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Peoples reactions when you tell them about your AA
Since I have shaved my head, there have been quiet a few people I run into on a day to day basis that had one or two questions. I am perfectly fine with that. Actually I'm fine with however someone takes what I tell them... I guess my question is when they ask whats up and you say, "I have a disease..." how those people respond to those first 4 words. "I have a disease"
It seems as though the word disease is synonymous with something horrible and scary. Even if the person takes the time for you to explain what alopecia is, they are still left relying on their initial reaction. The word disease is such a strong word that it sticks with a person regardless if they understand the exact opposite.
What other words have you used instead of 'disease"?
Is there a way to change societies view on the word "disease"?
How do you tell people about your alopecia?
It seems as though the word disease is synonymous with something horrible and scary. Even if the person takes the time for you to explain what alopecia is, they are still left relying on their initial reaction. The word disease is such a strong word that it sticks with a person regardless if they understand the exact opposite.
What other words have you used instead of 'disease"?
Is there a way to change societies view on the word "disease"?
How do you tell people about your alopecia?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Aaron on
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I tend to tell people that my immune system got bored and decided it wanted to do something different. Still the word disease is just a horrible word.
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Permalink Reply by Petra on
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I don't think I ever referred to it as a "disease"....I actually never thought of it that way. If people ask I tell them I have alopecia and ask if they know what it is. I am always amazed at how many people do know what it is. I have also had a lot of people tell me they know someone who has it. It makes me wonder were all these people are that have alopecia, because they sure are not running around in my neighborhood, but then again maybe they are and I just don't know it. Afterall I was pretty much hiding it myself until this year.
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Permalink Reply by Julie Koch on
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I usually say I have an autoimmune disorder. I said disease once by mistake and the person I was talking to jumped back and I had to tell her it's not contagious.
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Permalink Reply by Tallgirl on
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CONDITION!!!!!!! I have a condition where my body is allergic to my hair. Those are more pleasant, understandable words...especially for my students.
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Permalink Reply by Carol on
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I use condition as well. The word disease suggests an illness - I don't feel ill do you? People's reactions vary but I think a lot of the time people say they know someone with alopecia to try and comfort us (I find many of them still have no clue what it is despite the fact that they say they know someone with it). 2% becomes a large number when we're talking about millions of people however so many of us hide it which makes it seem that we are so alone. The more we can share this CONDITION with the general public the easier it makes things for everyone else with it so good on you Aaron for wanting to take the time to explain to people what this is and how it affects us. As for young kids I just tell them that I'm allergic to my own hair, this is something they can identify with as many of their peers have so many allergies.
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Permalink Reply by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on
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I tell people that I have alopecia then explain that its an autoimmune disorder. Many times people ask what treatments do I use, can it be cured, what does the doctor say......etc. I just explain that an autoimmune disorder like this cant be cured you can only treat the symptoms (the growth of hair) but once you stop the growth usually stops. My immune system does what it wants when it wants.
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