Seems funny to me that I have just been "officially diagnosed" with Alopecia Areata this week, because I noticed my first spot well over 16 years ago. I was 12, and my first spot was diagnosed as "wearing my ponytail too tight."
Since that time, I have been the not so proud owner of at least one (sometimes 2 or 3) bald spots on my head every 6-12 months. I got really good at hiding them (thank goodness for my naturally thick head of hair), but the knowledge of my spots was always on my mind. Checking every mirror to make sure I was still covered, changing hairstyles depending on where the newest spot was located and I rarely discussed it with anyone. Until recently, I had somewhat accepted my spots because I was lucky enough that they grew in within 2 months or so. 6 months ago I found a spot on the back of my head (near my hairline, behind my ear) that is the largest I have ever had. And despite it developing over 6 months ago it is still bald as a baby's bottom (and not nearly as cute as one.) Add to that my hair is thinning by the handful on a daily basis and you are left with me.....not coping so well.
Showers have become a terrifying experience for me, I literally dread having to wash my hair because I do not want to see the inevitable handfuls of hair that fall out. My whole house is littered with my hair (which is long, dark and wavy), and the hair strands on my bathroom floor alone could create a small hairy animal.
I have an amazing husband who is beyond loving and supportive, but he just doesn't understand what it feels like to be a young mom facing the potential of losing all of her hair.

Any words of advice or thoughts would be appreciated as I begin (or perhaps continue) this lengthy journey of accepting myself (with or without my hair) and being thankful for what I do have.