Shower hair loss anxiety

Hello, My name is Alex and I am 22. I was diagnosed with alopecia areata in September 2014 and have been dealing with all the emotional pain that comes with this disease. The thing that gives me so much anxiety is he process of showering because i lose SOO much more hair. I have about 24 inches of long hair and combing it afterwards is a nightmare. I often times have to do so in the dark or distract myself by talking to someone so I don't freak out about how much hair is coming out or that is in my brush. Does anyone else get anxiety over showering too? I feel like I haven't seen many people on here mention anything about showering freaking them out. lol Maybe its just a personal issue. 

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Permalink Reply by nappylee222 on February 1, 2015 at 11:46pm
Hi Alex,

I have the same issue. I had massive thick hair that began coming out in clumps when I wash it.
This happened from Dec and every time I wash my hair I dreaded it. I would go in with anxiety and coming out of the shower was even worse. I would sweat and my heart rate would accelerate just seeing all the hair. i try minimizing my hair wash to a weekly basis and now I have about 40% hair left. I understand how you feel.
Permalink Reply by alexmorozco on February 2, 2015 at 1:16am

Im glad I am not alone with this. Thank you for your insight. I have figured out that the best way to avoid severe anxiety is by watching TV right after I get out or having a conversation with whoever is home. It helps keep my mind off the hair loss. Hope things start to turn around for the two of us!

Permalink Reply by Cheyenne on February 2, 2015 at 7:10am

YES! When I was first diagnosed I showered as little as possible ; ) I would wear a shower cap and only wash my hair once a week or longer.  Now that my diagnosis has "sunk in" and I've lost a lot of hair - it's a bit easier.  I bought really beautiful smelling shampoo and condition and I always have music playing while I'm in the shower.  When I brush my hair I watch a great movie or television show to keep myself distracted.  I'm sure many people have shower anxiety.  Love and luck!

Permalink Reply by alexmorozco on February 2, 2015 at 12:33pm

Lovely scents can help ease the mind! I work for a natural soap store called LUSH Cosmetics and I seem to always be in a good mood while working. Must be all that aromatherapy! Take care and good luck to you too! 

Permalink Reply by nappylee222 on February 2, 2015 at 1:28pm

Yes.. Listening to music while in the shower and getting out eases the anxiety.

Good luck to us and pray for speedy hair recovery. :)

Permalink Reply by alpine on February 15, 2015 at 1:00pm

Hi Alex!

I can really relate to your post! I have an undiagnosed hair loss problem and showering is definitely the worst time for me as my hair falls out in clumps! It's really annoying as it sometimes clogs the shower drain.

You are most definitely not alone!

It was nice to read how all of you cope with the shower anxiety.

It's awesome that you work at LUSH - everything smells so good in there it definitely cheers me up too to be surrounded by fragrant soaps! :)

Take care and all the best to you :)

- Brenda

Permalink Reply by alexmorozco on February 15, 2015 at 7:27pm

Hello Brenda :)

Yes the shower drain clogging is quite annoying. I just pretend its not all mine lol You are the first person I have met on here that has even heard of LUSH! This makes my heart happy. I hope Alopecia World helps you find that extra support. I know it has for me :) Take care! 

Permalink Reply by alpine on February 22, 2015 at 6:03pm

Hi Alex :)

I'm so glad Alopecia World has given you that extra support! :) I'm also finding it a very supportive place - it's nice and freeing to be able to talk openly about hair loss, and not have to hide. Take care too and hope to have more good discussions with you! :)

Permalink Reply by Moni on February 22, 2015 at 12:36am

I hated sweeping because I'd have to pull a lot of hair off the broom brush, eventually. I hated doing the bed, I hated combing her hair (when she had it). I remember this horrible moment, years ago, where I went into a full blown anxiety attack. I really lost it, I was insane for a good 20 minutes. I was screaming, so mad, so much hurt, cursing, just crying hard. My kids were much younger so I ran and hid. I'm so sorry for you having to go through the fear of grooming. My daughter eventually loss her hair and reading your discussing brought me to those memories.

Permalink Reply by Niece on February 22, 2015 at 12:01pm

So sorry to hear about all the anxiety with losing your hair. I know how you are all feeling. I too, hated showering, sweeping the floor, looking in the mirror etc... Please know when your hair is ALL gone..it gets easier. I have lots of cute hats...both for summer and winter and a couple wigs that make me feel okay. I miss my eyelashes the most...if I could have any hair back I would want eyelashes. I used tatoo eyebrows from beautiful brows..they work great. Keep living and enjoying every day....we only get this one life..lets not let not having hair take the joy out of it!

Permalink Reply by alexmorozco on February 22, 2015 at 3:17pm

Thank you so much for your positive words and kindness. They bring me great comfort! 

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