One step closer to making a difference

After going from having small bald patches that would grow back over a few months, to losing 98% of my hair and half an eyebrow—the journey has been far from easy. I look back now, and cringe over how I would stress out when I discovered tiny little patches that were covered by the thick head of hair I once had.

How I would whinge because my hair was too thick, boring and normal when I was younger, along with other image issues.

How I would kid with my best friend whether he'd still love me if all my hair fell out—never giving a second thought that it might actually happen.

And then a really cruel thing happened. I finally was happy with myself and the way I looked, finally feeling good about my image and the way I presented myself. Finally, I felt like life was getting started. And then all of my hair fell out.

It fell out all over my shoulders throughout the day, clumps would come out tangled through my fingers in the shower, I would wake to find my pillow covered in hair. What else can I say? It was traumatic.

I wore a beanie everyday, bringing to the front what I had left of my lovely long brown/orange tinged hair, disguising my alopecia.

I went to hair clinics, dermatologists, doctors, hair specialists. All to tell me, that my hair may or may not grow back at all, and that I was the strangest case of Alopecia Areata they'd seen.

I suffered (and still to this day suffer) from chronic depression, panic attacks, and anxiety, not wanting to face the world, consumed in my hairloss and 'ugliness'.

Then I found Alopecia World, and everyone here; that felt the same as I did, and been through what I had been through. Suddenly I felt beautiful.I realised that my statements, and poetry inspired others here, and that there are so many of us struggling with this auto-immune disease.My personality and soul had been so smothered by sadness and grief from losing my hair, that I had forgot what it meant to be me.

After a long time of secrecy, and hiding one day I decided enough was enough. Here I am trying to inspire others, and only my closest friends and family even knew I was bald. So what did I do, you may ask.

I bought a long wig (drastically different to the short one I had been wearing for the past year), conjured up a little statement, took a photo and posted it on Facebook. This is what it read:

So after a year of hiding myself, I thought I ought to introduce myself proper like to ease some minds.

Hello, I'm Amy-Rose.
I have Alopecia Areata.
Incurable (so far) Auto immune disease.
I buy really expensive hair so I can look like you all.
Don't like it? I don't really care.
Want to know more? PM me.

Oh heeeey long hair.

All I received was love, support, and lovely compliments from everyone I know. It made me feel accepted, it made my heart glow.

Here I am today; bald, wearing wigs, turbans, hats, and drawing on eyebrows, I'm finally happy—and everyone knows it.

And for anyone struggling themselves, know that you are never alone.

Views: 987

Comment by Laura (Sam's mom) on May 22, 2013 at 6:40pm

Awesome testimony of Dare to be Different!
Use your difference to make a difference!
Above all else.....Just be YOURSELF!

Comment by SpartanKid on May 22, 2013 at 8:30pm

Thank-You for sharing your Beautiful story.

Comment by Jocelia Cristina Lopes Secco on May 22, 2013 at 11:33pm

parabéns fico muito feliz que você se aceitou...

Comment by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on May 23, 2013 at 1:51am
your story resembles my own and the experience I received after joining AW. Continue inspiring others with your story. you are beautiful
Comment by marks on May 23, 2013 at 5:34am

Nice one !! To be honest, i still think it is a hell of alot easier for men than women. KNowing this it still stressed me out when the bald head was first shown to friends, family and work collegues. When the hair came back, the same people tho9ught i looked strange with hair. Ha HA - you can't win so do what you need to do and keep living !!

Comment by vanava on May 24, 2013 at 12:46am
Thats a very beautiful story ...hope on day can have enough strong to handle my Alopecia same way you did
Comment by sueb on May 24, 2013 at 10:36am

Way to go Amy Rose! May God bless you in this journey. You definitely aren't alone and this is a great groups of folks to support you! I've lost ALL of my hair, wear a custom wig, hats, draw eyebrows and line my eyes since I don't have eyelashes. Just recently my hair is growing back on my arms and legs. DARN I have to start shaving my legs again. :-) Just know that you are a beautiful young lady inside and out no matter what!

Comment by Mommito3 on May 24, 2013 at 12:46pm
I enjoyed your story very much. Thank you for sharing (: I have to say I have been on a long journey as well. Know one else can really understand what we go thru. My hair has grown back some since I have had the injections in my head but now I suffer from severe migraines even after stopping treatment. It's very painful but I am going to see a neurologist soon..Ty again- take care
Comment by Anyanwu Chinyere Oby on May 29, 2013 at 10:36am

Am glad for you that you took that huge step ,well done and remain beautiful

Comment by vanava on May 29, 2013 at 10:49am
thanks is always very good read all ...this is very good place to visit

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