Locations:
Search IconSearch

How Alopecia Areata Can Affect Your Mental Health

Take steps to reduce stress by practicing meditation, finding time to relax and maintaining a healthy lifestyle

A person bends their head forward to show extensive patches of hair loss

It’s said that your hair is your “crowning glory.” But when you have alopecia areata, you may feel ashamed and embarrassed by your hair loss. And it can take a toll on your mental health. In fact, one study found that if you have alopecia areata, you’re 30% to 38% more likely to be diagnosed with depression.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Dermatologist Stephanie Trovato, MD, shares how the autoimmune disease can cause stress and anxiety and what you can do to cope.

How does alopecia areata affect your mental health?

Alopecia areata can affect your confidence, thoughts, emotions and behaviors. The shame you may feel can lead to social isolation, as well as absences from school or work.

“People with alopecia areata often report feeling numerous emotional and social challenges. Some find it challenging going about their day without spending extra time trying to hide their hair loss,” explains Dr. Trovato. “They may choose to conceal their hair loss due to concern about questioning looks from others.”

And that added stress can also cause an alopecia areata flare-up. You may start to see new patches of hair loss or notice your overall hair loss is getting worse.

Ways to focus on your mental health

The goal is to reduce stress and anxiety — both of which can aggravate your immune system and trigger your alopecia areata. Dr. Trovato suggests the following:

Take time to relax

Think about what activities you find relaxing. Whatever your answer is (whether it’s baking or cuddling with your pet), find time throughout your day to unwind.

Some ideas include:

Advertisement

Consider meditation

Taking time to stop and focus on how you’re feeling can help reduce your emotional stress. You can do so by taking any negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones.

Meditation comes in many different forms, like:

Join a support group

“Support groups can offer a sense of community,” Dr. Trovato notes. “It’s important to know that you’re not alone.”

Being around others who have alopecia areata not only gives you a sense of belonging, but it can also be helpful to turn to others for advice and guidance. Your healthcare provider may know of local support groups. You can also find resources through the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.

Focus on lifestyle changes

You want to keep your immune system functioning at its best. That means certain lifestyle changes are vital:

Talk with a mental health professional

If you find yourself frequently worrying and withdrawing from your family and friends, you may want to consider talking with a mental health professional.

“Mental health professionals can help create and support healthy coping mechanisms,” emphasizes Dr. Trovato. “Those skills are pivotal in so many areas in our lives, including navigating medical conditions like alopecia areata.”

Bottom line?

Learning how to live with alopecia areata can be overwhelming. While you may feel stressed and anxious at times, know that there are ways to cope and help reduce your stress.

“Because hair is so focal to our sense of identity, some people struggle with a perceived loss or shift in identity,” says Dr. Trovato. “It’s important for you to seek out resources to navigate the powerful emotional aspect of alopecia areata.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Close up of a person’s fingernail that shows vertical ridges along its surface
June 5, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
How Alopecia Areata Can Affect Your Nails

You may see pitting, brittleness or ridges in your fingernails and toenails

Close up of a person who doesn’t have eyebrow or eyelash hairs
June 5, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Managing Alopecia Areata Eyebrow and Eyelash Loss

Your immune system may attack hair follicles anywhere on your body

Hair in a shower drain
May 19, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Here’s Why Your Hair Falls Out in the Shower

It’s normal to lose around 50 to 150 strands per day to routine hair shedding

Man putting on a red ball cap hat
March 3, 2025/Skin Care & Beauty
Can Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?

Studies are mixed, but frequently wearing very tight, warm hats could stress your follicles and lead to hair loss

Concerned woman in bedroom with hairbrush full of hair
February 17, 2025/Women's Health
When To Worry About Hair Loss

Things like stress, heated styling and other health conditions may cause you to lose more hair than normal

Person with alopecia areata
March 22, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Self-Care Tips To Manage Alopecia Areata

A gentle hair care routine, stress reduction and sun protection can help reduce flares and maintain your locks

bottles and jars of natural lotions and essential oils
March 8, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Natural Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Home remedies may help your hair, but don’t expect them to cure the autoimmune disease

close up of female pulling hairs from a brush
January 11, 2024/Diabetes & Endocrinology
Is My Thyroid to Blame for My Hair Loss?

The endocrine gland in charge of hormone production may be causing your hair to shed or stop growing

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad