Dealing with the Psychological Impact of Alopecia

Published on: 13 November 2018 Last Updated on: 30 October 2024

Alopecia is a chronic disease that can lead to partial or, more frequently, complete hair loss. It is a disease that affects both men and women, and individuals of all ages. Despite it being a common and wide-reaching disease, very little is known about alopecia. It has no known cause and no known cure for example.

Many people, particularly women, find that wearing ladies’ wigs helps with alopecia by enabling them to hide their hair loss and maintain their former identity. Some people choose not to cover their hair loss, owning their baldness as a new part of who they are. There is no right or wrong answer. One thing that we do know for sure is that although alopecia is a physical disease, it can have a profound impact on the mental health of those who suffer from it. Struggling with alopecia and the impact this is having on your mood and your sense of self. Here are some handy hints to help you deal with the psychological impact of alopecia:

What is the Psychological Impact of Alopecia?

Studies have shown that around forty percent of women who suffer from alopecia experience some form of social problems as a result of the depression and anxiety they experience because of their condition. These social problems can include issues within their marriages, families and friendship groups. The problem worsens in the workplace, with 63 percent of women reporting career-related issues as a direct or indirect result of their alopecia. Other psychological problems that sufferers of alopecia are more prone to experiencing include depression, anxiety, and social phobias. Because alopecia is classed as a disfiguring disorder (one that permanently changes your appearance) it stands to reason that some individuals may have to deal with ongoing feelings of loss for their hair as well as issues relating to their self-identity and any changes of confidence that may come with this. It’s important to remember that whilst alopecia doesn’t cause any physical pain, it does lead to emotional and psychological pain and these symptoms should be taken just as seriously. Alopecia is a very serious condition that can completely change your life, and it is important to take the time to acknowledge this and to grieve for your former self, and for the hair that you have lost if you think that this will be helpful for you.

What Can You Do?

Struggling to cope with the psychological impact of having alopecia? This is completely normal, but there are some things that you can do that will help you to deal with the transition a little better. Firstly, if you think you may be suffering from depression then it’s important to seek help and support. Signs of depression include feeling sad, anxious or empty inside. Lossing interest or pleasure from hobbies and other activities that you used to enjoy. Difficulty sleeping, making decisions or engaging with others. Changes to your weight or appetite. Thoughts of death, suicide, or a general feeling that the world would be better without you in it. The first thing you should do if you experience any of these symptoms is to both talk to those around you and seek the support of your GP. Don’t try to deal with depression alone: the more you can share your feelings with others, the easier your condition will be to treat.

If you are struggling to deal with the changes to your self-identity then one solution is to start wearing a wig. Modern wigs are not the ugly, itchy things they were twenty years ago: in fact, many modern wigs are so realistically constructed that no one would ever know you were wearing one. This may help you to feel like your old self and give you the confidence boost you need to go out, socialize, and otherwise live a normal life.

It doesn’t matter whether you choose to wear a wig or not. But if you would like to meet with and talk to other people who know exactly what you’re going through then you may find it helpful to join an alopecia support group. You will find alopecia support groups in most major towns and cities across the UK: if you’re struggling to find one then your GP may be able to offer advice. These groups are a wonderful way to learn more about your condition, build a new social circle, and gain the support of individuals who really understand what you’re going through.

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Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing

Hearing loss isn't always something that can be prevented. Sometimes loss of hearing is just something that happens as you get older. But in an increasingly loud and busy world, hearing loss might be caused early or worsened by the environment around you. And once you're hearing is gone, it can be gone for good. Can you imagine life without being able to hear? It's a scary thought for many and should be. And yet, very few of us take the proper precautions in protecting our ears and our hearing. That changes now. If you're committed to the concept of ear health and protecting your hearing, read on. We'll discuss several ways to help ensure that your hearing stays strong and true for many years to come. The Case For Earplugs : You likely rolled your eyes back in your youth when your parents advised you to wear earplugs to that rock and roll concert. But they were on to something. Approximately 15% of Americans lose hearing as a result of too-loud work or leisure environments. If you work or spend lots of time in an environment where the sound level forces you to shout to be able to communicate, it's likely that the sound levels there are dangerously high. This loudness could be due to a concert or club, or even more often, due to some form of loud and consistent machinery. If you know that you spend many hours around this kind of noise level, you should absolutely invest in a good pair of earplugs. Earplugs are easy to obtain, generally affordable, and can even be made individualized for your ears upon request. They can dampen the level of sound coming in from your environment by a significant margin, helping to curb the possible loss of hearing. Keep The Volume Low : According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people each year are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of audio devices. Earbuds, like the popular headphones designed by Apple, are especially dangerous for ear health as they fit directly into the eardrum. If you're a music lover, you probably spend a lot of time listening to music on headphones. If you care about the health of your ears, though, you should make an effort to keep the volume at a lower level. Doctors recommend a philosophy they've dubbed the 60/60 rule. The rule is a recommendation that you listen to music through headphones at 60% volume for less than 60 minutes a day for the benefit of your hearing. Even when not listening to headphones, you should aim to keep music played at a normal level to ensure long-lasting ear health. Avoid Cotton Swabs : One of the most common items in any household bathroom cabinet is a jar of cotton swabs. These little tools have been used by people to clean out ear wax for years and years, but it's only more recently that their nefarious reputation has begun to reach the public. It actually turns out that a little wax in the ears is both healthy and normal. Ears are self-cleaning organs and the wax in your ears actually serves to prevent dust and other particles from entering your eardrum. If you do have excess wax, it is not advisable that you use a cotton swab. You can very easily damage your eardrum by using a cotton swab. Instead, considering using a damp towel to gently clean around the canal. There are also various ear wax solutions that are available in stores. These are applied to the ears overnight and can help to dissolve and soften ear wax so that it can flow out of the inner ear on its own. Keep Your Ears Dry : Another frequent cause of ear damage is extra moisture. Excess moisture can allow bacteria to enter the ear canal and cause serious problems, such as a swimmer's ear or other infections. Following swims at the pool or beach, showers or baths, or any other water-related activity, you should be sure to gently towel-dry your ears. If you can feel the moisture in your ear following swimming or bathing, tilt your head to the side and tug lightly on your eardrum to help water drain out. There are also specially designed swimmer's earplugs available on the market, which can help prevent water from entering your eardrum during a swim. They work great for any age, kids or adults, and can be individually fitted for your ear by a licensed physician. Consider Getting Regular Check-Ups : Especially as you get older, you should ask your physician to incorporate hearing screenings into your regular checkups. Hearing loss doesn't happen in a flash of light, it is a very gradual process. It's recommended, then, that you have yearly consultations with a hearing healthcare professional, who can recognize the signs of hearing loss while it is still in the early stages. Taking action against hearing loss is important, as is discussing it with your doctor. Loss of hearing has been linked to other health concerns such as depression, dementia, and heart disease. Establishing a relationship with your doctor in regards to ear health early on can contribute to better overall health later on. If you do find yourself losing hearing, you should ensure to invest in a proper hearing aid. With all the advances in rechargeable hearing aids over the past few years, they now serve people with hearing impairment much better. A well-designed hearing aid can help improve the quality of life for someone who has lost hearing and can stave off the other health issues previously mentioned. If you're interested in the best hearing aids on the market, you can learn more here. Read Also : 5 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthier Smile Essential Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil Must-Have Appliances For A Healthier Life

A Guide To Process Painting And How It Benefits Women’s Mental Health

Expressive arts therapy, such as process painting, serves as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind. Its primary focus is to shed light on blocked or stagnant areas in therapy. By emphasizing the creative process rather than just verbal communication, it unveils new insights or meanings that traditional talk therapy might not uncover. The best thing about them is that they're suitable for people of almost any age, as it has the core potential to improve your — Emotional, Spiritual, Cognitive, and Physical wellness. You wouldn't need artistic talent, but within this therapy, various methods intensify and enrich the experience — especially for an emotionally troubled woman. But what is a process painting group? How do they operate? What are the positives they can have on you? We have answered all of these questions elaborately through this article. So, without any further ado, let's get started with the same right away. What is Process Painting? "Process painting" is all about focusing more on how you paint rather than just the final picture. Instead of caring a lot about being really good or making something perfect, it's about enjoying the act of painting itself. In this approach, the canvas works like a playground for expressing yourself without worrying about being skilled or getting a perfect result. Process painting sets you free from the stress of being perfect, or meeting set rules. Instead, it's about enjoying making art without worrying about how good it looks. You let your feelings and ideas guide your painting without judging yourself. It's like a journey where each stroke and color helps you explore your thoughts and emotions. While this type of mindful activity can be done alone, doing it with a group of people can boost its benefits even more. Move on to the next section to learn more about it. The Benefits of Process Painting Process painting can open a new window of spark and mindfulness in your mind and assist you in thinking better or more efficiently. Let's keep reading to know more about it. 1: It Can Encourage Your Unfolding Unconscious When people use creative activities like painting, dancing, or making sculptures, hidden thoughts and feelings can surface without them realizing it. Unlike just talking about things, these activities help bring out stuff that might otherwise stay hidden. For example, looking at a picture might remind someone of a forgotten memory, or making a mask might help someone understand a new side of themselves. Whether someone uses the art materials or their own abilities like singing or moving, these activities help bring out thoughts and feelings that might be hard to explain with words. 2: It Creates a Line of Communication between You and Your Therapist Expressive arts therapy helps people communicate deeply, both in what they say and what they create. When someone expresses themselves through art or movement, it mostly brings out new emotions and thoughts. For instance, making a dance piece might bring up unexpected feelings that can then be talked about with a therapist. The art itself, like a painting representing grief, can add more layers of meaning and become a starting point for a conversation about the colors, lines, and symbols used. 3: Helps You Get Control Over Yourself and the Therapeutic Process Creating a physical representation of your thoughts or emotions can help you feel more in control. For instance, drawing how you feel something can reveal things you might not realize consciously. It also lets you step back and observe your feelings from a distance, which can be really helpful, especially with tough memories. Like watching a movie, talking about your experience as an observer can help you detach from any painful feelings at the moment. 4: It May Give a Spark to Your Therapy Expressive arts therapy helps people imagine and discover new things. It's like a lightbulb moment where you find something new or understand something in a different way. It can help you get unstuck, uncover hidden feelings, and understand the past better. It gives you a new way to express yourself, especially when words don't capture what you're going through. 5: It Can Support Integrative Learning Encouraging people to explore unknown knowledge within themselves is usually boosted by experiencing things through different senses. When we combine these experiences, they create new thoughts, feelings, and images that we wouldn't typically have. For instance, asking someone to focus on the sounds around them can lead to uncovering emotions or sensations they hadn't noticed before, like hidden pain. Process Painting - The Procedure Process painting, as a therapeutic procedure, usually follows a set of rules or steps. We've given a glimpse of the same here. However, if you want to know more about it, be sure to join one of the process painting groups. This will give you a practical experience of the same. 1: Set the Space for Process Painting Setting up the right environment is essential for the painting process. A calm, brightly lit area with enough space to move around enables artists to completely engage in the creative process. Supplies like acrylic or tempera paints, different brush sizes, canvas, paper, and other preferred tools are arranged, encouraging free exploration without constraints. 2: Begin without Any Expectation Individuals start by selecting a color or dipping a brush into the palette without predetermined notions. Once the brush touches the canvas or surface, the painting journey begins. The focus, in general, is on embracing the present, enabling colors to mix freely, and allowing organic shapes and forms to take shape spontaneously. 3: Embracing the Flow During the painting session, people engage with the artwork as it develops, trying out different colors, strokes, and techniques to explore textures and dimensions. They prioritize the creative process over the final outcome, embracing a free-flowing approach without criticism. Read Also: 10 healthy Habits to improve your health How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health Living Healthily | Six Crucial Lifestyle Tips for College Freshmen

Medicare Pros and Cons: Everything You Need to Know before Enrolling

Given that more than 40 million Americans benefit from what Medicare has to offer, there are many ways for older adults to stay healthy. Those with disabilities or who might be on the edge of the income limits should know the Medicare pros and cons before enrolling. There are plenty of reasons to choose Medicare or something else, so you need to know what suits your lifestyle. Here are some of the most common pros and cons that people bring up when they're struggling with this decision. Pro: Coverage for the Uncovered: One of the reasons that Medicare is such a powerful coverage tool is that it has offered coverage to millions of people who didn't have it. With this program, elder adults are covered and protected from medical catastrophes. With only half a million seniors uninsured from year to year now, it's made it so that almost no one over 65 has to live without protection. Because Medicare is for those who need it and have little means, it helps keep more Americans protected than ever. Without it, elderly Americans would be forced to pay for medical treatment they couldn't afford. Older people tend to need the most medical care, and so it's vital that they have affordable and manageable care. Since elderly Americans are often retired, they don't have the means to keep up with rising medical costs. People with disabilities get help under Medicare to pay for the challenging costs of care. Without this aid, they would be dependant on caretakers and stuck with few options for care. Con: There Are Massive Costs to Cover It: Put all the costs of Medicare together and you'll find that it costs nearly half a trillion dollars. While this might be a hard figure to quantify, it ends up being 15 percent of all of our federal spending. It's only going to continue to grow in the future. While there are several items in the federal budget that we don't question the cost of, this is one we have to consider in a realistic sense. The costs of medical care are constantly climbing ever higher and leading to insurmountable bills for the average American. Without any intervention by the federal government, the cost of healthcare and the cost of providing programs like Medicare will take a big cut out of taxes. Without Medicare, we would have a much bigger tax base. However, we would have people who are constantly sick and in need of care, clinics that are filled to the brim, and elderly people who had no way to care for themselves. While we could do some work to ensure that the money we have is spent more wisely, for now, we can imagine this money going to education or social justice. While it could help with programs to eliminate poverty, ultimately, more than half of bankruptcies are due to high medical bills. Pro: Get More with Medicare Advantage: For people who need more medical care than the average person, there are ways to supplement Medicare. Those people who find that they're at the limits of their Medicare coverage can sign up for the Medicare Advantage plan. Enrollment in this program is constantly growing and should be a powerful way for people to cover those massive increases in medical fees. Paying for private insurance is difficult if you're in the tax bracket eligible for Medicare. It's also redundant given that so much of what's covered by the standard medical plan is wrapped up in Original Medicare. However, with the help of Medicare Advantage, there is now a place for a third component that offers what many healthcare recipients need. The way this works is that insurance companies provide benefits related to what's missing from Medicare through a contract with the government. They offer them at competitive rates that are affordable to the average Medicare recipient. People taking advantage of these plans get everything they expect from Part A and Part B of Medicare but then get more dental and vision benefits. This extension provides some of what's missing in most of the other parts of this program. Con: Bad Health Is Expensive: If you're in poor health, you have an intimate view into just how expensive healthcare is. Even if you've got great insurance, you've seen the prices that come on the bill before you get your care deducted. You could be paying double or triple what a healthy person pays every year, even with healthcare. While you need to have great healthcare, you need to do what you can to stay healthy. Talk to your doctor about preventative care. You're never too old to take action to lower your healthcare costs and your need for supplemental care. There are many free preventative care programs that come standard with most Medicare plans. However, you need to take action to make sure you follow your doctors' recommendations and stay on top of your health. Many people who incur high bills with Medicare suffer from problems that preventative medicine could assist with. Even though this program costs very little from month to month, you need to manage your costs as they'll add up on a limited budget. If you're tight on money, Medicare supplements may be out of reach. This makes it all the more vital to staying on the good side of health. Medicare Pros and Cons Are Individual: Because everyone has their own healthcare needs and requirements, Medicare pros and cons vary from person to person. You need to get to know what you need and what you might need in the future before you decide on Medicare or any other insurance policy. As more people suffer more chronic health issues, check out our guide to watch the trend. Read Also: Finding The Right Hospital Complete Pregnancy Guide For Mumma’s To Be

Dealing with the Psychological Impact of Alopecia

What is the Psychological Impact of Alopecia?

What Can You Do?

How to Make Doing Yoga at Home Interesting

Reduce Your Exposure to Radiation When Using Your Mobile Phone

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing

A Guide To Process Painting And How It Benefits Women’s Mental Health

Medicare Pros and Cons: Everything You Need to Know before Enrolling

Dealing with the Psychological Impact of Alopecia

What is the Psychological Impact of Alopecia?

What Can You Do?

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How to Make Doing Yoga at Home Interesting

Reduce Your Exposure to Radiation When Using Your Mobile Phone

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

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