While alopecia isn’t life-threatening, the condition can certainly cause emotional distress and stress to the men, women, and children that are afflicted with it. A few recent studies have shown that the psychological effects of hair loss can cause feelings of depression, embarrassment, and hopelessness – especially in women.
If alopecia is getting you down, here are four tips for handling the day-to-day ups and downs of hair loss.
1. Increase Your Physical Activity
It’s a well-researched fact that exercising and being active helps fight against depression. Chemicals called endorphins are released during exercise, which can help boost your mood temporarily. Even a low-impact activity, like a stroll around the block, can help alter your mood tremendously.
2. Get into a Routine
Oftentimes, depression can make you want to forgo your normal routines and shy away from plans with friends and family. However, pushing yourself to stick to your daily routines can be a good way to get yourself back on track. Not sticking to a schedule or routine takes away the structure of each day, which can make it more difficult to start feeling better.
3. Do Things That Make You Happy
Depression can take the fun out of activities and hobbies that you used to enjoy. Whether it’s reading books, visiting museums, or riding your bike, it’s important to push yourself to keep doing things that you enjoy.
4. Set Small Goals for Yourself
Feelings of depression can make you feel like your goals are unreachable. By setting small, attainable goals each day (i.e. “I’m going to go for a 15 minute walk today”), you can build up your self-esteem and start pushing yourself to make progress on bigger goals.
