How Sheridan overcame anxiety and low self-confidence and now uses her Alopecia as fuel for her life’s purpose

She is a certified yoga therapist, meditation facilitator, an empowerment coach and a member of our AAAF community!

She has worked with many women with Alopecia Areata to help them navigate the ups and downs of the journey, come into radical self-acceptance and cultivate more self-love and confidence.

She has come a long way since losing her hair at the age of 7, to struggling with anxiety and body image issues, to becoming a leader in the Alopecia community who helps others move through the experience in an empowered way.

She passes on her wisdom to those who may need support in navigating the journey in her 3-part video series on YouTube.

How it started: My Alopecia Story. Part 1 Growing up with Alopecia

Sheridan shares the experience of losing her hair at a young age – from noticing the first bald patch, to trying different treatments, to buying her first wig.

Alopecia Success Story – Alopecia as an Adult

She talks about the journey of coming into adulthood with Alopecia and how to navigate things like the workplace and romantic relationships. She also shares what helped her on her path to accepting uncertainty and cultivating self-love and self-acceptance.

My Alopecia Story: Part 3 – How I got here

Sheridan uncovers the key practice that has helped her to accept her Alopecia, love herself no matter what, and feel confident in her skin.

Check out all 3 of Sheridan’s videos below to hear the entire story!

8 ways to talk about Alopecia

How to embrace your alopecia with grace and good humour

The impact of an alopecia areata diagnosis is both immediate and incremental.

We’re not going to lie: losing your hair is a big deal.

That’s why learning to navigate the external world is critical to living life fully.

Sadly, some folks will still stare or make rude comments to us. But society as a whole is more accepting. Body-shaming is, thankfully, becoming a rarity. People—especially youth—more readily embrace physical differences.  And many people are so self-involved that they won’t even notice you.

The Only Way Out is Through

Acceptance is not a strictly linear process. And there isn’t a timetable; everyone is different. But to gain real and lasting self-acceptance, most of us have grappled with the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and, finally, acceptance. If you allow yourself the full range of experiences and share how you’re feeling, you’ll be in a better place.

Don’t Judge Our Choices 

Friends and family may be well-meaning, but too often questions sound like judgements. We might want to share our condition…or keep it private. We might want to wear a wig…or rock a bald head. And what we want to do can change…sometimes daily. Support is so much less hurtful than a series of suggestions that we hear as criticisms. Let us talk it out our own way. 

Your Doctor Is Your Partner

A supportive physician is a powerful ally on your alopecia journey. They will be up-to-date on treatments. Your doctor will also have a network of referrals to share. The more candor you muster, the better advocate you’ll have.    

Get—and Stay—Connected 

Finding an online community can counter the isolation many of us feel. Your new tribe is an invaluable, ongoing resource of what to expect, what works and what doesn’t. They also offer a safe sounding board for when you need to vent. And they’ll cheer your triumphs like no others can. 

Show Your Creativity 

Alopecia Style™ is limitless and runs the gamut from classic to cutting-edge, feminine to fierce. You can camouflage your hair loss with blinged-out ball caps or patterned soft scarves. Or shave your head and get inked with a show-stopping tattoo. You can find a custom milliner to design a fabulous fedora. Share your discoveries with fellow sister with alopecia. Alopecia style is all about showing the world how uniquely beautiful you are. 

Makeup Artist As Bestie

Women with alopecia often rethink their grooming regime. Getting a private lesson on how to play up your eyes or do a dramatic lip can be a real boost to your self-esteem. Learning effective brow techniques is critical to building our new look. Ask for recommendations; professionals who work in film, magazines and TV are obvious go-to’s. Aesthetician schools are another great place to locate talent. The artist wants to help you. Be open with them and remember that it’s perfectly ok to shed a tear.  

Get Outta Town 

Want to experiment with your look but don’t want to unexpectedly run into family, friends or colleagues? Your appearance and how you feel about it is another way to “talk” about alopecia. Why not try going bald on a vacation? (don’t forget the sunscreen!) Or wear a wig on your next business trip? If you like it, great! You can unveil your new style at home with confidence. If you don’t, no one’s the wiser.  

Do Good, Be Happy

Research has proven that volunteer activity spikes serotonin, the feel-good chemical your body naturally produces to elevate mood and reduce anxiety. Pick up trash on a trail. Work in an animal shelter. Mentor a teen. Whatever you do, you’ll be outside your own orbit and you’ll see the world in a new light. It’s another opportunity to have a quick and casual chat about alopecia with new friends.

Author: Thea D. Chassin is the founder and CEO of the Bald Girls Do Lunch alopecia areata nonprofit based in New York, USA.  She combines her expertise as a physical therapist, environmental designer, entrepreneur and woman with alopecia universalis to help people with AA. Since 2007, Chassin has helped thousands of women and girls live well with alopecia areata online and in-person.

For more information on supporting women with alopecia areata, visit www.baldgirlsdolunch.org or email hello@baldgirlsdolunch.org.

Tips for managing the uncertainty of Alopecia and letting go of negative thoughts around your hair loss

Alopecia is a life-changing event that causes a lot of unknowns to enter into our life. Since this can feel scary, a normal response to this is for the brain to focus on the negative aspects about all of this new uncertainty.

However, these negative thought patterns can take up a lot of our energy and, ultimately, don’t change the fact that we are still experiencing hair loss and all the unknowns that come with it. Negative thoughts can eventually lead to us feeling tired, stuck and low on self-confidence.

Once we can release these negative thoughts we can begin to experience more acceptance of the uncertainty and hair loss journey as a whole.

Here are 5 tips to breaking the pattern of negativity so you can begin feeling more acceptance, confidence and ease in your experiences.

1. Notice the thought

Simply notice that you had a negative thought, without judging yourself or pushing it away.

2. Recognise the emotion(s) that come with the negative thought

Notice what emotion(s) show up when you have the thought.

Example: “I’m going to feel weird if they know about my hair loss.” One emotion that could come up from this thought is shame.

3. Process the emotion through the body

Do some movement (like dancing, exercising or yoga) or a self-care practice, like journaling, which will help to move the emotion through you.

4. Banish the thought

You can use language like: “I banish you”, “You are no longer welcome here”, “You no longer serve me and I release you now.”

5. Create a new empowering thought

Replace the negative thought with something that feels positive and empowering.

Example: Instead of “They are going to shame me when they find out about my hair loss” replace it with “They are going to be inspired when they hear about my hair loss” or “I’m going to feel relief when they know about my hair”

Choose a thought that feels true for you. This may feel hard at first, but the trick is to keep practicing. Over time, you will be able to create new thought patterns!

One of our very own AAAF community members, Sheridan Ruth – a yoga therapist, meditation facilitator, and empowerment coach – created a video outlining these 5 steps in more depth. Watch it here!

Wigs for Kids Program

Did you know that AAAF has a program that provides grants so that children with Alopecia Areata and their families can purchase a wig?

AAAF has been running our Wigs For Kids Program since 2012. 

AAAF believes that whether to wear a wig or not is a personal choice. As government assistance and Medicare / Private Health Care rebates are limited and vary across states, AAAF established the Wig for Kids Program to ensure that children wanting to wear a wig get the information, service and support needed.

To date, AAAF has provided more than $108,000 in grants.

Hear directly from some of the past beneficiaries.

Do you want support in purchasing a wig??

Here’s everything you need to know:

• The amount awarded is a total of $400.00 inclusive of GST.
• A child for the purpose of this program is a person of 17 years or under.
• To help care for the wig the amount granted can include the purchase of a wig stand, hair brush, speciality shampoos and conditioners, as well as the cost of the wig or part thereof with the cost of the wig
• AAAF can provide a list of Wig Providers in your state. A  Wig Provider needs to be selected as part of this application.  AAAF has the right to refuse the Wig Provider if we do not believe the Wig Provider will provide an overall positive experience and quality product for the child.
• The successful applicant will receive a voucher to present to the Wig Provider on collection of the wig. The Wig Provider will invoice AAAF directly quoting the voucher reference number.

Apply Here!

Before deciding on a wig, it is best to do some research on the best type and style of wig for you. AAAF has compiled a document to help you get all the information you need to make the right decision for you.

Click here to access the Wigs Document

Navigating Alopecia: Resources for Parents

Whether you have been newly diagnosed or have been living with Alopecia Areata for some time, AAAF recognises that when a child has Alopecia Areata, this affects the whole family. Information provided below is based on psychological research, AAAF’s committee members and our broader community’s lived experiences. We hope that the information, advice and stories we share here can help you and your family to have a positive journey.

About Alopecia

Alopecia Areata is a disease that results in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It’s often not well understood and can be confusing. Alopecia Areata is believed to be an auto-immune condition.

This means that our immune system, which is supposed to defend against disease and infection, begins attacking a part of our own body. For people with Alopecia Areata, the body treats its own hair follicles as foreign tissue and attacks them, which slows or stops hair growth.

There are 3 main types of alopecia:

• Alopecia Areata, which means patches of hair loss.
• Alopecia Areata Totalis, which means complete loss of hair on the scalp.
• Alopecia Areata Universalis, which means complete hair loss to the entire body.

In all forms of Alopecia Areata, the hair follicles remain alive and are ready to resume normal hair production whenever they receive the appropriate signal. That means that hair regrowth may happen spontaneously even without treatment and sometimes after many years of hair loss. Each person experiences the condition differently. The hair may grow back and fall out again many times, or cycle through various types of alopecia throughout their lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who gets Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata occurs in males and females of all ages and races; however, onset most often begins in childhood.

Is it life threatening?

No. However, Alopecia Areata is life-changing and its sudden onset, recurrent episodes, and unpredictable course can have a deep emotional and psychological impact on the lives of those affected by this disease. People with Alopecia Areata are fully capable of living happy, healthy lives and there is no reason the condition should hold them back.

Is it common?

Roughly 1-2% of the population have some form of Alopecia Areata. It is best to describe it as “not uncommon”.

What causes Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata is considered an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles. Why the body does this is still unknown. Many people say the condition is stress induced, but there is little consistent scientific proof of this.

Is it infectious?

No. There is no way in which a person with Alopecia Areata can transmit the condition to anyone else.

Is Alopecia Areata inherited?

Scientists believe that there may be a number of genes that predispose certain people to the disease. It is highly unlikely that a child would inherit all of the genes needed to predispose them to the disease. Even with the right (or wrong) combination of genes, Alopecia Areata is not a certainty. Studies suggest that in identical twins, who share all of the same genes, the concordance rate is only 55%. In other words, if one twin has the disease, there is only a 55% chance that the other twin will have it as well. This shows that other factors besides genetics are required to trigger the disease.

How does it start?

The body’s immune system wrongly attacks the growing cells in the body’s hair-producing follicles, where the hair starts to grow. This stops them producing new hair and causes existing hair to fall out. The cells which produce the hair, the follicles, do remain active so there is always the potential for hair to start re-growing

What body areas are affected?

The scalp is the most common area and generally the first area to experience hair loss. Hair loss can also occur from the eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, arms and legs. Fingernails may also be affected with pitting.

What does it look like?

The patches are smooth and round, sometimes with few remaining hairs in the centre. Around the edge of the patch some stub-like hairs can usually be seen (often called “exclamation marks” haris, as they are thicker at the tip than at the scalp level).

Can the loss be diffuse?

Less commonly, some hair may be lost over wide areas, causing general thinning of the hair. This can cause “hair to turn white overnight” by selectively affecting dark hairs and leaving grey hairs.

How is it diagnosed?

Alopecia Areata is diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask questions about the hair loss, look at the pattern of hair loss, and examine the scalp. Hair can be plucked and examined under the microscope and if tinea is suspected, hairs may be taken for culture. For very careful study, a small biopsy may be performed for microscopic examination of the scalp skin. In most cases, tests are performed only if there is a need to assess general health. Blood tests do not show any abnormality in people with Alopecia Areata.

How will Alopecia Areata affect me and my family?

This is a common question, particularly for children, teens, and young adults who may live with the effects of Alopecia Areata for many years. The comforting news is that Alopecia Areata is not a painful disease and does not make people feel physically sick. It is not contagious, and people who have the disease are generally healthy otherwise. It does not reduce life expectancy, and it should not interfere with going to school, playing sports and exercising, pursuing any career, working, marrying, and raising a family.

Can the hair grow back?

There is every chance that the hair will regrow with or without treatment, but it may also fall out again. No one can predict when it might regrow or fall out. The course of the disease varies from person to person. Some people lose just a few patches of hair, then the hair regrows, and the condition never recurs. Other people continue to lose and regrow hair for many years. A few lose all the hair on the scalp; some lose all the hair on the scalp, face and body. Even in those who lose all their hair, the possibility for full regrowth remains. The course of Alopecia Areata is highly unpredictable, and the uncertainty of what will happen next is probably the most difficult and frustrating aspect of this disease. The re-growth can be any texture and colour, from fine, downy white hair, to hair identical to your original hair colour and texture. 

Does Alopecia Areata affect general health?

No. All aspects of general health are unaffected – apart from the rare associations with other diseases. People who are affected by Alopecia Areata are usually otherwise healthy.

How to explain Alopecia to Young Children

Alopecia Areata can be difficult enough to explain to adults, so explaining the complexities of how autoimmune conditions work to children can feel daunting. 

However, AAAF believes that it is very important for children with Alopecia Areata to understand what is happening to their body as much as is possible for their age. Understanding the condition will help children to feel more in control of what’s going on and feel more confident, and help to combat feelings of fear or anxiety. 

Here is an example which may help you to explain the condition to children:

“Everyone has a system in their body which helps to keep them healthy. It works like a troop of very tiny soldiers, which receives orders from your brain when you are sick or injured. These soldiers (called the immune system) seek out the things that might make you sick and attack them, like germs or viruses, in order to keep you healthy.

Sometimes, these soldiers get confused by the orders they get from your brain, and instead of attacking germs or viruses they attack parts of your own body. This is what happens with alopecia areata. Your soldiers don’t understand their orders, and they begin to attack your hair follicles -the place your hair grows from. This is what makes the hair fall out.”

Understanding Your Options

Treatments

Although there is no cure for Alopecia Areata there are medications available that can help hair grow back in some cases, at least temporarily.

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Although these treatments may promote hair growth, none of them prevent new patches or actually cure the underlying disease.
• Consult your health care professional about the best option for you. A combination of treatments may work best.
• Ask how long the treatment may last, how long it will take before you see results, and about the possible side effects.
• Seek second opinions from other professionals when necessary, as different practitioners may suggest different options.
• Seeking information from other people with Alopecia Areata can be a great way to find out more.

Electing not to try any treatment is a completely valid option. Many people find the emotional ups and downs attempting treatments more distressing than accepting the condition and choosing to move forward. AAAF believes that supporting emotional and psychological health is vital during this time, and recommends reaching out to a mental health professional if needed. 

When discussing any treatment for a child with Alopecia Areata, AAAF believes it is always best to try to include the child in the decision-making process, as much as is age appropriate. Making sure they understand what is going on will help to combat feelings of anxiety and fear, and having a say in their medical treatment will help them feel more in control of the condition.

Wigs and hairpieces

Many people with Alopecia Areata choose to wear wigs or other hairpieces. These can help them feel a sense of control over their appearance and their condition, and feel more confident when in public.

There are many different types of wigs and hairpieces available and buying a wig for the first time can be challenging. It can also be a major financial investment, so to minimise the risk of getting something you’re not happy with, AAAF has a guide available on our website which may help you decide what is right for you. Our Wigs for Kids program is also available to assist in the cost of purchasing a wig for children under the age of 18.

In general, AAAF does not recommend wigs for very young children, as they can be difficult to care for and may get in the way of kids during normal play.

Hats and scarves

It is important to note that wigs and hairpieces are not the only way to manage alopecia. Many other people feel that wigs are uncomfortable or get in the way of day to day life. Once again, there is no right answer – just what works best for your situation. These people may choose to wear hats or head scarves to keep their heads covered or protected from the weather. 

Other considerations

In addition to these methods of head covering or treatment, there are measures that can be taken to minimise any negative effects of hair loss, particularly relating to loss of eyelashes and nasal hair.

• Sunscreens are important for the scalp, face, and all exposed areas.
• Glasses or sunglasses protect the eyes from excessive sun and and from dust and debris when brows or lashes are missing.
• Wigs, caps, or scarves protect the scalp from the sun and keep the head warm.
• Ointments or saline spray can be applied inside the nostrils to keep them moisturized and help protect against dust or particles invading the nose when nostril hair is missing.

Support for your Family

AAAF has a variety of resources available designed specifically to assist the entire family in their journey with the Alopecia Areata. Which options work best for you will depend on the age and personality of the child with alopecia, and you family’s individual situations. Further information about all resources listed here can be accessed via our website: www.aaaf.org.au

Registry

By registering with AAAF, we can keep you up to date with the latest research, events and programs in your area. We strongly recommend registering via our website as it is the best way to stay in the loop about anything new.

Video Resources

“Alopecia Areata: Why Does My Hair Fall Out?” was created by the AAAF as a resource for children, their families, friends and schools to help understand and explain Alopecia. It is aimed at 4-12 year olds and contains information about what the condition is and how to manage it. It also includes interviews with several children with Alopecia and their experiences with the condition. It is available in DVD format or online. 

For older children and teens, we also have a series of videos discussing some of the emotional issues that come with Alopecia Areata, such as telling friends about the condition and coping strategies, and a series on styling, including makeup tips, information about wigs and how to tie head scarves. They are available as a DVD from our e-store, or online.

Support Ambassadors and Branch Managers

AAAF Support Ambassadors assist the Foundation by actively promoting and creating awareness about the condition. All have personal experience in living with Alopecia and can be contacted directly for one-on-one support, along with hosting information sessions about Alopecia at schools, clubs and youth groups.

AAAF has Branch Managers in most states. These are all individuals who have experienced Alopecia Areata themselves, or are a parent supporting a child with the condition. They are the first port of call for people with Alopecia Areata in their state and can provide assistance and answer inquiries. Branch Managers also coordinate events in their state on behalf of AAAF and are a great way to get in touch with other people who are in the same situation as you.

Support Groups

One of the most beneficial things you can do for children with alopecia is remind them they are not alone. The AAAF has branches in most Australian states and local online forums which you can connect to. As a parent, you can use these groups to connect with other parents within you local area to organise meetups or playdates, or share advice and stories. For teens and young adults, the groups are a great way to make friends with other people with the condition and provide a supportive environment to share any questions or concerns they may have with people who have been through the same experiences.

Brochures

AAAF has a range of brochures about Alopecia Areata which can be provided in hard copy or access via our website.

• Teens talking about Alopecia Areata
• Coping with Alopecia Areata
• The grieving process that can accompany hair loss
• Parents talking to parents
• General information

School Pack

AAAF has created a School Pack designed to help teachers and educators introduce Alopecia Areata to the classroom. Developed with the help of child psychologists and early childhood educators, this pack includes lesson plans, advice from other parents, sample letters, and templates to use to inform school staff about Alopecia Areata. 

The School Pack was designed with the belief that information, awareness and communication are the best tools for combatting bullying and ensuring a happy and healthy school experience.

Wigs for Kids

AAAF believes that the decision whether or not to wear a wig is a personal choice. As government assistance and Medicare / Private Health Care rebates are limited and vary across states, AAAF established the Wig for Kids Program to ensure that children wanting to wear a wig get the information, service and support needed.

Events

The AAAF holds many different events throughout the year. From trivia nights and Open Days, to casual catch ups and morning teas, we have something that will suit children and families of any age. You can find out about our events by registering, following us on Facebook, or checking out our website.

School and Bullying

School can be a complicated time for children with Alopecia Areata. For this reason, AAAF has created a School Pack, designed to help parents and teachers to introduce Alopecia Areata to the classroom which is available on the AAAF website. For further information about managing the schooling period, consult the School Pack.

For young people with Alopecia Areata, bullying can be a concern. It is also common for other children to mention the hair loss, point it out or ask invasive questions about it. This can feel very uncomfortable for the child with alopecia. Many children who engage in these behaviours do so simply because they don’t understand what the condition is.

If your child reports being bullied due to their condition, it is important to ascertain exactly what happened and whether it was truly bullying or simply ignorance. This will affect how you will want to manage the situation. Serious, consistent, or physical bullying should always be reported to staff. Lack of understanding of the condition can be dealt with through information and awareness.

Want specific tips on how to navigate bullying? Go to our Parents Pack under the “School Bullying” section or our School Pack.

Siblings of Children with Alopecia Areata

When a child is diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, it affects the whole family. Siblings can go through a wide range of emotions that can affect their attitudes and experiences. 

Siblings of children with Alopecia may feel some of the following: 

• Protective of the child with Alopecia Areata
• Confusion about what is going on and why
• Jealous of the attention the child with Alopecia Areata is getting
• Anxious about developing the condition themselves
• Guilt that they do not have the condition (“Why them and not me?”)
• Embarrassed or upset when people about the condition, or stare at and tease their sibling

Equal treatment for all children

It’s important to be mindful of spending time and attention on siblings equally. Spending time with each child individually can help, as can encouraging involvement in activities like sport or the arts, where each child can shine and feel accomplished by their own merits.

Talking and listening to your children

Ensure your child knows they can always come to you and share their feelings and have them respected. Understand that they may sometimes express negative feelings like jealousy, anger or guilt about their sibling’s condition and that this is normal. If you sense that these feelings are worsening or not going away with time and management, you may wish to seek support services such as a school counsellor or psychologist.

Want more tips, resources and stories? Check out our Parents Pack, a 27-page PDF full of everything you need as a parent to feel supported throughout the journey of Alopecia Areata!

The Wigs for Kids Program

Did you know that AAAF has a program that provides grants so that children with Alopecia Areata and their families can purchase a wig?

AAAF has been running our Wigs For Kids Program since 2012. 

AAAF believes that whether to wear a wig or not is a personal choice. As government assistance and Medicare / Private Health Care rebates are limited and vary across states, AAAF established the Wig for Kids Program to ensure that children wanting to wear a wig get the information, service and support needed.

To date, AAAF has provided more than $108,000 in grants.

Hear directly from some of the past beneficiaries

Do you want support in purchasing a wig??

Here’s everything you need to know:
The amount awarded is a total of $400.00 inclusive of GST.
A child for the purpose of this program is a person of 17 years or under.
To help care for the wig the amount granted can include the purchase of a wig stand, hair brush, speciality shampoos and conditioners, as well as the cost of the wig or part thereof with the cost of the wig
AAAF can provide a list of Wig Providers in your state. A  Wig Provider needs to be selected as part of this application.  AAAF has the right to refuse the Wig Provider if we do not believe the Wig Provider will provide an overall positive experience and quality product for the child.
The successful applicant will receive a voucher to present to the Wig Provider on collection of the wig. The Wig Provider will invoice AAAF directly quoting the voucher reference number.

Apply Here: Click here to access the Application Form

Before deciding on a wig, it is best to do some research on the best type and style of wig for you. AAAF has compiled a document to help you get all the information you need to make the right decision for you.

Click here to access the Wigs Document

How Meditation Affects an Anxious/Depressed Mind

Guest post by sponsorship participant Sheridan Ruth.

View the meditation support flyer here.

It’s believed that about 5% of adults worldwide suffer from depression and at least 4% suffer from an anxiety disorder.

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Anxiety disorders can affect everything from physical health to social wellbeing. The rates of both of these potentially debilitating mental health conditions are on the rise and, in individuals with alopecia, they’re even more prevalent.

Like alopecia, there is no cure for depression and anxiety. However, these conditions can be treated in a variety of ways, including pharmacologically, with various types of therapy, or with more holistic, alternative treatments. 

Among those holistic and alternative treatments is meditation, which is quickly gaining recognition as a powerful tool for coping with mental health conditions, specifically, anxiety and depression. 

Alopecia, Anxiety and Depression

Although alopecia doesn’t cause mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, these kinds of conditions are more common in individuals with alopecia than in the general population. 

Individuals with alopecia are at an elevated risk for developing anxiety disorders or experiencing a serious depressive episode. There are many reasons this might occur.

Scalp hair is tied up with concepts of beauty, youth, virility, and femininity. Not having scalp hair, then, can feel like a failure to confirm to societal norms regarding physical appearance. It’s therefore unsurprising that individuals with alopecia tend to feel socially rejected.

Hairloss is especially an issue for women. Approximately 40% of women who have alopecia report that it’s caused marital problems and 63% claim that it’s caused career problems. This may be associated with the lower levels of self esteem and poorer body image in individuals with alopecia.

Of course, the loss of hair in and of itself is a loss. For this reason, it’s normal to experience grief. But when that grief persists and comes along with deep sadness and a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, it can quickly move into the realm of depression.

People with alopecia may also experience bullying from external sources. This can further compound the feelings of shame, isolation, and difference that contribute to anxiety and depression.

4 Ways Meditation Affects an Anxious/Depressed Mind

Meditation has a tangible and positive impact on both anxiety and depression. A regular practice can lead to material changes in the brain and its functions. Below are 4 specific ways that meditation affects an anxious or depressed mind.

1. Calming the mind

The DMN consists of different parts of the brains that interact when an individual isn’t focused on the outside world. In other words, this is where out minds go when they’re wandering. It’s where we worry about the future and ruminate about the past. 

An overly active DMN is associated with unhappiness. Indeed, people with depression have a hyperactive DMN. 

But meditation can quiet the DMN and, in turn, reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, long-term meditators are able to take themselves out of the DMN better than those who do not practice meditation.

2. Regulating Fear, Stress, and Anxiety

The amygdala is the part of the brain that processes fear, stress, and anxiety. This is where our fight or flight response comes from.

Animals also have this part of the brain. Researchers have found that animals who face significant stress and anxiety in their lives are more likely to have a highly developed amygdala. This suggests that there’s a correlation between exposure to fear, stress, and anxiety and a more robust amygdala.

What some research has found is that mindfulness meditation reduces the size of the amygdala. Researchers believe that this is the result of a reduction in stress. 

3. Strengthening the Pre-Frontal Cortex

Meditation not only reduces the size of the fear, stress, and anxiety processor, it also increases the thickness of the pre-frontal cortex. This part of our brain is where “higher order” brain functions originate. That is, this is where our awareness, concentration, and decision-making skills live.

With more meditation, the connections in this part of the brain grow stronger. Individuals become better able to access higher order brain functions, especially in times of stress.

4. Improved Emotional Regulation, Perspective Taking, and Self-Reference

If we’re talking about scientific research into the effects of meditation on the brain, we would be remiss not to mention the work of Harvard-based neuroscientist Sara Lazar. Lazar’s work has shown numerous physical changes to the brain as the result of meditation.

Her work has shown that meditation has the potential to change gray matter concentration, the posterior cingulate cortex, the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), and the cerebellum. These areas are related to emotional regulation, self-referential processing, and perspective taking, which are all areas in which people with depression and anxiety struggle. 

How to Get Started 

Be patient with yourself and recognize that meditation is a practice. It takes time and consistent effort in order to realize the benefits. However, Lazar’s work showed significant changes in the brains of her participants in as little as 8 weeks – so it doesn’t take more than a few months to start seeing changes from a meditation practice.

The most important things to note in terms of where to start have to do with the amount of time you sit, how often you sit, and what resources you use to make meditation enjoyable. For in-depth information on all of these and more, be sure to check out our 5 Tips to Start Meditating article.

Sheridan Ruth shares this information from what she has learned through her meditation practice and studies, sponsored by our Sponsorship Program. If you have a form of Alopecia Areata, are a resident of Australia you could also receive support for your passions and hobbies. Learn more about the sponsorship program here. 

About the author

Sheridan is a world traveler, women’s empowerment advocate, yogi, and Yoga Therapist. She supports women with hair loss to feel more self-acceptance, step into their true power, and radiate confidence. Sheridan supports women at various stages of their journey, who share one common goal – transforming their hair loss journey into a self-empowering, spiritual journey. 

Since losing her hair at 7 years old, Sheridan battled the ups and downs of hair loss for most of her life. Brought to the yoga mat by her own mental health afflictions, Sheridan was once unsure about what to do and where to go, completely disconnected from her reality and her body. Today she is motivated to assist others in moving past their own entrenched traumas and self-confidence issues through the practice of yoga. She accomplishes this through a deep understanding and constant study of the connection between mind and body and uniting the esoteric teachings of this ancient practice with valuable, evidence-based western sciences such as psychology.  

Sheridan has completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate in Power Yoga and Healing Sequence and completed a certificate in Yoga Therapy & Yoga Psychology, all while building her women-centered non-profit in Medellin, Colombia. 

She now exclusively serves the hair-loss community, creating safe spaces for her community to dive deep into self-inquiry, reconcile with their bodies, and connect with a sense of grounded confidence. Her calm but energetically powerful teaching style creates a safe and loving space in which to grow and ultimately encourages a better relationship with your physical and spiritual bodies, greater awareness, and a profound sense of self-love. 

http://www.sheridanruth.com

Mental Health, Alopecia, and MeditationDownload

Frankie’s Alopecia Story

My name is Frankie. I am turning 8 in August and I have Alopecia.

My mum noticed a small bald patch in my hair when she was washing it one day in May 2020. Mum accused me of playing with her razor but I hadn’t touched it. Mum watched it for a couple of weeks and since it was getting bigger we went to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed me with Alopecia and prescribed a steroid cream but the bald patch continued to get bigger and more bald patches started. The doctor then sent me to a specialist dermatologist who prescribed prednisolone. This medicine made me feel very emotional and I hated it. What was worse is that the medicine didn’t help either so we decided to stop taking it. Over 6 months most of my hair fell out and I now have Alopecia Totalis.

At the start I didn’t like it and I thought no one would want to be my friend if I was bald. Now I am ok with it. I still have all my friends and no one is mean to me.

Recently I started going to art classes. A sponsorship from the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation has helped me do this. I have made new friends at art classes and everyone treats me the same as they treat everyone else. They help me forgot that I have Alopecia and I feel good.

Alopecia Areata…. It’s life changing

Thank you to Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation for the sponsorship.

Learn more about the sponsorship here.

How to Start Meditating

Guest post by sponsorship participant  Sheridan Ruth. 

Many people feel that meditation is out of reach for them. And yet, since 2012, the number of people who practice meditation has more than tripled.

Meditation is accessible to everyone, you just have to know how to go about it in a way that promotes the best possible results. That means understanding the general intention of the practice, being kind to yourself as you develop your practice, and finding ways to be consistent, among other things.

If you’re interested in starting a meditation practice, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered 5 tips that will help you get started on the right foot.

1. Use an App

When you’re first starting to meditate, sitting in silence for even two minutes can feel grueling (especially on some days). But there is plenty of help out there to get you started, keep you motivated, and make the most of the time you put away to start developing a practice.

There are apps like Headspace and Calm. These free apps have meditation programs specifically designed for beginners. You can work your way through those programs as your practice grows.

There are also apps like Insight Timer, with thousands of pre-recorded and even live meditations (as well as lectures, programs, and other great audio). Just type “beginner” into the search bar and there are hundreds of meditations to choose from. You can filter by the length of time you want to sit, the type of practice, benefits of the practice, and even origins.

2. Be Consistent

“I can’t meditate” is probably the most common response to the suggestion that someone should start meditating. So accustomed to having a busy mind, many people meet resistance when they try meditating, and they believe that resistance means they can’t meditate.

The key to meditation is recognizing that this is a practice. It’s something you do consistently, something you build on over time. One of the best ways to do that is to be consistent with the time that you carve out for meditation.

Two of the best times to meditate are right after waking up or before bed. Whichever time slot you decide on, try to stick to it as best as possible. However, if you intend on deepening and lengthening your practice in time, then choose a time that will suit that down the road.

3. Start Small

One excellent way to ensure you’re consistent, especially in the beginning when it’s the toughest, is to start small. Instead of attempting a 25 minute silent meditation, start with three to five minutes. 

Anybody can find three to five minutes to put aside in their day, and it’s a lot easier to sit still for that amount of time. This will also help you stay committed to your practice. In fact, a number of behavioral scientists believe that big goals are best accomplished in small steps. 

4. Be Kind

You’re not going to be perfect when you first start out. You likely never will be a perfect meditator, if such a thing even exists.

But like the thoughts and sensations that pass through your mind without judgement while you meditate, practice non-judgement with your practice. Realize that some days will be bad, and some days will be good, but you’ll only reap the benefits if you’re consistent with your practice regardless of those ups and down.

5. Don’t Try to Clear Your Mind

It’s a misconception that meditation and mindfulness are about clearing your mind. Instead, focus on your breath.

Your breath gives you a point to return to when your mind wanders. And your mind will wander… the idea is to redirect your attention back to your focus point (the breath) without judgement or criticism of yourself or that thought, emotion, or sensation.

Over time, your ability to identify when your mind is wandering into places that aren’t useful and return to a focus point will become stronger, and that’s the ultimate purpose of the practice.

More Helpful Tips

Meditation is a practice. It’s something you dedicate yourself to regularly. Along the way, you’re sure to have ups and down, but be kind, consistent, and methodical in your practice and you’ll start to notice the benefits in your everyday life.

And if you’re looking for other tips and resources that will improve the quality of your life, be sure to check our blog regularly for new content. 

About the author

Sheridan is a world traveler, women’s empowerment advocate, yogi, and Yoga Therapist. She supports women with hair loss to feel more self-acceptance, step into their true power, and radiate confidence. Sheridan supports women at various stages of their journey, who share one common goal – transforming their hair loss journey into a self-empowering, spiritual journey. 

Since losing her hair at 7 years old, Sheridan battled the ups and downs of hair loss for most of her life. Brought to the yoga mat by her own mental health afflictions, Sheridan was once unsure about what to do and where to go, completely disconnected from her reality and her body. Today she is motivated to assist others in moving past their own entrenched traumas and self-confidence issues through the practice of yoga. She accomplishes this through a deep understanding and constant study of the connection between mind and body and uniting the esoteric teachings of this ancient practice with valuable, evidence-based western sciences such as psychology.  

Sheridan has completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate in Power Yoga and Healing Sequence and completed a certificate in Yoga Therapy & Yoga Psychology, all while building her women-centered non-profit in Medellin, Colombia. 

She now exclusively serves the hair-loss community, creating safe spaces for her community to dive deep into self-inquiry, reconcile with their bodies, and connect with a sense of grounded confidence. Her calm but energetically powerful teaching style creates a safe and loving space in which to grow and ultimately encourages a better relationship with your physical and spiritual bodies, greater awareness, and a profound sense of self-love. 

http://www.sheridanruth.com

Phases of hair growth.

What Are the Phases of Hair Growth?

Every day, the average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs.

That loss is part of the normal hair growth cycle. But when you have alopecia areata (AA), your hair doesn’t follow that same pattern. 

If you have alopecia areata (AA), understanding how hair grows is an important part of understanding your hair loss, treatment, and what regrowth might look like. To help you in this understanding, we’re breaking down the four phases of hair growth.

Let’s have a look at how that works. 

The Four Phases of Hair Growth & Alopecia Areata

Your hair follicles grow and shed hair in a cycle. Each component of that cycle is called a phase, of which there are four.

The cycle begins with the long growing phase, then enters a transitional phase, moves to a resting phase, and finally culminates in a shedding stage, which is when the hair falls out. Then, a new hair begins to grow in the follicle and this starts the cycle all over again. 

The length of these phases varies depending on the individual as well as the region of the body. For the average individual, as many as 100 hairs reach the shedding stage every day and fall out. But when the cycle is disrupted, or the follicle is damaged, it impacts the functioning of these phases and more hair may fall out or hair may fall out more quickly than it can be generated. AA is an example of disordered hair follicle cycling. 

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The Anagen Phase

The anagen phase is the long growing phase. It’s called the long growing phase because it can last anywhere from three to five years.

This is when your hair follicle is actively pushing out the hair. That hair continues to grow until it reaches the shedding stage.

Experts believe that it’s this phase that’s interrupted in individuals with AA. It’s believed that the immune system attacks the hair bulb, causes inflammation, and this inflammation leads to anagen arrest. Anagen arrest is a disruption of the growing phase which leads to abnormal loss of anagen hairs.

The Catagen Phase

The catagen phase is a short transitional phase that begins when the anagen phase ends. This phase only lasts approximately 10 days.

During the catagen phase, the hair follicle shrinks which leads to slower hair growth. Nearing the end of this phase, the hair itself will separate from the hair follicle, though it continues to grow and remains in place. 

The Telogen Phase 

The telogen phase is the resting/retaining phase. It usually last about three months.

In his phase, the hair has stopped growing from the follicle. While the hair isn’t quite ready to shed yet, a new hair will begin to form in the follicle.

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The Exogen Phase

The final phase of hair growth is the exogen phase, which is the phase in which the hair is shed. This lasts between two and five months.

The exogen phase is sometimes considered an extension of the telogen phase. But it’s this phase wherein the hair is released from the scalp. Washing or brushing your hair usually helps this process.

More Helpful Hair Information

There are four phases of hair growth: the anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen phases. These phases start with the hair follicle pushing out the hair and end with the shedding of the hair. But in individuals with AA, this cycle is thought to be interrupted in the very first phase.

Understanding this process gives you a little more insight into where hair loss occurs and why. And for more helpful hair information like this, be sure to check out our blog regularly.