Hair loss is a very real problem for many people, both men and women. It can be related to stress, hormonal changes during pregnancy or other medical conditions. One of the most common causes of hair loss is declining mental health. These days problems like depression and anxiety are very common especially in younger people. This is why many younger people have receding hairlines.
Can mental health really cause hair loss?
The answer to this question is yes. Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety can lead to hair loss in several ways:
- Lack of sleep. People with mental health disorders often have a hard time getting the amount of sleep they need, which leads them to having an irregular sleeping schedule or even insomnia. This lack of proper rest causes hormonal imbalances that result in many issues including dry skin and thinning hair.
- Stress. Stress is one of the leading causes for anxiety and depression, making it another reason why people lose their hair when dealing with these kinds of conditions. Stress can cause your hair loss.
- Poor diet/nutrition. If you have a poor diet, especially one lacking in vitamins and minerals, it can lead to brittle nails, dry skin and thinning or even falling out of your hair. Certain nutrients are necessary for healthy growth so they should be included in your daily intake whenever possible. Some great sources are leafy greens like kale as well as fatty fish such as salmon.
Does hair loss mean mental health problems are getting worse?
Not necessarily, sometimes hair loss is just a sign that something else isn’t right and it’s not always an indicator of mental illness. However if you do notice any significant changes or sudden thinning then please visit your doctor as soon as possible! If it’s too late for that then go see a mental health professional as soon as possible. They can help you get your life back on track and will be able to help you with any mental health problems.
How can mental health affect the health of your hair?
When you are depressed or anxious, your body is in a state of stress. This causes many changes to happen within the body. Some of these changes include lowered immunity and poor digestion and metabolism which affects nutrient absorption and waste removal from the body. This can prevent nutrients from getting to your hair follicles which eventually damages your hair.
How to control your mental health and stop your hair from falling?
There are many ways to treat depression and anxiety. Some people use natural supplements while others prefer traditional methods such as medication or therapy sessions with a professional psychologist. Whatever you choose to do, remember that the goal isn’t just preventing hair loss instead the goal should be to stop the root cause of the problem so you should work to lower your mental health.
This will give a boost to your hair health. However just controlling your depression isn’t going to automatically stop your hair from falling. Some damage done is going to be permanent and you may never get your natural hair back however it is still important for you to consult a relevant doctor to improve your hair.
What is the best treatment for hair loss caused by declining mental health?
The best treatment for hair loss related to declining mental health is the same as any other kind of hair loss. You should start using a shampoo and conditioner that specifically targets your type of scalp and hair so you can get rid of dandruff, itchiness or dryness which may be causing damage to your follicles.
You can also apply essential oils on your hair that would also be a great way to improve your hair health. As mental issues can permanently effect some parts of your hair, you may never be able to get your hair back. So in such cases the only option left for people looking to resolve their hair treatments is hair transplant surgery.
Hair transplant surgery for people who lose their hair due to mental health issues
When mental health problems are the cause of hair loss, you cannot wait to let your hair grow back on its own. Hair transplant surgery is usually required for people who experience permanent hair loss due to depression or anxiety. With such good research and state of the art procedures available in the world, resolving your hair loss problems has become quite easy. So if you are suffering from excessive depression, anxiety and other mental problems and you feel that it is negatively effecting your hair then you should consult a doctor right away.
Mental health is important. Don’t ignore hair loss symptoms
Getting help with mental health issues is just as important if not more than treating any medical conditions that might also cause hair loss. If you feel that something isn’t right then please seek professional advice from either a doctor or mental health professional.
Tommy Williamson did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He is interested in mental health and well-being.
