Bitter Or Better?

Hi Magic :o)



Thanks for adding your story and how you are handling the Alopecia. We each have a slightly different and unique way of managing our hair loss and those that find a way to do it and feel (mostly) comfortable in daily life are blessed. I do want my own hair back when the cure is found, which I keep hope will happen in my lifetime. In the mean time, I wear wigs and bandannas and sometimes hats so I'm taking advantage of the variety that Alopecia opened me up to. It was very painful for me personally growing up with it but as an adult I have the choice to alter my self-image and perception of the past and I'm working on that. Now I see the brave, courageous and determined child and teen that I was and the strong woman I am to live with it every day now. I wouldn't have chosen it, but there are also many many worse problems to have and I try to keep it in perspective. I love what you said about the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind. That sums it up!!!



God's blessings,

Kelly

thank you for putting such a positive post on here Kelly. My hair fell out when I was nine, and wigs were horrible, alien creatures to me. I wore baseball caps ("take your hat off BOY"), flowery hats (no good in summer), then settled with headscarves (any colour, any style, matches outfits, super comfy). seventeen years later Im still here, having fun and being myself. the thought of a 'cure' flew out of my head many years ago as I dont see myself as having something that needs cured. But yes, it would be nice to have my own hair..... but for now I settle for brown, ginger, blonde, brunette, bob, curly, straight....

Hi Escheffe,



Thank you for having the courage to share you story too. I think the teenage years are the hardest for hair loss. I then just went into complete denial through my 20's and early to mid 30's. We all come to really dealing with it as we are ready and able to.



As far as dealing with it - try it in small steps. Allow yourself to feel the grief for the loss. It helps to admit to yourself, safe people and your Higher Power how you really feel about yourself. I joined Alopecia World (AW) in 2008, then joined a new local support group. I shared my shame and embarrassment with a trusted friend. I posted bald pics of myself on AW and contributed to the Alopecia Registry for medical research. On July 17th this year, the National Bald Out Day was held and all the ladies in my support group supported each other by going bald in public at a local water park. A HUGE day for us! I posted pics of that day on my Facebook page - another first.



I too started to feel tired of hiding my true physical appearance. Although I still wear wigs on a regular basis, it was a big step for me to start wearing hats and bandannas instead only my wig out in public this year. It feels great to have a choice and it's more fun to change it up.



I can also tell you that most men really don't care. It took until this year for me to even begin to believe that.



I am still on a path of acceptance, not completely there, but getting closer and closer. However, I still want my own hair and if there is a cure, I will be first in line! So, I think you can accept the reality of today, while still hoping it can someday change.



Hope that helps.



Your Alopecia Sister,



Kelly

I can relate to what you're going through. I'm an 18 year old girl and haven't had any hair on my head since I was 12. Its so wonderful that you are coming to terms with your alopecia. I still wear a wig and have a really hard time talking about it. Lately i've just been getting sick of hiding my alopecia and I would rather go bald. I'm just afraid of how people will react and that strangers will treat me differently, and especially that guys will totally lose interest. Any advice on how to deal?