Depression is a group of conditions that negatively affect how you feel, think, and act. It is complex and can interfere with your daily life.
However mild or severe, depression has been linked to hair loss. In this article, we’re discussing all things related to hair loss and depression.
Article Contents
- Balding and Insecurity
- Hair Loss and Depression
- Depression Symptoms
- What You Can Do
Balding and Insecurity
To look in the mirror and see your hair thinning or receding can be a rude awakening. As humans, we greatly emphasize physical appearance for many reasons. Job interviews, first dates, and speaking engagements are just a few examples where our appearance becomes part of others’ first impressions of us.
Discovering that you may be balding can create insecurity in both men and women. It may be a physical sign of stress, malnutrition, genetics, aging, or a more serious illness. For women, hair thinning can be attributed to a hormone imbalance and more.
Insecurity of your appearance while balding and losing your hair can quickly turn into a deep sadness or even depression.
The Link Between Hair Loss and Depression
In today’s world, we associate many of our identities with our hair. Because of this, hair loss can make someone feel depressed or less than the person they were when they had more hair.
Plus, the more hair is lost, the less likely it is to grow back. Knowing that hair loss can likely get worse without intervention can put a heavy burden on anyone. Depression brought on by hair loss is a serious issue, and those suffering should seek professional help.
It can be even more disheartening for those who seek intervention for their hair loss with no success. If you’ve tried over-the-counter solutions, medication, or other products and are still experiencing hair loss, it might be time for a more permanent solution like a hair transplant.
Can Depression Cause Hair Loss?
Although experts have yet to link depression to balding directly, there is significant evidence pointing to depression contributing to hair loss or thinning. With depression can come stress, which can lead to stress-related hair loss.
Not only that, but the hair thinning brought on by depression can negatively impact your self-esteem. This can make you want to hide or cover your physical appearance in public, particularly when dating.
Is Hair Loss a Sign of Depression?
Hair loss caused by anxiety or depression is a sign that should not be ignored. While scary, the good news is that with symptom management, hair thinning caused by anxiety and depression can be reversed.
The important thing is to get help when you feel symptoms of depression. The longer you wait, the worse symptoms will get and the longer it will take to recover. If you’d prefer not to seek medical treatment, there are always counseling and support groups to connect with others going through similar experiences.
If you think your hair loss might be caused by depression, here are some signs and symptoms of hair loss-related depression.
Depression and Hair Loss Symptoms
Though there are varying degrees of severity, here are some symptoms to look for:
- Sudden or significant increase in hair shedding
- Significant increase in stress levels
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Persistent sad mood
- A feeling of emptiness, frustration or helplessness
Just because your hair is thinning does not mean you’re bound to become depressed—it’s just helpful to know that the two may be related.
What You Can Do
If you’ve been in a depressive or long-term sad state and begin to notice hair loss, it’s time to talk to professionals, especially if symptoms worsen.
There are many treatment options for depression.
- Therapy
- Medication
- Lifestyle changes like eating better and working out regularly
Just know, you can take action.
In Closing: You’re Not Alone
If you’re suffering from balding and depression, you’re not alone. Over half a million people each year choose to undergo hair transplant procedures to boost their self-confidence and lessen anxiety and depression.
If you want to lessen your symptoms of hair loss-related anxiety and depression without prescription medication, consider scheduling a consultation with us at Natural Transplants Hair Restoration Clinic to learn more about our services.
