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Permalink Reply by Tallgirl on July 19, 2012 at 10:45am

Not everyone goes on chat (where a world of strangers can see what you type...gulp!), and it takes awhile to know more about people through their profile pages and comments. Take your time, and "friend" the people you deem safe and of the same mind. Then, you can send longer messages on their own pages as "friends." That's how I got to know some people better.

Sounds like you could learn a lot by reading all the Discussions in the Coping and Acceptance categories. Just click on all of them and read until you realize you are not alone in how you feel. Then find Groups, and also skim through the old blog archives to find title of blogs that interest you. Many people have given good input or posed excellent questions on the old blogs and discussions. Of course, you have the jokers, too, to bring a smile to your home-bound face!

Once you jot down names of a few people you admire for their advice, then read more on their profile pages. It's like having siblings or best friends with alopecia, sharing how they think!

To find a support group near you, look at Members and ask the ones you see from your city, or go to Support on www.naaf.org to find your country for groups or phone support. Meeting with other alopecians will be reason enough to leave the house, because they will understand and tell you the good wig shops near you, or maybe even go with you to try some on. Mary on this site has recommended Turkish scarves (see online), and there is even a Hat-lovers Group here. Of course, AW has groups for shaven heads and wigs. You can do this. Just look at all of us who have managed!

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Permalink Reply by LilyBell*Murphy'sLawLuvsMe on July 19, 2012 at 1:05pm

Yes chatting can be fun - but do be aware that there are some men on here who I think look for women with low self esteem to take advantage of. We like to think everyone is a nice person but I have found out differently.

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Permalink Reply by kathie on July 27, 2012 at 9:05am

Hi Elle,
I have AU. I lost all of my hair last January. I know it's hard but you need to get out of the house! Be brave and move forward. The alternative sucks! It took me some time but now I go without a wig and explain as I go. Some people that knew me before my hair loss avoid me now instead of asking whats's going on or how I am. Those people are afraid/rude if you ask me and I don't need them. At first it was very hard but after the initial transition to baldness I am much stronger. I do feel sad at times about my hairloss but dwelling on it is so harmful. On days like that, I try keep going and avoid mirrors.

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