Amy Schumer opens up about her years-long battle with trichotillomania, a disorder that causes compulsive urges to pull hair.
“I think everyone has a big secret, and that’s a royal secret,” Schumer told the Hollywood Reporter In an interview published on Friday.
“And I’m proud that my great secret only hurts me, but it was what I had so much shame for for so long.”
The comedian, 40, has explained that she suffers from trichotillomania — which made her Describes the Mayo Clinic As a mental health disorder rather than just a “bad habit” – it started in elementary school and has been a persistent concern to this day.
“It’s not that I used to have this problem, now I don’t,” she said. “It’s still something I struggle with.”
to me oscars hostessTrichotillomania surfaced during a particularly stressful time, as her father filed for bankruptcy and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly thereafter. Her mother also left him to the married father of her best friend – all before Schumer went to high school.
Constantly plucking her hair left her with bald spots, which led to her wearing an inappropriate wig to school, which “everyone knows,” according to the actress.
These days, she fears her 2-year-old son Jane will inherit the genetic condition, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “Every time he touched his head, he’d have a heart attack.”
Schumer explores the diagnosis in Hulu’s new semi-autobiographical series, “Life & Beth,” hoping she can provide insight into those dealing with the same problem.
“I really don’t want to have a big secret anymore,” she said. “And I thought putting it out there would be good for me to alleviate some of my shame and perhaps, hopefully, help others mitigate some of their shame as well.”
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