The impact of hair loss is more than just skin deep. Whatever its cause, looking after your mind as well as your body is important. DermNet shares their findings on the psychological effect hair loss can have on the individual:
“The evidence confirms that the experience of hair loss is psychologically damaging, causing intense emotional suffering, and often leading to personal, social, and work-related problems… Compared with the general population, people with hair loss have an increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders, including a major depressive episode, an anxiety disorder, social phobia, or a paranoid disorder.”
Taking care of your mental wellbeing when experiencing hair loss and thinning is vital, and could even aid regrowth and recovery. When exploring those all-important coping mechanisms, sharing your concerns with others certainly helps.
Whether you’re simply uncomfortable discussing your hair loss challenges with friends and relatives, or you’re looking to extend your network, the following UK-based groups could provide support.
Established in 2004, Alopecia UK is a small yet nationally renowned charity that specialises in improving the lives of those affected by alopecia. Their support, awareness campaigns and research provide lifelines for people with alopecia, including children struggling with hair loss and their families.
The charity runs several groups across the UK, including those dedicated to supporting adults, teens and children. Whether attending in-person or participating online, you can find an Alopecia UK support group near you right here.
Another global group with a lot of clout is the International Alopecia Community. They run a private Facebook support group with thousands of members, and currently support individuals from more than 41 different countries with their group and associated events. Join the International Alopecia Community group for further details.
Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF) offers virtual support on a global scale. They host regular group meetups online to ensure newly diagnosed sufferers of scarring alopecia can access support from longtime members. These meetups are also led by trained support group leaders.
Their UK virtual meetup takes place every quarter. To find out more about their groups, and upcoming meetups, click here.
Operated by the World Alopecia Community (WAC), the Parents of Children with Alopecia Areata private Facebook group has been a great place to share thoughts, feelings and experiences for families affected by hair loss for several years.
Macmillan Cancer Support offers several services to support you from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Their buddy service is particularly popular with participants able to receive a weekly phone call or visit from one of Macmillan’s trained buddies.
Their online community provides a vital source of support for those living with or affected by cancer. In partnership with Bupa, Macmillan Cancer Support is also able to deliver free one-to-one counselling sessions for people living with cancer and struggling emotionally.
You can find out more about how Macmillan can support you here.
Alopecia Support for Kids (ASK) runs a private Facebook group to support children and families affected by alopecia.
The Alopecia Support for Kids group was set up by a husband and wife team whose son was diagnosed with Alopecia Totalis back in 2009. The ASK network has grown from strength to strength ever since. Their group is now an informative source of inspiration for many families across the UK and around the world.
For further advice and support looking after you during your hair loss journey, please read this essential guide.
