Alison Collison
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Hi Everyone

I am updating my profile - because I feel very different since the time I joined Alopecia World. Just to 'fill' everyone in - over the past 3 years - I have slowly but steadily lost every hair on my head & body. I would be lying if it has not been a horrid, horrid experience.

I am a Social Worker - so I understand that everything in life can not be controlled and also that every life experience is a process. Coping with alopecia is a process. Good days, bad days....no days that you can control. I had to come to terms with this. I cried everyday and my emotions were raw. I went through the emotional process of loss. It feels like a death and in many ways it is. BUT...... now I am through most of the pain... and want to share with you all how I feel now and how all of us can feel.

I feel vulnerable yet strong. I feel empowered. I feel a new appreciation for all the good things in life. I feel I have the ability to put experiences in perspective, I feel nurtured by those around me, I feel passion, I feel positive. I feel like my alopecia was a gift - I get to experience life differently - yet I am completely healthy. I now know what it truly feels like to need my friends and family.

I hope that my words can help some people out there. Don't get me wrong - I some days where I still cry and feel sad.... but not often.....because I am still me - with or without hair.... actually - I am a better me....

Have a great day everyone....
Alison
Do you have alopecia?
Alopecia universalis
Are you age 18 or older?
Yes - I am 18 or older

Comment Wall (6 comments)

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At 7:18pm on October 27, 2009, Margeaux said…
I am in therapy and have been for five years. Five times a week actually. I have been engaged in a very deep analysis. Before AA I appreciated this process and benefited greatly. Since AA I have a totally different opinion about analysis. I guess I don't feel like having insight or being emotionally available right now. I am wanting skills to help me cope and adapt. Oddly enough I have found Montel Williams speeches on dealing with MS more helpful. Did you initially have this response in your therapy? I know I need to talk to her about it. I did today and while she stated that she was glad that I told her about my disappointments which will help strengthen our bond, she still tried to intellectualize what I was going through. It was frustrating. How was therapy helpful for you? This sounds so crazy to even say given that I am in training to be a therapist. That is one thing for sure...AA has turned my life upside down.
At 8:22pm on October 23, 2009, Margeaux said…
Hey Alison, I am in the mental health field as well and I am wondering how you handled Au and working with your clients. Did you tell your clients about it? Did they ask? How did you make that transition?
At 4:08pm on May 2, 2009, LeslieAnn Butler said…
Hello and welcome, Alison!
Yes, I know how difficult this is for you. I've had it for about 30 years. After I became the spokesperson for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, a lot of women were needing my help and support, so I wrote a book called, "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" You can find out more on my page -- and it's available on this site under "Bookshelf." Let me know if there's anything else I can do!
LeslieAnn
At 10:49pm on April 29, 2009, Carol Yuen said…
Welcome Alison,

I am from Toronto too. Nice to meet you. Alopecia sucks but so does many other things in the world. I have been diagnosed for 3 months, I think I can live with alopecia if I have nice wigs. I hope you feel better too.
At 2:52pm on April 29, 2009, Heather L said…
Hello Alison!

Welcome to alopecia world! Interesting you mentioned feeling a sensation on your head before your hair loss. I almost alway can feel a spot coming before I see it! Usually a little tingly and itchy! Oh joy! :(

AW has also made me feel less isolated. I am happy you joined! You are not alone!

Have a great day,
Heather
At 2:17am on April 29, 2009, Roger said…
Welcome.

Roger.
 
 
 

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