My Horrible Self-Image is Crippling Me

I’m a 19-year-old male. Dr., my life is constantly affected by my high hairline. I literally don’t go out as often as I used to, I hesitate to get a job, and my self-image is at an all-time low. I’m OCD to begin with, so I constantly mess with my hair every time I see a mirror (or any reflective surface). This constant brushing and twisting of my fingers through my hair, undoubtedly, is a huge factor. Although, my parents used to call me “pumpkin-head” even as a young child. I’ve always had a big head/forehead. I’ve also had 2 instances of major crash-diets in the last year and 1/2, (one of them being brought-on by adderall) which is obviously not helping either.

My mother’s side has high hairlines, but they don’t go bald. It just recedes to a certain point. So my hair is thick, but still embarrassing. Ever since seeing a special about the daily treatment of beautiful and ugly people on some show, and how your looks affect the way you’re treated on a daily basis, I’ve been utterly terrified about the way I look.

Suggested treatments? And a very (General) price-estimate of each?

First, with your overall description, you should seek psychological help. There are medications that may help. Addressing a high hairline with a wide forehead can be evaluated by a hair restoration expert, but at your age (because of an unknown balding pattern that might develop) it is not a good idea to undergo a surgical procedure. Still, get an in-person opinion from a doctor. One can not price out costs until the problem is defined. But with a poor self-image, your primary concern might be what is inside your head not outside of it.