There are numerous potential causes of hair loss, including preexisting medical issues, drugs, hereditary factors, abrupt episodes of stress, and even certain hair care and treatment practices. But regardless of the reason, experiencing significant hair loss can have a negative impact on both sense of self and mental health.
When individual strands of hair start to fall out, we experience a gradual shift in our sense of self since our identity is intertwined with our hair in such a profound way. The feelings, worry, and anxiety accompanying hair loss should not be overlooked. Hair loss can be brought on by various things, including medical disorders like iron deficiency anemia or underactive thyroid.
A variety of stresses can cause hair loss, and depression is not an exception to this rule. People struggling with mental health issues like depression and anxiety may have trouble sleeping or modifying their eating habits, all of which may have a detrimental impact on the health of their hair.
Anxiety can induce high blood pressure, which can raise your chance of hair loss. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by not eating a balanced diet to provide enough iron in the body. Although mental health conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can affect the rate at which your hair grows, losing your hair can also affect your mental well-being.
Because losing one’s hair can be an unpleasant experience for many people, hair loss can lead to a reduction in self-esteem, emotions of attractiveness or achievement, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Coping With Hair Loss and Depression
See a physician so that he can diagnose the problem. You will be relieved to know that there are several things you can undertake to manage the psychological effects of hair loss.
Stress and other factors that can strain mental health have been linked to hair loss in some cases, but it is essential to rule out potential physical health problems that could be the underlying reason for the excessive hair shedding.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, hair loss can be caused by several factors, including conditions associated with the thyroid gland, deficiencies in certain nutrients, sexually transmitted diseases, and scalp psoriasis.
These are just some factors that can interfere with a normal hair growth cycle and health. The causes of hair loss can sometimes be complex and interrelated. It is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician and have that discussion to address what may be happening within your body since it may go far beyond hair loss connected to heredity or the natural aging process. Some of the ways to cope with psychological effect of hair loss include the following:
Talk Things Over with A Skilled Stylist
There are a lot of hairstylists that have received specialized training to assist clients who are searching for ways to conceal the traces of hair loss in their appearance.
A hairstylist can trim or style the hair in a fashion that conceals thinning regions on the scalp or receding hairlines, and they can also offer products that might create the impression of a thicker head of hair. You can gain control over the hair by using tinted powders, shampoos, and gels that improve the volume of a natural wig or hairpiece.
Talk To Someone
If your hair’s thinning is negatively impacting your sense of self-esteem or value, or if it is causing problems in the relationships that are important to you, you may wish to discuss the issue with a therapist. The competent therapist will listen to you without passing judgment and will assist you in working through the emotions that the loss of your hair may be causing you to experience.
A therapist is available to assist you in treating stress and anxiety if it is determined that these conditions are the root cause of hair loss. Although there aren’t many therapists who focus directly on hair loss difficulties, many have expertise in treating anxiety and problems connected to body image and self-esteem.
Keep In Mind That It Might Grow Back
As stated by Cleveland Clinic, telogen effluvium, also known as hair loss brought on by stress or shock, is typically a temporary problem. A temporary hair loss may also be caused by drugs, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, pregnancy, or significant weight loss. Remind yourself that most of these conditions only last for a short period and that your body may regain the ability to generate hair like it did in the past.
Attend Support Groups
You are not the only one dealing with the psychological and emotional difficulties that come along with hair loss. You can receive solace and motivation from those who are going through the same experiences as you in the numerous support groups that are accessible online and in person.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
Adding healthy habits to your arsenal provides triple the effects, as it will not only support your general physical well-being but also help your psychological health and the condition of your hair. A varied and well-balanced diet might be a straightforward approach to give your body the nutrients it requires for healthy hair and a healthy mind. Because proteins serve as the foundation for hair, ensuring that you consume a proper amount of them is an excellent strategy for fostering healthy hair follicles.
Eating various nutritious meals makes it easier to consume sufficient amounts of several other minerals and vitamins important to maintaining healthy hair. These include vitamins A, B-7, C, and E and minerals such as zinc and iron. It would be best if you also thought about adding a hair-specific medication to your regimen to provide an additional boost.
Get A Sufficient Amount of Sleep
During sleep, the body has the opportunity to reset, replenish, and mend itself. In addition, it promotes healthy immunological and cognitive function, clear skin, higher energy levels, and healthy hair.
Conclusion
Losing one’s hair may be a very upsetting and stressful experience that can negatively impact one’s mental, emotional, and even physical health. It would be best to keep in mind that you are not going to be the only person going through something like this, as the emotions that accompany hair loss may be complicated and far-reaching.
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