Every one of us goes through different levels of stress throughout our lives. If we can’t contain it, we could end up suffering from anxiety. Anxiety is our body’s defence mechanism against a stressful situation. It is a sudden feeling of fear or restlessness about something that is yet to happen. For most people, it would only last for a few moments. But if you leave anxiety unchecked, it could have debilitating effects on your end. You could end up being antisocial, have an imbalanced diet and a weak immune system, or ultimately suffer hair loss.

Can Anxiety Cause Hair Loss

Research has shown that there is indeed a connection between suffering from anxiety and hair loss. These three medical conditions are said to bring about hair loss because of stress:

• Telogen effluvium. When we go through a very stressful situation, our body sends signals to our hair follicles. The hair follicles will be forced to go into hibernation and become dormant. We normally shed hair daily. But if the hair follicles stop developing new strands, it will break the equilibrium that was previously existing there. More hair will be shed compared to the hair reproduced. Hair loss is inevitable.
• Trichotillomania. This is a psychological disorder wherein a person pulls his or her hair when stressed. Teenagers usually manifest this behaviour. However, there are a few adults who also exhibit this kind of defence mechanism. A person who is suffering from this could go to the extremes that he could actually create bald patches from this behaviour.
• Alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system targets the hair follicles. Because of the attacks initiated by the immune system, hair follicles will stop developing and reproducing. Studies have found out that this is genetically acquired but can be triggered by a stressful situation.

Hair loss from anxiety, more often than not, is only temporary. You can suppress it by determining what the source of the stress is. To destress, you need to relax and try not to think so much about all those stressors. 

What You Can Do to Avoid Anxiety

Try yoga and meditation techniques to calm yourself down during stressful times. 

Exercising regularly also works wonders. You will feel better about yourself and lessen, if not eliminate altogether, the stress that you are feeling. Spend time with positive people. Over time, you will also become optimistic and forget about the stress that you are currently feeling. Eat a healthy diet to recover nutrients that you previously neglected. Lastly, you should practise proper hygiene and maintenance of your hair. It is damaged now, but with the utmost care, it can grow into its former volume.

The damage brought about by anxiety to your scalp can go from temporary to permanent if left unchecked. Consult with a doctor if hair loss from anxiety continues despite attempts to curb it. Our doctors and surgeons can provide the best solutions to your hair loss problems.