Coping with Stress During Hair Loss

Every person on this planet deals with stress at one time or another. From major life changes to daily inconveniences, we’ve all managed our way through the waves of stress throughout our lives.

Does stress cause hair loss?

The anxiety that comes with hair loss—especially at the beginning of the process—can be bothersome at best, and even debilitating for some. When an issue like hair loss arises, it can be difficult to find ways to cope with the new stress. If you’ve noticed a rise in stress levels since experiencing hair loss, take matters into your own hands and test out some of these steps that can help you minimize the pressures in your life.

Explore Your Options

One of the best ways to directly cope with your hair related stress is to learn the nitty gritty details of what is causing your hair loss, as well as what can be done to combat it. Talk to your doctor to get a deeper understanding of why it is happening and what treatment options are available. Do some independent research into your condition so that you are informed on the topic. Look into what other women are doing to cope with their hair loss, and find inspiration from those who are already going through it.

By taking the time to fully understand the specifics of your hair loss and getting a full scope of what you can do, you can get rid of any uncertainties you may have about your situation. You’ll feel more in control, confident, and better equipped to move forward. Taking the power into your own hands will make you feel prepared for the process, and as a result your stress will diminish.

Beyond exploring the treatment side of your hair loss, look into fun and fashionable ways to work with the changes in your hair. Try out new hairstyles, shop for some scarves and hats that complement your outfits, play with bold makeup, or mix up your cut. Rather than dreading these changes, look at your hair loss as a new opportunity to play with your look. Bringing fun to your situation will help switch your mindset and release the stress associated with it.

Talk It Out

The simple act of talking can allow you to let go of stress. Talk to someone you can trust to listen to your complaints without judgment. Even if they can’t offer you a solution, having someone listen to your issues and provide support can take a huge weight off your shoulders.

If you are craving encouragement from someone who can relate to you, look into support groups in your area or online. Both physical and virtual women’s hair loss support groups are plentiful, and you’ll be able to find a community that can empathize. The types of support groups are vast, so you’ll easily connect with a group of women who understand your perspective. Besides the obvious benefit of talking through your problems with others, you never know what you may learn from other people who are going through a similar situation.

Write It Down

Sometimes, we simply aren’t in the mood to talk to others. If you aren’t feeling particularly chatty, try writing out your complaints in a journal. The act of writing down your frustrations can benefit you in a similar way to venting to a loved one—you can get those thoughts out in the open, and in a way find release from your stressors. While talking is always a great option, keep a journal on hand for those moments when you’d rather focus inward and put your thoughts to paper.

Find Gratitude

Hair loss is a distressing experience to go through, and you certainly don’t want to diminish the emotions surrounding it. However, it is also important to bring light to the positive aspects of your life, no matter how large or small they may be. Gratitude has been proven to reduce stress, so bring some thankfulness into your everyday life. One of the best ways to do this is by starting a gratitude journal. Simply spend five minutes every day writing down three things you are grateful for. It can be anything from a great cup of coffee before work to a relaxed movie night with your family.

 If a gratitude journal isn’t up your alley, there are other ways to easily bring gratitude into your life. Set a daily reminder on your phone to think of something you’re grateful for, or use your phone notes section as your digital gratitude journal. The habit of doing this daily will help shift your mindset towards gratitude, and in turn divert the attention from stress related to your hair loss.

Get Physical

Bringing movement to your body is one of the best ways to manage stress, and is commonly recommended by healthcare professionals. You don’t have to be a gym rat in order to reduce stress with exercise. Find ways to get moving that are enjoyable to you, so that it feels like more of a relief than a chore. It could be as simple as going for a walk around the neighborhood, finding a quick workout on YouTube to do in your living room, or going to a yoga class.

It’s easy to neglect exercise when we are feeling overwhelmed, but it is truly one of the best tools we have to cope with our stress. Ensure you are including physical activity in your routine at least a few times a week, and you’ll find yourself letting go of the stress that is building up.

Get Your Z’s

When you’re stressed about something, it’s easy to lay wide awake in your bed mulling over your problems. A lack of sleep will only exacerbate your stress, so it’s important to do what you can to make sure you are getting a good night’s sleep.

Of course, it’s much easier said than done, but there are things you can do to help you relax into a deep slumber. Try turning off all screens an hour before you go to bed to limit your light exposure. Take care of any light that leaks into your room to make it as dark as possible. Install a white noise app on your phone. If you’re a meditator, quiet your mind for a couple minutes before bed to release your stressful thoughts. Find ways to create the best sleep space and mood for you so that you’ll sleep easier once your head hits the pillow.

Be Patient

As you are going through this change, you likely will be experiencing a lot of emotions. From frustration to anger to sadness, it’s important to give yourself permission to work through these feelings in a way that works best for you. Don’t feel the need to immediately accept your situation and move on—if you want to be angry, be angry! Take the time that you need, and allow yourself to feel any emotions that come up. As you use the above methods to let go of stress, be patient with yourself, and find comfort in knowing that it’s okay to feel any of the negative emotions that you are feeling every now and then.