Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by traci on July 16, 2009 at 10:15pm

Aleshia,

I know the feeling. When I was younger and everyone told me that the stress would make my hair loss worse, it just stressed me out more! I think that stress does play an important factor in hair loss, not just for people with alopecia. I stress out A LOT, especially since I'm such a workaholic, so it's not good, but I've found ways to help myself relax - talk to friends, listen to music, zone out on the couch and watch TV (haha)...It's hard for other people to understand when they tell you, "Don't stress out!" or "Relax!" but they really mean well, they just don't know how to sympathize with what you're feeling.

Hopefully talking to people on Alopecia World will lessen your frustration, I know it's helped me! :)

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Permalink Reply by Joshua on July 18, 2009 at 3:49am

Hi Aleshia,

I'm sorry that you have to deal with all these unnecessary stressors. Unfortunately, not many people even within our circle of friends will 100% understand our situation and feelings. Yes, I agree with Traci that by having someone who can understand, like people on Alopecia World to talk to is a great way in helping you to cope. With a highly competitive education environment and with the society glorifying hair more than it actually worths is certainly a bad combination of stress. Sometimes, it even makes you feel like being pushed towards the limit. However, stay strong! Alopecians are known to be among the toughest people on earth! and also never give up hope of having a complete recovery from your alopecia. Live life to the fullest!

Have a great weekend. Stay well.
God bless
Joshua

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie on July 18, 2009 at 10:22pm

Aleshia
I am a teacher living with alopecia, and I understand the stress factor. Is there anyone at your school that you feel comfortable confiding in?? As a teacher it does get frustrating when students are absent a lot, but when we know there's a reason (not just I didn't want to come to school) something can be worked out. I have excused students from many assignments, shortened assignments, given alternative assignments. Sure its all done on a case by case basis, but as a teacher its so much easier when we know what's going on with our students. I beg you to look at your school for one person you can talk with a teacher, a counselor, a secretary, a custodian--there should be many options for you because this is a medical condition. When does school start for you? Let me know what happens. Good luck!!

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Permalink Reply by Aleshia on November 17, 2009 at 6:04pm

Thanks for the replies guys.
Somethings are getting better, i'm not feeling so stressed anymore. And I visit the hospital every 2 months now to get steriod injections in my head, which i guess is working a little bit i now have tiny patches of fluffy hair. but the pain of them is awful i try and sing the "bear necessities" to take my mind off it. =]

At school though, after i confided in my science teacher the head of 6th form chucked me off my course. even though i'd explained everything, so i got really stressed then thinking where my life was going but, i decided to take a year out now. To relax have fun and to try and make the next year better than this one... =]

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