Hair Loss

[Hoppygirl]

Hi

In February I started to lose clumps of hair around my crown and sides the tests I had at the doctors came back ok apart from inflammation but second test was clear . So the said it was stress related . I have since had hypnotherapy which was amazing for reducing my stress levels and sorting out things from my past which I didn’t know about .However when I look at the bald patches it just feels me with fear and I know I have to reduce stress! Can anyone tell me how to cope my family are great but don’t have the condition . I would love to hear how others cope pllleeeaaasseee

[maria59]

Sorry to hear about this and Sorry I can't give any coping mechanisms as I'm a parent of a daughter with AA (other side) but can suggest you join AUK on FB as you will more than likely get a reply from a sufferer quickly. This is a wonderful group too which I have found informative but sometimes people take longer to respond. X

[skit]

Maria is absolutely right Alopecia charity/facebook is the best signpost. You may find a local support group. When I say local in your region. Some people travel over 30miles to the one I belong in the Midalnds

[naomi92 Partner Alopecia UK]

Hi Hoppygirl as others have very kindly already stated it may be worth joining our closed Fb group, if you haven't done so already - facebook.com/groups/Alopeci...

It's a hugely active group with many people knowing exactly what you're going through to be able to offer that peer support.

Many of us with alopecia believe we know what 'trigger's our alopecia into action, but this is not the same thing as the 'cause'. Triggers can range from emotional stress, physical trauma, hormonal changes, diet, infection, environmental factors etc. Often when doctors have ruled out other potential underlying health issues causing our hair loss (e.g lack of vitamins or thyroid issues etc.) they then often go down the 'stress' route. Whilst stress appears to be a trigger for some, it is possible that this link may be coincidental as many of of those affected have no significant stress in their life. It could be that individuals are right about their own trigger but removing/correcting the supposed trigger does not necessarily result in regrowth. There is still much that remains a mystery with the condition and hopefully as research continues we'll be able to have a few more answers.

I have alopecia areata myself and was told by my doctor it must be 'stress' but i had a very easy going life at the time, with no major incidents. Without any major lifestyle changes my hair has grown back and subsequently fallen out again over time. I now chose to look at it that if stress was the absolute cause, there'd be a lot more people in the world with alopecia as stress, unfortunately, is now a huge factor in many peoples lives. It can therefore be really hard to not get into a cycle of 'stress caused my hair loss but now i'm stressed because i have hair loss' but there are ways and means of coping. Have you talked at all to your GP? There is a type of therapy called CBT which is designed to help us get out of those unhelpful thought patterns and refocus, it may be worth getting a referral to something like this is you're able and think it may help.

Additionally feel free to give us a call or email at the charity if you'd like some one on one peer support - alopecia.org.uk/contact

I hope this helps

Naomi (Alopecia UK)

[maryemma in reply to naomi92]

Hi Naomi is right no matter what you are going through being with people who are going through the same thing really helps good look 🤗💕