Dealing with the Psychological Impact of Alopecia

by

13 November 2018

Health & Fitness

hair loss

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.

Read Also:

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

improve health

10 healthy habits to improve your health

Your health is the single greatest asset that you can ever possess.  It can determine how successful you will be in business and whether you will live to achieve your lifetime resolutions or not. You should, therefore, never gamble with your health by failing to take due caution to lead a healthy lifestyle. As part of the good health practices that you should endeavor to keep in your life, being disciplined forms the foundation for ensuring that you safeguard your health. Here are 10 healthy habits that can help improve your health. 1. Observe your diet: Your dietary habits have a direct effect on your health. Whatever you consume or fail to consume consequently affects your ability to lead a healthy lifestyle. When thinking about diet and its effect on your health, emphasis should be put on particular issues such as the kind of food you eat, eating habits or schedule, and the portions you consume. As part of the initiative to lead a healthy lifestyle and improve on your health, you should endeavor to consume a balanced diet in fair and well-distributed portions during breakfast, lunch, and supper. Your daily servings should comprise portions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vegetables, minerals, and water or fluids. 2. Exercise well: Physical exercise forms the backbone of maintaining a perfect body physique. Well-structured physical exercises impart your body with numerous health benefits including helping keep your muscles active. Aerobic exercises can also help with cardiac health through the maintenance of a good distribution of blood across every organ including the skin. Well-focused physical exercises can also help in maintaining a perfect balance of certain physical attributes such as body weight and overall body shape. When thinking about exercises as part of your routine, you should endeavor to maintain a perfect balance between the different kinds of body exercises you have, including aerobic exercises and body-trimming exercises. 3. Slotting time for health check-ups: Irrespective of whether you feel sick or not, health checkups are crucial when it comes to improving your health. Finding time to either visit a health facility for a health checkup or even utilize the Home Doctor Service for convenience when securing appointments with your nutritionist or doctor allows you to evaluate the progress you have gained so far in your bid to lead a healthy life. 4. Get sufficient sleep: Your sleeping patterns do directly or indirectly influence how healthy you will be. Without sufficient sleep on a daily basis, you will stand to lose out on your productivity while detrimentally affecting your physical health. As a recommendation, your body needs not less than eight hours of uninterrupted sleep to maintain the right physiological condition for body growth. Lack of sufficient sleep compromises your immune system, thereby leading to vulnerabilities to disease conditions. 5. Meditate often: Meditation is often disregarded when it comes to the observation of healthy lifestyles. However, research has shown that sufficient meditation on a daily basis does have physiological and mental benefits. Meditating sufficiently gives your body an opportunity to deeply relax, something crucial for your immune system. The practice is also crucial in helping control stress, anxiety, and other forms of emotional suffering that can take a toll on your health. Besides, meditating sufficiently helps in building mental awareness while improving your ability to control addictions. 6. Taking water, lots of water:  Staying hydrated is a crucial factor in maintaining your body's health. The human body is 60% water while all other crucial organs in the body such as the brain, lungs, kidneys, bones, and muscles are comprised of between 60 and 85% water. The only way to stay sufficiently hydrated is to take not less than 2 liters of water on a daily basis. To help nature this habit well, you should endeavor to drink water even when you do not feel thirsty. 7. Socialize effectively: Being social, surprisingly, has a huge benefit on your health and can help much when it comes to your health improvement habits. Socializing with your friends helps brighten your moods through laughing and playing. This practice helps improve your mental capacity and general immune health through the production of certain hormones. Such hormones, when circulated in the body, help maintain a perfect physiological condition for a healthy life. Such a social life also helps keep away detrimental health practices such as stress and being frightened. 8. Cook for yourself more often: Sometimes, it pays to give yourself an additional challenge when it comes to your diet. You may, therefore, prefer cooking for yourself rather than eating out. Hotel or restaurant-prepared food does not offer you much of the flexibility that you often desire. Cooking for yourself ensures that you observe the strict dietary habits that you so much need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Also, the experience of cooking in the kitchen gives you a positive mental challenge. It also serves as an opportunity for social development that is crucial for your general body health. 9. Have a proper schedule: Whereas it may sound unbelievable, the kind of schedule you lead on a daily basis can directly influence your ability to live a healthy life. To enhance your health, you should endeavor to ensure that your day is well planned with activities being slotted rightly. Such planning comes in handy in helping keep away unwanted habits while also taking charge of your health. A properly planned schedule is the right platform that ensures that any health-based resolution you set in place is upheld and regarded accordingly. 10. Have a good interaction with nature: Nature has an indirect way of helping keep your body healthy. Interacting with nature more often as part of your routine schedule gives your body an opportunity to experience some benefits. You should, therefore, endeavor to factor in much time to take a break from your office or home enclosures and have a nature walk. Any sightseeing events such as strolling down the forest and beholding trees and birds help your body to relax as much as possible. Read Also: The Top 6 Vitamins And Minerals All Women Over 40 Should Take How To Live Healthily Even If You Have A Full-Time Job The Health Benefits Of Figure Skating Explained

READ MOREDetails
Gastrointestinal Conditions

How to Treat the Symptoms of 5 Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

Everyone experiences heartburn from time to time or has the occasional upset stomach. But for those who experience these symptoms more frequently, it could be a sign of long-term Gastrointestinal Conditions. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 60 to 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by gastrointestinal issues. But what exactly is a" gastrointestinal issue," and what parts of your body can experience the impact? Gastrointestinal Health 101 The gastrointestinal system gives your body what it needs to function. The system breaks down food, extracts nutrients from it, and converts these nutrients into energy. It also protects your body against harmful substances by blocking them from your bloodstream. The gastrointestinal tract primarily consists of the following: Esophagus: A hollow tube running through the neck and chest that connects the mouth to the stomach. Muscles in the esophagus push food into the stomach. Stomach: A large organ that holds foods and breaks them down using enzymes and acids. Liver: The organ that filters toxins from the blood and produce bile, which further helps break down food into proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Gallbladder: A sac-like organ that stores the bile the liver produces then releases it as necessary. Pancreas: An organ that produces enzymes like insulin, which aids in the breakdown of sugars. Small intestine: As the stomach passes along food, this organ starts breaking it down while absorbing the majority of its nutrients. Large intestine: This organ contains billions of bacteria that turn food into waste (feces). At this same time, the large intestines remove water and electrolytes from what is left of the food for your body's use. Rectum: A small space at the end of the large intestine provides temporary storage for waste. When you eat something, each of these organs plays a role. To kick off the process, saliva begins to break down food. With the help of other enzymes, food continues breaking down as your system propels it by muscular contractions through the digestive tract. This process is called peristalsis. Gastrointestinal organs and their fluids exist in a delicate balance. Diet, stress, and illness can upset this balance and cause pain or discomfort. Common Gastrointestinal Conditions and Disorders There are a variety of common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux. Though some Gastrointestinal Conditions are genetic and outside of your control, you can still prevent many complications or subdue symptoms by eating a balanced diet, practicing healthy bowel habits, and following the CDC guidelines for cancer screening. Some common disorders—like celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and leaky gut syndrome—are generally manageable with proper care and direction from medical professionals. If you experience severe pain or think you may have a more serious condition, see your doctor as soon as possible. 1. Celiac Disease Celiac disease is an immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. People with this problem cannot eat food made from these substances because it triggers a response in their small intestine, which over time becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients. If you have celiac disease, you'll feel sick after eating something with gluten. Symptoms include bloating and gas, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nausea. Though there's presently no cure, most people who follow a strict gluten-free diet can reduce flare-ups and promote intestinal healing. 3. GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD) is a condition where your stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, irritating the esophagus's lining. It is essentially the same as acid reflux, except the symptoms are more intense and frequent. Common symptoms include a burning sensation in your chest after eating, having difficulty swallowing, and feeling like there's a lump in your throat. You may also regurgitate food or sour liquid. People with GERD often feel worse at night, which can cause other problems like a chronic cough, laryngitis, asthma, and disrupted sleep. There are over-the-counter remedies such as antacids and H2 blockers, but more intense symptoms may require prescription medication. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, eating large meals, or eating late at night can aggravate GERD. 3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common GI disorder that affects the large intestine. If you have this chronic condition, you will feel abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, certain factors play a role. Someone with IBS may have abnormalities in their digestive system or may have had a bacterial or viral infection that left an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. Changes in gut microbes can also lead to IBS. Though there is no cure for IBS, taking medications, and making lifestyle changes can alleviate the symptoms. For example, you can exercise regularly, eat smaller meals, and focus on minimizing stress. In terms of regulating your diet, you can try consuming more probiotics and limiting caffeine, dairy products, and spicy foods. Medicalprices.co.uk has a complete guide about IBS. 4. Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerant individuals cannot break down lactose, the natural sugar in milk. If you're lactose intolerant, your small intestine doesn't produce enough lactase (the enzyme) to digest lactose (the milk sugar). Undigested lactose then moves into your large intestine, where it interacts with the bacteria, causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Aside from avoiding dairy products altogether, lactose intolerants can take over-the-counter lactase enzyme tablets that aid in dairy digestion. 5. Leaky Gut Syndrome As part of the digestive tract, the intestines allow water and nutrients to pass through their walls while blocking harmful substances. The ease with which substances pass through the intestinal wall is called intestinal permeability. When this permeability becomes compromised, toxins and bacteria may escape from the intestines into the bloodstream. This condition is called a leaky gut syndrome, and if left unchecked, it can cause inflammation throughout the body. Symptoms may include bloating, gas, food sensitivity, fatigue, and skin problems. Though more research needs to be conducted on this condition, a few probable causes include: Consuming too much sugar or alcohol Long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen Deficiencies in vitamins A and D and zinc Chronic inflammation throughout the body Stress Bacterial imbalance in the intestines Yeast overgrowth in the digestive system To reduce symptoms, you can work on improving your overall gut health. First, you can limit your carb intake, as harmful bacteria thrive on sugar. You can also increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your body by eating foods with probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. You may also want to consider powdered collagen protein supplements. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that gives structure to connective tissues, ligaments, and skin. The protein also provides structure to blood vessels and may strengthen compromised intestinal walls. Avoiding a Pain in the Gut While some gastrointestinal conditions can be severe, other GI issues and symptoms are common and manageable with lifestyle changes. If you maintain a healthy diet with your unique gastrointestinal needs in mind, you can treat your symptoms and live free of gut pain. 6 Effective Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Why Water Filter is Important to Improve Your Health? Symptoms and Effects of Co-occurring Disorder on Human Health 10 healthy habits to improve your health

READ MOREDetails
Abortion

What To Know About Abortion And Should You Visit An Abortion Clinic

There are various steps involved in the abortion procedure. First, you must seek information about the treatment from your doctor or the nearby health clinic. This stage will assist you in determining whether or not you want to accomplish this and whether or not you are prepared to do so. The doctor will recommend a checkup, and a few tests will indicate what stage of pregnancy you are in. Speak with a specialist to give yourself the time and space to psychologically and physically prepare for the procedure. The Professional Nurse And Doctors For Abortion Don't have a legal abortion because it could lead to a slew of severe health issues and put your life in jeopardy. Specialists, physicians, and nurses will walk you through the procedure and provide directions on how to proceed. The best action you can do is put your faith in someone you can rely on. Someone who will be there for you and look after you if you require further assistance. Read more on this link what-to-know-about-abortions.  To help ease the transition, several doctors recommend creating an entertaining bed rest program. To keep oneself occupied while on bed rest, you may rent movies, novels, or any other pastime you enjoy. Always consult your doctor before using pain medication, as some of them can exacerbate the adverse effects. You may like also: 9 Tips for Staying Fit and Healthy During Pregnancy Safety And Comfort Concerning Factors Many women decide to have an abortion before even visiting a health center. They don't really want to talk about it any longer and want to get started on the surgery as soon as feasible. For every living being, the mandated counseling prior to abortion constituted a form of torture. The mother needed to listen to the fetus' heartbeat and look at the images for a while. Many people may experience major psychological problems as a result of this type of consultation. Several of them have been known to change their minds in the heat of the moment and then regret their choice after it's too late. The Pregnancy And Abortion Which One Is Better? A woman has a right to decide what she wants to do with her body and when she wants to do it. Everywhere on the earth, regardless of culture, sexual preference, or the cause of an unplanned pregnancy, the right to choose should be available. Furthermore, there is no impartial list of benefits to continuing with the pregnancy. Every woman, and every man, for that matter, has unique needs. Furthermore, everyone walks and achieves success and happiness in life in their own unique way. That is why forcing a woman to do something she does not want to do is not in her best interests. So, if something causes your life to take an unfavorable turn, you should be able to determine for yourself what to do with it. Click on this page for more. You may like also: Golden Pregnancy Care Tips for all Expectant Women It Entirely Depends Upon Your Choice  Legal abortion permits a woman to get an abortion whenever she is ready. According to the earlier law, she must wait a few days after consultation to rethink her decision. With legal abortion, the operation can begin whenever the person is ready and believes it is necessary. Since this process would not be extended, the costs will be cut in half. In addition, the individual will not need to visit the clinic multiple times for consultation and legal procedures. How Many Risk Factors Are Associating With Procedure? Because legal abortion is performed by specialists and trained employees, the operation is exceedingly safe. As a result, this technique is addressed as one of the safest medical procedures available. Here are a few risk factors which are associated with the procedure. This treatment will not harm your capacity to have a baby in the future if done correctly by competent personnel with good equipment. Additionally, it will have no negative impact on your health. Abortion does not induce infertility, and it does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Countless studies have shown that many women who have abortions become pregnant shortly after the operation.  Your physician and medical staff will assist you in crossing the finish line with as little pain as possible. You can try Charlotte Women's Clinic to find all the answers you need.  Medical complications following abortion are rare, and they are becoming rarer as technology advances. This knowledge can be reassuring to any woman who has decided to get an abortion. Medical teams can better their work and aid anyone who wants to be helped because abortion is permitted. What Should I Be Aware Of Before Beginning My Procedure? There really is no right or wrong answer to the question. It is entirely up to you and how you feel about it. You are the one who decides what is best for you. However, before you decide, be sure you're well-informed and have the support you need. It's important to remember that you're not alone. Every year, thousands of people throughout the world are faced with unintended pregnancies. A big portion of them believes that now is not the proper time to start or extend their family. Keep in mind that having an abortion does not make you a terrible person or suggest you don't care about children. There are a variety of reasons why a person may not be ready to establish a family.  Conclusion: Many women, for example, believe they are economically unprepared for this situation. Others think they’re also too young to care for another person. Some people already have kids and do not want to add to their family. Finally, you are the one who must decide what is best for you and your family's future. You want to continue your pregnancy, or you want to go under the abortion procedure. Read Also: Get an idea about infections during the tenure of pregnancy Complete Pregnancy Guide For Mumma’s To Be

READ MOREDetails