Hearing bad news is never easy, but finding out that you have alopecia can be a particularly complex and confusing situation. On the one hand, alopecia isn’t fatal and doesn’t wreak havoc on the vital systems of your body. However, it is a life-altering condition, and can completely change the way that you interact with people around you. Because hair loss is such a visible condition, it can have a much more profound effect on the way people treat you and the way you view yourself. So, how do you handle the news of an alopecia diagnosis?
- Take a Deep Breath. Stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and give yourself as long as you need to digest the information. The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone, and things will be okay. Surround yourself with friends and family who can be your sounding board.
- Talk to Your Doctor. It’s important to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor after your diagnosis so that you can find out as much as possible about alopecia. The more you know, the more prepared you’ll be, and that can go a long way in dealing with hair loss.
- Get Involved in the Community. There’s a huge alopecia community out there, from blogs that recount personal journeys to summer camps and monthly meetup groups. Get involved any way you can. Speaking to people who understand exactly what you’re going through will make the introductory period to alopecia easier. Plus, it’s a great way to build up your social support system.
