Olivia Munn has opened up about her experience living with trichotillomania, a mental health condition that causes an irresistible urge to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of the body. In a recent podcast appearance, the actress shared how paparazzi photos taken during her relationship with Chris Pine in 2009 triggered the onset of her condition. Munn recalled leaving Pine’s apartment and being photographed by paparazzi while carrying a small clutch.
The photos, which effectively hard launched their relationship to the public, led Munn to read online comments about the images. “They were like, ‘I think she set this up. Who’s carrying a clutch during the day?'” she said, noting that the hateful remarks marked the beginning of her trichotillomania.
Munn opens up about mental health
The actress described the sensations associated with her condition, explaining, “There’s a sensation—probably not even real, but I’ll feel like, ‘Oh, this eyelash feels like it’s gonna come out,’ even though it’s not. And then when you pull it, there is a quick second of pain.
Then there’s a satisfaction and then immediate regret.”
Munn also revealed that her trichotillomania is partly due to her Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosis. “OCD comes from a place of needing to feel safe,” she said. “Having had a tumultuous upbringing and moving around a lot, some of that anxiety came back when I got on TV.”
The actress’s openness about her mental health struggles sheds light on the significant impact that public scrutiny and negative commentary can have on individuals.
By sharing her story, Munn joins a growing list of celebrities who have spoken out about their own experiences with mental health issues, helping to break down the stigma surrounding these topics and encouraging others to seek support when needed.
