Breaking the Silence on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours and Neurodiversity with Professor Clare Mackay

In this enlightening episode of the NDV Podcast, Professor
Clare Mackay shares her journey of discovery into neurodiversity and her lived
experience with body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs). Clare explains the
science behind BFRBs such as trichotillomania (hair pulling), dermatillomania
(skin picking), and nail-biting, and discusses how these behaviours are often
misunderstood and stigmatised.

Clare reflects on her 40-year struggle with hair pulling,
which began at the age of 12, and how shame has shaped her experience. Despite
decades of studying the brain, it wasn’t until recently that Clare combined her
expertise with her lived experience, becoming a leading advocate for the BFRB
community.

We explore the profound emotional toll of BFRBs, including
the role shame plays in anxiety and depression, and the groundbreaking findings
of Clare's research. Clare also discusses the importance of community, her work
with BFRB UK & Ireland, and how the first-ever UK BFRB conference created
an inclusive space for connection and understanding.

This episode is a call to reframe the narrative surrounding
BFRBs and neurodiversity, raise awareness, and challenge the stigma that
perpetuates shame. Clare also highlights the role the beauty industry and
medical professionals can play in supporting those with BFRBs.

Join us for this powerful conversation, as Clare's
contagious energy and compassionate insights inspire hope and understanding for
vastly underrepresented communities.

Links:

The Trich Prof Social Media

⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠

What are Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours?

BFRB Conference on YouTube

BFRB UK & Ireland

Hair & Beauty National Federation

Freddie Flintoff – Living with Bulimia