Yes, I have withdrawn from social activities. This started 6 months ago, after a break-up, and then I got hit by a van cycling to work and the hair shedding accelerated. Unfortunately the condition is still active. I haven't yet got to a place of acceptance. I know that is needed for me to enjoy all of the activities I used to. For now, I am managing my stress (massage, acupuncture, yoga, only doing things I want to do with people I want to do them with -- mostly) and I keep hoping the condition will go into recession. But I know as time goes on I may need to accept this, and get on with it. I am going to try cortisone injections, starting next week.

Hi everyone,

I saw my massage therapist today who is also a Tai Chi instructor and very Eastern in his philosophy. He knows about my hair loss, which hasn't been concretely diagnosed yet -- its either AA or the TG kind caused by shock. In any event, he told me to meditate on, I am healthy, I am healthy, and to even write that down line after line. To really focus on it, bring it into my life.

Well I've been walking around today, hatless, since my massage and saying to myself, I am healthy, beautiful, strong, vibrant, rich and social (OK, I threw in rich because it would be nice! and social because starting tomorrow, I need to get back into my social activities.)

In any event, I've felt good today. I am going to write this in my journal, say and visualize it first thing in the morning upon waking and before going to bed.

He also suggested that I picture myself at 70 - how I want to look, what I am doing, how I am feeling, and to meditate on this too. He beleives that through this bio feedback my body will get me there.

Its not about whether or not I have hair, but it is truly believing and living, I am healthy, beautiful, vibrant, strong, social and rich! I welcome a little Eastern and/or new age philosophy into my life right now. I take what is soothing about it, and leave behind anything that hints of 'blame the victim'.

This website is a true blessing.

Also, I'm Canadian and have good health coverage. I am going to massage, physio, chiropractor, psycho-therapist, dermatologist covered through our public healthcare system, my employer's benefits and through the motor vehicle insurance act (as I was hit by a van cycling to work and, following a recent break up, started losing hair. In any event, all that to say that I may have more access to the healthcare system than some of you in the states. I'll share what I learn.

I am being treated by acupuncture for AA. I may also start cortisone injections tomorrow. My dermatologist wants me to wait, as its only been 6 months, but I want to do something...

I also do yoga (ashtanga) which is the best thing for me. It keeps my body strong, mind clear and calms the nervous system. I wasn't able to do it for 2 months while recovering from my accident, and that's the period of the hair loss. I am hoping now that I am back breathing, stretching in yoga and feeling more in my body, and that I have my health back, that whatever I have will go into recession. I believe that -- I am over the shock now of these life events, have grieved the losses, and am grateful for the healers that have come into my life, and for the love of my parents especially and friends.

I also wanted to share as an alternative to counting hairs -- I put a paper towel in the sink each morning and when I get out of the shower, towel my hair, put in product, and brush -- that is when I experience the hair shedding...I put those hairs onto the paper towel. I have even taken photos of the hair -- which is all part of my self-acceptance, I suppose. I also keep a broom handy and sweep up after I've dried my hair, and throw out the paper towel. This wee process helps me to feel that I have some sense of control.

Also, I was told by my family physician that I ought to still use product, blow dry and style my hair -- not to refrain for fear of it falling out. He said whether I brush it or not, the follicles would fall out. I'm not sure about this, and would appreciate hearing from others on it. On the w/ends, I only scrunch my hair with my hands while I dry it, and think I'll do this from here on in because the amount of hair that comes out on the brush is actually too disturbing to deal with.

I'm also telling people now, whenever I have the opportunity, that I am grappling with this condition. It takes the pressure off me for them to know.

I need to balance that now with doing some activities and getting out there...I've been tucked in for the past few weeks (which is also part of my process of acceptance) and know that I need to adapt and get back out there and live the good life!!

I think picking up a new ball cap, experimenting with a bandana are all very good and uplifting things to do. Also, I thought today -- you know biking is great (everyone wears a helmet), and perhaps now is the time to get back into the pool -- to not even wear a bathing cap -- who cares about the highlights turning green!!

Wishing you all a good week. I sure am grateful for this forum, and hearing about your experiences. We are here for one another,

Jodie