Trying to come to terms with my alopecia

Hi, everyone.

I'm new to this website but I should have been on here a while ago. I am 22 years old, and I was diagnosed with a diffuse form of Alopecia Areata in August of 2015. I am writing because I just need support from others who have gone through, or going through what I am . No one around me understands what I am going through (and I don't blame them), but it is extremely difficult to get through it and talk about it with people who don't understand. My goal is to come to terms with my Alopecia and allow it to make me stronger. I don't want it to control my life and happiness any longer.

My story:

My hair began falling out in April of 2015 and by August I had lost 95% of it. I then resorted to a wig which I hated wearing (but I guess it got the job done). Luckily, that next month in September 2015 my hair began to grow back and I was able to stop wearing my wig until early June of 2016. I thought the worst was over and it was behind me. However this past August 2016, I noticed two small patches on the top and back of my head. They have now grown to the size of softballs and continue to grow. I am hopeful each day it will stop though.

I am hopeful to talk to and get feedback from others who are basically hating their life just like me right now, or who have learned to not care if they are bald and embrace it. I want to get through this and finally accept this. I think a big thing for me is self-image and identity, as anyone else struggles with if you have Alopecia. I want to learn to not care as much about what others think and about looks because society puts such a big emphasis on this, which is why it is so hard for us to live with.

I want to maybe change my diet or something if that helps but that's a big change for me to do. As of right now I just want to help myself so I can remain emotionally stable.

Thanks so much Alopecia World and to everyone on this site, and for those whose are reading my first blog post. I need your support.

Thank you!

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Comment by Christi Q. on January 24, 2017 at 2:19pm

It truly is so difficult to accept and deal with my dear. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking it's just a nightmare....only to realize it's my reality. I have not been sick (cold, flu, etc.) since 2009. My immune system is a mighty sword....so WHY is it attacking my beautiful hair? It's mind boggling and so disappointing. We are all here for each other. Stay in touch!

Comment by Christi Q. on January 24, 2017 at 2:08pm

Comment by MegElisabeth on January 6, 2017 at 1:59pm
Hi rachel!
Your story caught my eye... I'm 24 I found out that I had alopecia when I was in middle school. Mainly small spots, easy to "hide" and also easy to treat. It has been mainly spots small sizes ranging from quarter sizes to the softball size you are talking about as well.

It's a difficult thing because we are girls and we LOVE our hair. I have been getting treatment for over ten years. The steroid injection treatment has helped me. I recently stopped the treatment due to some other health issues. The injections don't prevent new spots from forming only help ones we have. For ten years I would find that I would have maximum 5 spots scattered around my head. More recently it would be similar spots, around my ears, top of my head, and underneath. It turned for the worse for me in June 2016.

Lost most of the hair on the top of my head, but got treated. After so I stopped treatment. All of my hair grew back on the top but today I am facing full baldness underneath, on my ear line, and underneath. I have larger spots than I have ever had.

I understand your story. It is hard to relate to someone and talk to someone who doesn't go through it too. I tried yoga and meditation where I hear it helps to relax and get your mind at ease. I suggest it!

I know it is hard, it's been ten years for me and to be honest I don't think I am "at ease" with it yet. My friends and family are my biggest support but what about those who don't know? I am self conscious about it everyday... but I tell myself that life is too happy to be sad about hair. But hey easier said than done right?!

Have you tried any treatment, new shampoo, hair growth topical?

Xo Megan

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