Hair loss is a worldwide symptom that can be caused by many different factors. Because hairs are in a condition that should face both physical and environmental tensions and internal tensions. That’s why hair loss depends on a large group of factors such as weather, accessories, chemical hair care stuff, genetics, nutrition. In this post, we are going to discuss the relationship between mental health and hair.
What causes hair loss?
Mainly, genetics, medications, mental and physical health, and aging have a major role in causing hair loss. There are different kinds of hair loss which some of them is impermanent, and some of them like genetically based ones are permanent like pattern baldness.
Mental health has a direct impact on your hair loss
Any sort of stressful condition can stimulate hair loss, including pregnancy, chronic illness, injury, relationship issues, and financial concerns. These situations can cause mental problems which can be divided into some subcategories like anxiety, stress, depression, etc.
Stress and anxiety have a role in hair loss
Emotional stress can affect hair follicles and shift them to the resting phase and stop them from growing hair. This causes an increase in dormant hair follicles which could result being hair loss. Telogen effluvium (TE) is the second most common cause of losing hair. TE can appear as thinning hair with the hair on the top of the scalp thinning more than the sides or back of the scalp. Lack of nutrients which is required for hair growth can be another reason for hair loss as a side effect of stress.
Stress and anxiety increase hormone production and muscle tension. Therefore, the body has no choice but to reduce the supply of other parts, such as hair, to maintain these symptoms. Stress and anxiety have a direct effect on the immune system and from this fact. We can conclude that they can role as factors of causing Alopecia areata which occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles. This can start with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.
Medications can cause hair loss
The medications used to treat mental health conditions such as beta-blockers, antidepressants, and various mood stabilizers can indirectly cause hair problems. Alopecia is a common side effect in patients managed on the mood stabilizers lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine.
How to cope with stress and hair loss
With your anxiety and stress reduced after receiving treatment, your hair may begin to grow back on its own. Losing hair from stress isn’t permanent, yet hair restoration and regrowth do not happen overnight and it takes time between 3 to 6 months. The most effective way to maintain your general health during this time is to exercise and also to eat a healthy diet. In addition, you should pay double attention to your hair. You should also take care of it by following a nourishing, and useful hair care routine.
We discussed mental health and its effect on hair health in this post. If you have any questions, make sure to ask them in the comments.
More: Myths and Truths About Hair Loss.
If you have any experience worth sharing, make sure to discuss it in the comments with others. This can be very useful for those who have similar challenges. Do you ever experience hair loss caused by stress? Please share your experience with us in the comment.
