Hey everyone! It’s your girl Wavee Goddess and I want to talk to you today about a topic that is important, and one that has been in the media as of late. That topic is mental health. More and more headlines surrounding mental health have been circulating in the news lately. So, I thought it would be important to share with you guys how our mental state of mind can affect not only our moods, but our hair growth and maintenance as well.
Possible Causes of Hair Loss
There are many mental health disorders that can affect an individual at any time. Depression and anxiety are just 2 of those disorders that can really affect how well one grows and maintains their hair. Chronic stress can also be linked to anxiety and cause decreased hair growth, as well as hair loss. One classic symptom of depression is lack of pleasure in doing things that once facilitated one’s happiness. If maintaining and taking care of your hair once provided great pleasure, that may be affected if you are depressed. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or severely stressed you might not want to wash, condition, consistently rag up or spend ample time brushing your hair. This can and will affect wave building, hair growth and hair care maintenance.
Anxiety, depression and chronic stress can also negatively affect your hair growth cycle, causing a decrease in new growth. Telogen Effluvium is a hair condition in which hair loss is associated with an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, as opposed to the growth phase. When in the resting phase, the hair may lie inactive, and shedding may occur. This means that the hair will stop growing for a period of time.
Although hair loss can occur as a result of depression, anxiety or chronic stress, there is hope! Once the underlying cause of the hair loss is treated, the hair can begin to grow back. So, if you think you may be experiencing depression, anxiety or chronic stress, it is important to first seek professional assistance.
Treatments
There are many different types of medication on the market that can address these various mental health disorders. There are also methods of managing some mental health conditions that do not require the use of medication. Your classic cures such as proper diet and regular exercise will definitely affect your mental health in a positive way. Exercising at least 2-3 times a week can increase the production of chemicals (endorphins) associated with happiness or feelings of euphoria.
Adapting a change in diet, by eating more high-energy foods like fruits and vegetables and decreasing items such as soda, candy, high sodium foods, and high fat foods can also positively affect your mood. Try incorporating adequate water intake into your diet as well. The daily recommended water intake, according to the National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine, is 2.7 liters (91 ounces) for women and 3.7 liters (125 ounces) for men. This includes water from beverages, and food. Some weeks may be more difficult than others when it comes to adopting a new lifestyle. But, hang in there and stay consistent… Consistency is key!
Another non-pharmaceutical alternative to combating mental health disorders is TMS. This treatment is non-invasive and does not require oral medication. TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It is a treatment in which areas of the brain responsible for regulating your mood are electromagnetically stimulated. The stimulation of these “mood centers” have been shown to improve symptoms of depression, as well as enhance mood. This treatment has worked for many people, so it is definitely worth further investigation.
Conclusion
So, if you are experiencing hair loss, and you think you might have depression, anxiety or chronic stress, do not fear! Attempt to find out what issues may be affecting your mental health status. Make sure you seek professional medical or mental health attention sooner than later. Explore pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical options to see which may be more effective for you. Adapt appropriate dietary changes, and add a manageable physical fitness routine into your daily/weekly schedule. Additionally, make sure you are getting enough rest and consuming enough water! By implementing these strategies, it is my hope that you will be well on your way to mentally feeling better and properly maintaining your beautiful 360 waves and curls! Peace and blessings!
References
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/effluviums#1