I definitely can feel a turning point in this entire process. I have been so aware of myself going through each of the 7 stages of grief.

Stage 1 - Denial
Losing my hair has been a process. Last year, I was at a sales conference in Chicago and I felt a smooth spot on the back of my head. When I got home from my business trip, I asked my boyfriend to check it out and he said it looked like someone had taken a lock of my hair. This was the first of many times that I used the two mirrors in my bathroom to fully examine every inch of my scalp. I found 4 or 5 bald spots that day and made a doctor's appt immediately. The doctor recommended cortisone shots and the mere thought of having needles injected into my head seemed like something out of a horror movie (I am so afraid of needles). I passed on the shots and wanted to keep an eye on things - I was in total denial

Stage 2 - Pain & Guilt
I went to Hawaii to visit my family and told them about my recent hair loss. They asked if I was taking my vitamins and claimed that my job was too stressful. I hadn't been taking my vitamins and my job was definitely too stressful. As I looked around my parents' house, I noticed all the pictures of me with long hair and remembered how often I would complain about bad hair days. Man, was I ungrateful. I cried myself to sleep a lot and felt bad for being so superficial. I knew it was only hair, but I just couldn't help it. It hurt and I had a tough time explaining how I was feeling.

Stage 3 - Anger & Bargaining
I started to change my diet. I didn't drink for a couple of months and decided to do the LA Marathon. I was training constantly and this took my mind off things a little. I kept thinking that if I lived a healthier life, I could magically get my hair to reappear. I began the cortisone shots, but those didn't work. The oral treatment started soon thereafter. It seemed like it was working, but my hair continued to fall out.

Stage 4 - Depression & Reflection
This part of the process was a tough one. I had gained a bunch of weight from all the steroids and boy, was I moody! I didn't want to go out and do the things I normally do. I quit my job and spent a lot of time feeling sorry for myself. Of course I looked for jobs, but when they would invite me for an interview, I felt anxiety about my hair. How can look presentable under these conditions?

Stage 5 - The Upward Turn
After the marathon, I got a burst of energy. I rediscovered that part of me that was buried in insecurity since this whole process started. There's just something about running 26.2 miles that changes you. There were so many people running and supporting strangers who were running. A really great display of humanity. I was inspired. I saw people in wheelchairs, a girl with a prosthetic leg, children, cancer survivors, etc.

Stage 6 - Reconstruction & Working Through
Last Friday I started to feel like I was ready to shave my head and regain control over my destiny. I called my boyfriend at work and told him. He had been encouraging me to do this for months, but I wasn't ready. I was surprised by how long it took, considering how much hair I had lost. So far, I have lost about 30% of my hair, maybe more. First I shaved my head, then I took shaving cream and got the closest shave possible. It was a strange sensation, but it was invigorating! I wasn't emotional, which was shocking for me. I thought I would breakdown at some point. Instead I was overwhelmed with happiness. Maybe it was adrenaline. Either way, it's the best decision I've made.

Stage 7 - Acceptance & Hope
Finding this site has gotten me into this stage quicker than I thought. Knowing that there are so many other people out there living with this disease is having a profound effect on me. I don't know anyone else with Alopecia Areata and it's comforting to know you're all out there. Getting my first wig will help me ease back into things. I work in advertising and was just about to make the transition into sales. I love meeting new people and will probably tell everyone that I'm wearing a wig....eventually. ;)