’ve been blogging about my experiences with Keen since I got them.
I have had them on for 4 and a half months now and I’ve come a long way overcoming Trich.
I am currently pull free for 27 days as I write this blog post! I haven’t pulled out my hair in almost a month!
It took about 3 months but I had my first “ah ha” moment when I realized I was totally aware of my hands without the bracelets on at a social function I was attending.
I have them set for a few more BFRB’s now that I feel like I have hair pulling under control.
Keen is Still a Major Part of My Everyday Wear
I still suck my thumb and pick my nose and I need them for that, but as far as Trich goes, they’ve been a big part of my recovery.
Once I was aware of when my hands were pulling my hair I was able to start tracking my pulling patterns in my Trichotillomania therapy journal.
I could have never done that without Keen because I would pull my hair subconsciously.
After awhile of tracking in the journal, I was able to pick up on what areas of my life were big triggers for my Trichotillomania.
Having a journal to track my health has also been a key player in my recovery so far, if you aren’t keeping a journal, you should.
Having both Keen and the journal helped me a lot.
Keen is just a tool, if you’re not working towards overcoming Trich in someway, they can only do so much for you.
There’s a lot of inner work I believe that needs to be done when it comes to overcoming Trichotillomania (which is why there’s a devotional in this journal here).
I read over 50% of people with Trichotillomania suffer from anxiety or depression.
I’m in a lot of trichotillomania support groups where I read things and many people have childhood trauma like I did.
Trich is a coping mechanism and it’s one a lot of us do without realizing it.
That’s where Keen bracelets are helpful. (I wear two of these)
Get a multi-usb charger & rapid charger
Related: HabitAware Keen FAQ – How Does It Work? What Does It Do?
Can I Just Buy One Keen Bracelet? Or Do I Need Two?
I wear two because I pulled with both hands.
I also bite, pick and suck my thumbs on both hands. So two were needed.
I’ve heard people who bought only one tell me they wish they had two.
So if both hands are a problem, you need two bracelets.
Related: Should You Buy Keen on Amazon or Direct? Save Money With This Info!
The bracelets have been a huge help in awareness but they are not a magic bullet.
The inner work is still going to have to be done if your triggers are anxiety, stress, depression or trauma related.
For me, stress from work, lack of sleep and other factors played a big role in my hair pulling and I have been working through natural ways to stop Trichotillomania.
I read books and take supplements to help me with the stress and anxiety. (see on my products page here)
I started a group on Facebook with other people who are dealing with Trich and that has been very healing to be a part of.
I’ve changed my diet because that was making me very depressed, too many carbs.
I’m also trying to get more sleep at night because when I don’t sleep my body is all out of whack and that triggers stress, anxiety, depression and irritability.
Little by little I’m working my way towards overcoming this for good.
27 days pull-free is a lot for me and I really feel like I’m going the distance this time for good and it all started with Keen!
