Stress and Hair Loss!

With the most common cause of baldness being androgenetic alopecia, a form that stems from our genetic roots and tendencies, it is easy to forget that external factors may contribute to hair loss as well. Medications, mechanical damage (i.e. braiding, straightening) and nutritional deficiencies may contribute to hair loss as well. Another contributor to baldness is stress. Stress has a great impact on the number of hairs found on our heads.

I want to take a moment to visit this...Queens, I know at one time in my life when I was "going through," I could literally reach up on top of my head, better yet, the back of my head and pull hair out. The women in my family called this area my "nerve spot." Honey, that is not it at all. It was hair loss due to stress. Stress can do so many damaging things to our bodies physically. It causes, dis-ease, disease of the body. We as women internalize our stress and it takes a toll on us in so many ways such as:

• Weight loss (this may not be a bad thing!)
• Raise blood pressure
• Pain of any kind
• Heart disease
• Digestive problems
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases
• Skin conditions, such as eczema

Therefore, if you are suffering from any of the above conditions it could be due to stress. We all have stress in our lives, voluntary and involuntary. Also, there is nothing we can do to stop some stress from entering into our lives. However, Queens its how you deal with the stress that is indeed important.

There are two types of stresses in our lives they are categorized as external, and internal. The common external stresses are:

• Major life changes
• Work
• Relationship difficulties
• Financial problems
• Being too busy
• Children and family

These are common stressors that puts high demands on you or forces you to adjust. There are some positive stressors like; getting married, buying a house, going to college, or receiving a promotion.

The common internal stressors are:

• Inability to accept uncertainty
• Pessimism
• Negative self-talk
• Unrealistic expectations, perfectionism

Look, I know there is too many stressors in the enviornment and our lives. But, believe me when I tell you, stress can and does complicate things, and makes for a miserable lifestyle. For instance, I not only suffered from hair loss, but peptic ulcers as well. Lets not leave out depression! That alone can kill you. As Black women we take so much on, we have been labled as, "strong." Yes we take pride in being strong but sometimes we need to let go, and let be. Sometimes we have to become selfish in order to step back and regroup.

Depression runs deep in my family, and I knew that if I didn't make a change I would be next in line for depression, and maybe even death. Yes Queens, its that serious. Stress can kill you.

So in order to take control of my health, and my hair; I made mad changes! I cut all stressors (the ones in my control), started taking yoga, changed my diet, took suppliments, started massaging my scalp with essential oils, and practiced meditation. That was 10 years ago. I can say to you all confidently, and with honesty, that I am truly HAPPY!!! I know how to deal with stress now, I know how to take a time out. I know how to walk away, cut a sucka off when they are draining my energy. I am in control of my health, goals, and overall happiness.

You too Queens must do the same. I have stress, of course, but honey it don't run me! Just visit my pics and take a look at the hair. Ain't no locs falling off! No ma'am and neither should yours be.

So please find out your stressors and stop them. Take control of your life, or it
could cost you more than your hair!