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Clare Mackay

@claremackay.bsky.social
476 followers 173 following 61 posts

Prof of Neuroscience, University of Oxford and @thetrichprof (insta, FB, YouTube) #neuroskyence || #psychscisky || #BFRBs || #trichotillomania || #mentalhealth || #brainhealth || #art || #WomenInSTEM

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Reposted by Clare Mackay
NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Oxford Health @oxhealthbrc.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Discover the science behind #BFRBs with @claremackay.bsky.social and learn how #BFRBCon2026 is bringing together researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience to raise awareness, share knowledge and improve understanding of these often misunderstood conditions: tinyurl.com/BFRBCon26
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Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
What does it mean to be a #LivedExperienceScientist? Professor Clare Mackay shares three things she's learned since revealing she lives with hair pulling disorder, a type of body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB), which she now researches. tinyurl.com/53f8xuvh @claremackay.bsky.social
“…I thought I was simply sharing something personal that might start a conversation and help a few people feel less alone. Looking back, I realise it was the start of changing the way I design, conduct and communicate science. Science helps us see patterns and test theories, and lived experience helps us focus on the questions that matter most to the people we're trying to help. We need both.” Professor Clare Mackay, Professor of Neuroscience
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Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
🔊One of the UK’s first Brain Health Clinics celebrates five years since it launched and more than 500 patients using its services. The Oxford Brain Health Clinic is dedicated to improving the assessment and diagnosis of memory problems. Find out more about its work👇 tinyurl.com/599ppynz
tinyurl.com
Innovative brain health clinic has now assessed 500 patients and improved accuracy of dementia diagnosis
One of the UK’s first Brain Health Clinics is marking two major milestones as it celebrates five years since it launched and more than 500 patients using its services.
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Michael Browning @mikebrowning.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
There are 3 Oxford-based post doc positions for this Wellcome Trust project that will be advertised soon! If you have experinece in neurostimulation (tms/tus) and/or modelling of cogneuro data in humans do contact one of us (me, @mkflugge.bsky.social @lilweb.bsky.social, Jacinta OShea) to discuss!
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Reposted by Clare Mackay
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
🔊NEW RESEARCH: Shame plays a major role in hairpulling, a type of body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB), among young people, according to a study by @ox.ac.uk Read more 👉 tinyurl.com/ajjxz7rz @claremackay.bsky.social @pollywaite.bsky.social #BFRBs @acamh.bsky.social @oxhealthbrc.bsky.social
An image of Professor Clare Mackay, Professor of Neuroscience, with a quote from her saying: 

"Many of us with BFRBs know that shame plays a huge role, so it is no surprise that it shows up strongly in this group. What is important is that we have demonstrated that shame is already prevalent in young people aged 13-18, and that it strongly relates to depression and anxiety.”
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Thanks to Oxford Sparks for the opportunity to talk about BFRBs!
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Proud moment as the first BFRB research study from the University of Oxford has been published. Great summary thread here from Polly…
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Big news! I loved researching and writing this book, which is all about shedding the shame, and getting really curious about urges to pick, pull and bite. I can't wait to share it with you! It's out on April 2nd, and is available to pre-order now. #bfrb #bfrbs #bodyfocusedrepetitivebehaviors
Picuture showing forthcoming book, called 'Keep your hair on: understanding urges to pick, pull and bite' by Clare Mackay, which will be launched in April 2026
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
And we’re off! Oxford’s first neurodiversity conference. Massive effort from @ndv-andreiascosta.bsky.social and her army of volunteers. Looking forward to a great couple of days. #ohbrcNFconference
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Reposted by Clare Mackay
NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Oxford Health @oxhealthbrc.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
📢 September is #WorldAlzheimer’sMonth, a time to raise awareness and support those affected by #dementia Our OH BRC Dementia Theme is pioneering research to shift dementia care from reactive treatment to proactive prevention and personalised management. 🌐 Learn more tinyurl.com/yefntkx2
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Communications Psychology @commspsychol.nature.com · 08/09/2025
Following social isolation, adolescents show increased sensitivity to rewards during effort-based decision making and reward learning. @livia-tomova.bsky.social @sjblakemore.bsky.social @emilyanntowner.bsky.social @stepalminteri.bsky.social @lei-zhang.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s44...
nature.com
Acute isolation is associated with increased reward seeking and reward learning in human adolescents - Communications Psychology
This study shows that, following social isolation, adolescents show increased sensitivity to rewards during effort-based decision making and reward learning. Access to virtual social interactions duri...
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Reposted by Clare Mackay
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
The 6 things everybody should know about body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs)👇 In this new video, Professor Clare Mackay - aka The Trich Prof - shares the things she wished more people knew about BFRBs: tinyurl.com/4hbybrp2 @claremackay.bsky.social
tinyurl.com
The 6 things everyone should know about body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs)
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Thank you Lottie!
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Reposted by Clare Mackay
Oxford University Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (OxCIN) @oxcin.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Congratulations to Steve Smith @fmrib-steve.bsky.social for winning the OHBM 2025 Glass Brain Award! This lifetime achievement award recognises extraordinary contributions that drive the field forward - and we can't think of anyone more deserving. 👏👏👏
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
And for the first time we’ll be exploring the prevalence and impact of body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) in a subset. So exciting!
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The Mental Elf @thementalelf.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Psychological distress over 30 years in Great Britain: the times they are a changin’ (or are they?) buff.ly/qpu4p0f 🧵 THREAD #MentalHealth #PsychologicalDistress #Surveys #GB #30years
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NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Oxford Health @oxhealthbrc.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Oxford Brain Health Clinic is leading the way in dementia research participation. Be inspired this #ClinicalTrialsDay and see how you can #BePartOfResearch. oxfordhealthbrc.nihr.ac.uk/oxford-brain... @claremackay.bsky.social ay.bsky.social @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social
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Jude Stevenson @judestevenson.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
A new publication from University of Bath DClinPsy on #hairpulling #trichotillomania where I was #ExpertByExperience and external supervisor.
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Oxford Medical Sciences Division @medsci.ox.ac.uk · 16/05/2025
🎉 Huge congratulations to all the @medsci.ox.ac.uk teams and individuals nominated in @ox.ac.uk VC Awards. The winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by the Vice-Chancellor yesterday. View the winners and highly commended nominations 👉 hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/vice-chancel...
Congratulations
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Reposted by Clare Mackay
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Holly Haines is a Research Assistant in the Department of Psychiatry and Dementia Theme Co-Ordinator at Oxford Health BRC. She highlights that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain – and research shows that this is true throughout the lifespan, even for children and teenagers.
“Things like obesity and physical inactivity affect our heart health and research shows they also affect our brains – potentially as early as adolescence. This means that simple lifestyle changes, like eating healthier and moving more, could protect our long-term brain health.” Holly Haines, Research Assistant, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
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Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we asked researchers what one fact they wished more people knew about brain and mental health. #ThisIsMyCommunity #MHAWeek2025 #mentalhealth
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Rants about things that used to be easy and are now really hard... Giving blood I used to be a regular. I would rock up to a clinic at the hospital where I work, deliver my pint of blood, and be back at my desk within 30 mins 1/3
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Rethink Mental Illness @rethinkcharity.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
🎉 It's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek! 💜 Join us. Share this post so that people know where to turn for support.
A graphic displaying 6 different mental health helplines to call during mental health awareness week: 

 - Samaritans (116 123)
 - Rethink Mental Illness (0808 801 0525)
 - The Mix (online chat service - themix.org.uk
 - CALMzone (0800 58 58 58)
 - Shout (text SHOUT to 85258)
 - YoungMinds (0808 802 5544)
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Thank you @rethinkcharity.bsky.social for giving BFRBs the prominence they deserve on your website! www.rethink.org/advice-and-i...
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Reposted by Clare Mackay
Dr Lucy Foulkes @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Are you a UK psychiatrist with views to share about self-diagnosis? We’re looking for UK-based psychiatrists who work with young people aged 10–24 and would be available to take part in a 45-minute online interview (cont below) PLEASE SHARE WIDELY 🤩
University of Oxford. What do you think about self-diagnosis of mental disorders? Are you: 
- A UK based psychiatrist who works with adolescents (aged 10-24 years)
- Available for a 45 minute online interview
Come take part in our study!
Contact: sara.svobodova@bnc.ox.ac.uk or lucy.foulkes@psych.ox.ac.uk for more information
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Dr Lucy Foulkes @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
I've just come across this, published last year, and the findings are surprising and important Public attitudes towards people with mental health problems improved from 2008 to 2019 - but then *decreased*. Found across three measures of stigma. Why? tinyurl.com/mvuhvz3r (cont)
Fig. 2 Marginal estimates of stigma-related attitudes (CAMI), knowledge (MAKS) and desire for social distance (RIBS intended behaviour), by year (95% confidence intervals).

CAMI, Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill scale; MAKS, Mental Health Knowledge Schedule; RIBS, Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale.
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Vivensa Foundation @vivensa.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Like many others, we’ve left X so we’re new around here - and with a new name too (formerly Dunhill Medical Trust). We’re looking forward to connecting with those who have great ideas and methods for improving the health and well-being of older people.
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
End of an (excellent) era. @heidijoberg.bsky.social gives her last ever WIN talk. It’s been a blast, an honour and a privilege to be involved throughout.
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NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Oxford Health @oxhealthbrc.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
A new study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry reveals that GLP-1RAs, drugs for diabetes and obesity, may help treat dementia. Researchers from @oxhealthbrc.bsky.social found these medications could have neuroprotective effects. tinyurl.com/GLP1rasdemen...
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Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
🎙️ NEW PODCAST: What happens after a dementia diagnosis? DPhil student Jasmine Blane talks to Oxford Sparks about how she is supporting #dementia patients & their families. 🎧 www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/podcasts/wha... @OxHealthBRC @UniofOxford
oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk
What happens after a dementia diagnosis? - Oxford Sparks
One in two people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime - whether that is as a patient, or somebody caring for a loved one.
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Maria Wimber @marwimber.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
We’re recruiting for 5 faculty positions in cognitive neuroscience, psychology & animal neuroscience! Exciting science going on @UofG, Glasgow is an amazing and green city with the friendliest people, and you’ll have the stunning highlands on your doorstep! tinyurl.com/mbn6yf56 Please repost!
tinyurl.com
Professor, Senior Lecturer/Lecturer and Lecturer posts - Glasgow City (GB) job with University of Glasgow | 12838283
University of Glasgow College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences  School of Psychology & Neuroscience Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience/Psy...
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Masud Husain @masudhusain.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
Thank goodness people are waking up to the fact that there is a crisis for clinical research in the UK @financialtimes.com High on the list are the bureaucratic processes that have become an obstacle to getting things done
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Fantastic blog about the inescapable link between stigma and distress.
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I was moved, humbled and filled with gratitude to read Marta Isibor’s brave and brilliant piece about her skin-picking journey in the Psychologist this week. She describes finding community with BFRB UK & Ireland, and then the impact of our Oxford conference 🥲🙏👏. www.bps.org.uk/psychologist...
bps.org.uk
‘Why couldn’t I stop picking my skin?’ | BPS
Marta Isibor shares a Psychologist’s journey with Body-focused Repetitive Behaviours, looking to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
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Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford @oxfordpsychiatry.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Alzheimer’s is defined by a build-up of certain proteins in the brain. Oxford scientists have found these proteins in cervical lymph nodes, which act as 'brain bins'. More proteins were present in young people, suggesting they drain away less well in older brains. www.psych.ox.ac.uk/news/potenti...
Quote from Dr Adam Al-Diwani, NIHR Clinical Lecturer at the University of Oxford, saying: “This could have real significance for our understanding of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, showing the potentially critical role of lymph nodes and our wider immune system in diseases of the brain.”
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Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu · 08/03/2025
Gender equality doesn’t just 'happen.' Women’s rights must be fought for and protected. Our responsibility is clear. To lead by example and create a world where opportunities are fair for all. Not just today, but every single day. #InternationalWomensDay
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Masud Husain @masudhusain.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Why academia is sleepwalking into self-destruction. My editorial @brain1878.bsky.social If you agree with the sentiments please repost. It's important for all our sakes to stop the madness academic.oup.com/brain/articl...
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Laurence Hunt @lhuntneuro.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
JOB ADVERT Associate Professor of Social Psychology at University of Oxford + Fellowship at Christ Church. Can be appointed at Full Professor if suitably qualified. Come and join the best Psychology department there is! @oxexppsy.bsky.social Please share, and apply: tinyurl.com/OxSocialPsych
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Marla W. Deibler, PsyD, ABPP @doctordeibler.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Shame can be a significant struggle for those living with a #BFRB. Dr. Deibler writes about how impactful this experience can be in her new Psychology Today post: zurl.co/ywapK #Bodyfocusedrepetitivebehavior #trichotillomania #hairpulling #skinpicking #nailbiting #excoriation #culture #shame #CBT
zurl.co
Overcoming Shame in Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
Shame fuels isolation for those with BFRBs. Learn how it impacts recovery and discover strategies for breaking the cycle, fostering self-compassion, and reclaiming self-worth.
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Love this. It’s something I’ve been thinking about in relation to BFRBs (picking, pulling or biting at hair, skin or nails) because some things that really help (eg manicured nails, false eyelashes etc) feel like they clash with my identity as a scientist. Embrace the femininity!
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Dementia Researcher @dementiaresearcher.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
How does femininity impact a woman's credibility in science? Rebecca Williams tackles this tough question in her latest blog. 💄 #WomenInSTEM #FemininityInScience buff.ly/3POA3Tg
This image features a promotional graphic for "The Binary of Science & Femininity," a guest blog by Rebecca Williams, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge. The background consists of numerous rows of binary code in purple and white, symbolising the theme of binaries. Centred at the top right is a photo of Rebecca Williams, smiling, with the text "Guest Blog" and her name and title beneath it. The blog title "The Binary" is prominently displayed in large, bold white letters at the bottom.
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 26/01/2025
The mind/body revolution: how the division between ‘mental’ and ‘physical’ illness fails us all
theguardian.com
The mind/body revolution: how the division between ‘mental’ and ‘physical’ illness fails us all
New research shows western medicine’s traditional split between brain and body is, in fact, far from clear cut – and could provide a breakthrough for many complex conditions Some years ago Camilla Nord suffered such persistent pain at the site of an old…
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
I really enjoyed this chat with Meryl from Helping Minds (Trichstop.com and skinpick.com) - available here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMr3...
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Oxford Medical Sciences Division @medsci.ox.ac.uk · 22/01/2025
Do you have a new year's resolution to catch up more with old friends? In BBC Radio 4's Unexpected Elements, Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at @oxexppsy.bsky.social, talks about the number of meaningful relationships you can have at any one time. eu.vocuspr.com/ViewN...
Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Oxford
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Mental Health in Development @mhid.org.uk · 21/01/2025
Are you a parent or carer who wants to be involved in developing research about the mental health of children and young people? Join the Parent Carer Research Network parentcarerresearchnetwork.org.uk
parentcarerresearchnetwork.org.uk
Parent Carer Research Network - Mental Health in Development
All about our network for parents and carers interested in getting involved in research around the mental health of children and young people.
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Meet my incredible, brave, 16-yr-old niece who talks to @ndv-andreiascosta.bsky.social about coming to terms with an autism diagnosis, the devastating consequences of school attendance policies, and finding her (powerful!) voice. #proudaunty www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPAd... 🧵
youtube.com
Imogen Bramwell: Autism through the eyes of a teenager
YouTube video by NDV Podcast: Neurodiverse Voices
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Dorothy Bishop @deevybee.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
ICYMI
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
I really enjoyed catching up on this. Irene is magnificent as always: pain with Mo Farrah and Stephen Fry (and lots of fab scientists), thoughts on kindness from the Pope, wealth creation in Universities, and a bucket list trip to sample Islay's Whiskeys. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
Today - 28/12/2024 - BBC Sounds
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, guest edits Today.
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The Mental Elf @thementalelf.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Why is diversity so important in helping people with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours? Today we celebrate all of the voices and perspectives buff.ly/3BL2Uo8 #BFRBs #Diversity #Science #Collaboration
buff.ly
The Value of Diversity: Unveiling New Strategies for BFRBs
In this video, we explore how mental health disorders, especially Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs), often get pigeonholed with traditional thinking...
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Clare Mackay @claremackay.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
For 40 years, when I asked myself the question 'why can't I stop pulling out my hair?' the only answers I had were that I was bad/wrong/stupid/broken etc. There are much better, kinder and more interesting answers, snipits of which are summarised in this video...
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