5 Stages of Hair Loss Grief
When we experience a major loss, grief is a perfectly normal process that we undergo. The grief process is complex and circular. Unlike many descriptions of the grief process having a beginning and end, with several parts in the middle, the process is not always linear. Grieving includes psychological, emotional, and physical reactions that have an impact on individuals, friends, and family. Read below to learn about some of the common phases that individuals move through as they grieve.
The death of a loved one is not the only cause for grief. Any major change can incite feelings of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. If you have recently begun losing your hair, you might be feeling any one of these emotions or a combination. It is likely that individuals at any stage of the hair loss process will grieve their previous life. Even though your hair loss may not be permanent, you may miss the time before your hair loss began.
Denial– “I feel fine.”; “This can’t be happening, not to me.” Denial is usually a temporary defense for an individual. When you first begin losing hair or notice your thinning hair, you may not believe it is happening. In fact, you may convince others that you are not losing your hair.
Anger– “Why me? It’s not fair!”; “How can this happen to me?”; ‘”Who is to blame?” Anger is sometimes an emotion that follows denial. Once you’ve acknowledge that hair loss is something that is happening in your life you might become enraged. It doesn’t seem fair that you have to undergo this difficult burden while others do not.
Bargaining- “I’ll do anything.”; “I will give my life savings if…” This stage involves an individual hoping that they can postpone hair loss if they negotiate. Usually, the negotiation is made with a higher power in exchange for the head of hair they once had.
Depression — “I’m so sad, why bother with anything?”, “Why go on?” During this stage, the individual begins to understand and feel the effects of hair loss. Because of this, the person may withdraw and isolate. It’s completely normal to feel sadness and fear in this stage.
Acceptance — “It’s going to be okay.”; “I can’t fight it, I may as well prepare for it.” The acceptance stage is one where the person begins to accept their hair loss and prepare for it. This stage also might include educating others about hair loss and findings solutions for the problem. Grieving is a process that takes time.
Don’t discount your emotions about hair loss. Allow yourself to grieve and reach out to others for support. If you want professional support as you work through this difficult time in life, contact a counselor or support group for guidance. Often, sharing your emotions with others who understand what you are going through is a powerful first step. Call Van Scoy at (419)-289-6665.
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