Hair Loss Is A Physical Side Effects Of Stress
August 6, 2008 by Alicia Sparks, Mental Health Notes
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
I had a lot going on during my senior year of high school. In addition to, you know, the regular stresses of a high school senior (worrying about college applications and such), I was Co-Captain of my cheerleading squad, Class President, a member of the National Honor Society, a senior member of the Natural Helpers, and had a love life that was, to say the least, interesting.
So, my dermatologist wasn’t nearly as surprised as I was when I ended up in his office flipping out about the sudden appearance of four bald spots on my head. He patiently explained to me that I was most likely experiencing alopecia areata, brought on by stress, gave me a prescription for a tube of seriously itchy steroid cream and the advice to chill out, and sent me on my way.
Fortunately - and for reasons unknown to me - I haven’t experienced this stress-induced alopecia again, but hair loss remains a physical side effect of stress for many people. Yahoo! News recently published information from John Hopkins University, listing psychological factors like “stress, anxiety, and depression” as one of the Top 6 Causes of Hair Loss, and the experts at MedicineNet.com list both emotional and physical stress as possible causes for hair loss.
Have any of you experienced hair loss due to stress, anxiety, or depression? What steps did you take to manage stress and reclaim control over your scalp? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
And, in the meantime, you can learn more about stress and hair loss at the following links:
- Hair Loss and Stress
- Stress and Hair Loss: What Are The Causes of Hair Loss?
- Stress and Hair Loss: Are They Related?
- Telogen Effluvium
Image: SXC
I have experienced hair loss from stress and medication. I also have hypthroidism which will cause thinning hair. I also have depression and anxiety. It is very difficult for me, personally, to pinpoint which is causing my problem.
@ Annie - I definitely see how it would be difficult! What does your doctor have to say about it?
I haven’t really discussed it because of all my other health issues. Perhaps I will talk to my rheumatologist. Might be time to do something about it.
Its strange that stress can actually manifest in the falling of hair but the facts remain that it actually does. Further research into this confirm that it does happen but only to people who have extreme stress and a lack of sleep and nutrition because of it.
@ Hair Loss Guy - Stress can cause so many physical problems. You might be interested in checking out an interview I did with Dr. David Clarke, who wrote They Can’t Find Anything Wrong!: 7 Keys to Understanding, Treating, and Healing Stress Illness.
The link is:
Dr. David Clarke Speaks About Stress Illness And His Book, They Can’t Find Anything Wrong!
I was fortunate enough that my dermatologist recognized that stress was causing my hair loss (and fortunate enough that hair loss was the only physical symptom, aside from some mild weight loss) - but not everyone is so lucky. I think this book would help many people.
Hi. I am 20 years old and I have been shedding hair like crazy over the past two years….. I am not sure why this is happening. It’s not genetic or hormonal because I got my blood tests done and I don’t have thyroid problems. I just want to know what the best remedy is to regrow and make hair more stronger and thicker, i have started searching in internet for hair regrowth products thn i found one ..that is IHT-9 the herbal hair regrowth shampoo, i have seen many good comments for this product, i hve seen the website of this. its nice..thn i have decided that i should try this product..after a few weeks ..i seen the gud results..I m getting my hair back..Thanks to IHT-9 Herbal Hair Shampoo, the actual regrow hair shampoo.. Get 10% Discount. Enter 7DSVEJ when you make a purchase!
@ Peter - Thanks for sharing. Have you considered seeing a dermatologist or other medical professional to talk about what may be causing your hair loss? While the product you mention may help regrow your hair, you also need to address the actual problem that’s causing your hair to fall out in the first place.