It's no surprise that the number one question asked when you show a doctor or specialist your hair loss is, ''are you stressed?''. Our state of mind determines the course of our hours, days and lives. It affects our health, our sleep, productivity and so much more.
I believe that our stress and environment play’s a HUGE part in our hair loss and health issues in general. Stress that is not managed effectively can weaken our body and cause symptoms that effect the brain, skin, gut, cardiovascular, reproductive system, joints and muscles and immune system.
These symptoms can look like depression and anxiety, hair loss, brittle nails, acne/dry skin, high cholestrol and high blood pressure, increased inflammation, muscle tightness/pain, lowered immune defenses, weakened immune system, increased risk of illness, disrupt nutrient absorption, constipation, indigestion, bloating, pain/discomfort, decreased hormone production, decrease in libido, increase in PMS symptoms and so much more.
Examples of unhealthy stress include inadequate recovery from physical, mental and emotional stress of any kind. This could be related to exercise, constant worrying and repetitive thoughts of a negative nature, and even emotions such as depression and anxiety (Cleveland Clinic, 2017).
There are so many illnesses that derive from stress, and hair loss is one of the most common symptoms. When we’re stressed, our adrenal glands produce this hormone called cortisol, and then the cortisone signals our hair follicles to shift from the growth phase, out of growth phase into catagen [a transition phase], and then hair will fall out. This is called telogen effluvium.
The most common types of hair loss most related to stress are: Telogen Effluvium (excessive daily hair shedding), Alopecia Areata (hair loss in areas), Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and Androgenic Alopecia (hair thinning). Each individual’s trigger point for Alopecia can be different, but it is reported that 90% of cases are associated with stress, shock, bereavement, illness or an accident.
Personally, I can relate to this very well as I have had a stressful childhood growing up and have always been the type of individual to internalize stress! When I did some digging deeper on the relationship between stress and our health, I realized how detrimental it can actually be if it goes unattended. I know stress is inevitable but there are definitely roles we play in exasperating our responses to stressful situations and problems. We may not have any control over what goes on in life, but we do have control in how we respond to this and what kind of measures we take to keep our bodies calm and in check. Here are some things I find are super effective when it comes to stress management.
Talking It Out
Talking out your worries and stresses to a trusted person in your life can truly make all the difference. I know sometimes we can feel very alone and as if no one would understand, especially when it comes to something like hair loss because not everyone goes through it, but trust me, it helps. I used to be the type of individual who would just internalize everything and to be honest I still do sometimes, but whenever I have spoken about it with someone I trust and know can handle my emotions, it has made a significant difference.
Crying It Out
It is literally a fact that crying makes us feel good. It is self-soothing and shedding emotional tears release oxytocin and endorphins. These chemicals make people feel good and may also ease physical and emotional pain. There’s nothing wrong with letting out your emotions and crying it out, its important to be real and raw with yourself no matter what the situation may be, and allow yourself to feel however you’re feeling.
Journaling
Journaling is an amazing way to let out your emotions out, especially if you don’t feel comfortable or have someone to talk to. I like to have a specific journal for this and just let out all of my emotions on the pages and it genuinely makes a huge difference!
Meditation
If you’re an overthinker like me, you’ll know it can be so hard to clear your mind of constant thoughts sometimes especially when you’re stressed. Meditation is a great way to clear your mind and interline your mind and body to calm down. I like to use some applications on my phone and dedicate a couple of minutes when I feel like I need it most, and it has a massive impact on your stress levels and keeping yourself calm.
Reading
I find that when I lose motivation or feel like I’m falling back into a low state, reading a good book really helps me. This can be any book, but I tend to focus on some self-help books that offer advice or simply just validate how I’m feeling. A good book I would recommend that I’m currently reading too is 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin.
Exploring Creative Outlets
I never used to think I was a good artist so I would shy away from things like painting/drawing etc. I decided to give it a go not too long ago by following some tutorials and found that this was amazing for my stress levels. There are so many things you could explore as an creative outlet such as painting, drawing, sewing, coloring, the list goes on! By finding things to use your energy towards, you are less likely to allow those thoughts manifest into something greater.
Turn Your Pain into Purpose
Creating a platform to help other people like me was probably one of the best thing’s I could have done for my mental health. If you feel comfortable to do so, there could be ways to turn your pain into purpose, you just need to find the best way to do this. For me, I decided to do a degree in therapeutic psychology and pursue becoming a counsellor, while creating my Alopecia Instagram to help others like me.
Now, a lot of my energy goes into talking to people and creating content about my experiences that I know will help other girls like me. For you, it could be anything! You could start a blog or a page dedicated to others with similar experiences, or it could be joining a charity or organization that helps other people suffering with the same thing as you, it really could be anything!
The point in doing this, is that you will start to find beauty in your pain once you realize how much it has taught you and prepared you for what may be to come. The lessons you learn throughout your struggle are extremely valuable, you could help one or many people with those lessons and develop amazing parts of your character because of what you have gone through!
Try & Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep can affect sleep quality and duration, while insufficient slepe can increase your stress levels. Both stress and a lack of sleep can lead to lasting physical and mental health problems. Try to aim towards getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per day.
Seek Professional Help
Going to therapy can be a very effective way to manage your stress if you feel like it is becoming unbearable. Sometimes it really does help to speak to someone who doesn't know you and who can offer you effective mechanisms for stress management, it makes a huge difference!
Everyone has different ways of managing stress, so find what works for you! This is just a reminder and an insight for those who may take the link between our health and stress lightly. I know some of you may be in stressful situations or environments that you can’t currently pull yourself out of, but it doesn’t mean you can’t implement these strategies to stop it from controlling your body. If you have no one to talk to or feel alone please do message me! I will always try my hardest to respond and be there.
@analopecianstory
'' It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it''