A Personal Journey of Living with Trichotillomania
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner sit down with Aneela Idnani Kumar, a TED Talk speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate for individuals living with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania (hair pulling). Aneela shares her personal journey from silent suffering to creating HabitAware, a smart bracelet that helps users bring awareness to their BFRBs and make meaningful changes. This episode dives into mental health innovation, stigma reduction, and how to transform pain into purpose.
Key Points:
[0:00] - Introduction to Aneela Idnani Kumar and HabitAware
Meet Aneela, a TED Talk speaker and inventor of HabitAware, a Time Magazine Best Invention, aimed at helping individuals with BFRBs like hair-pulling and skin-picking.
[15:50] - Turning Pain Into Purpose
Aneela reflects on how her father’s cancer diagnosis triggered her BFRB and how her personal struggles inspired her to create tools that help others.
[22:54] - How HabitAware Works
Learn how the HabitAware bracelet tracks behaviors in real time, notifies wearers, and supports behavioral change—integrating seamlessly into therapy.
[32:26] - Breaking the Silence Around BFRBs
Aneela discusses the stigma surrounding BFRBs and how awareness, education, and compassion can encourage individuals to seek help earlier.
[37:30] - Advice for Those Suffering in Silence
Aneela shares heartfelt advice for anyone struggling with BFRBs: from self-compassion to seeking support, you don’t have to walk this journey alone.
Quotable Moments:
[22:51] “Turning pain into purpose is the most powerful thing we can do.”—Aneela Idnani
[32:44] “Suffering in silence keeps you stuck. Taking the first step—telling someone—changes everything.”—Aneela Idnani
[37:25] “Your behavior doesn’t define you. There’s help, hope, and community waiting for you.”—Aneela Idnani
Links Mentioned:
• HabitAware: www.habitaware.com
• Aneela’s TED Talk: https://youtu.be/WkfBtT4VbI4?si=HPyyD91KGISLp_s7
• Anxiety Society Podcast Website: www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
Aneela’s inspiring journey is a testament to the power of awareness and the importance of turning personal challenges into opportunities to help others. If you or someone you know struggles with BFRBs, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it!
