Minor concern at this time, I guess, but still...

[pollyglot]

I'm losing my hair! In fact, I've lost great clumps. Specialist says nothing can be done. Feeling a bit down about it.

Nothing can be done? Why? What's the diagnosis? Perhaps you need a new doctor.

Why?

Permanent scarring alopecia. No eyebrows either.

Chemo?

No chemo or obvious health issue, other than a lot of stress. Thanks for the replies-appreciated.

I'm sorry to hear that. Was it sudden, or has this been a lifetime thing?

Happened 20 years ago when my son was desperately ill for a long time...but grew back. I experienced a lot of work stress recently, which is the only thing I can think of as a factor. Thanks again.

It is shit. Stress from the current situation or something else.

My mate had it for a good few years and it was advancing up his head. All fine now.

I think of my excruciating IBS as an early warning system for my body. When my stomach hurts, I need to take better care.

What are you doing to care for yourself?

I'm sorry Polyglot that this is happening to you. Perhaps this is a situational triggered, short-term challenge for you but don't despair if not. I've had complete alopecia since I was in my early 20s - decades ago now. I feel it hasn't stopped me at all. I'm grateful that I don't have any underlying, life threatening condition, and just get on with things. I wear a wig, false eye lashes and have brow tattoos. I love feeling my best and I get compliments all the time from people about how I present myself. It takes me no time at all in the morning to 'put myself together' and truly I don't think I'd go back to 'normal hair' now even if they found a 'cure'. Try to focus on how superficial surface features are, look to ways that you can feel self love and self worth. No lockdown roots concerns for me!

Never been good at caring for myself-our family mantra was 'you don't deserve it...put others first...working hard and self-denial justify your existence' - as with many women of my generation, perhaps. Pathetic, eh.

2themoon - you are a star! Thanks for the cheery message!

Well, I'm telling you; you do need to care for yourself. Reject the patriarchy, rise up, I am woman hear me roar. Etc.

Start with breathing. Move on to other self-care.

Absolutely MsPrachet! You are perfect as you are Pollyglot! Autoimmune issues like alopcecia are just your body's way of telling you to look out for yourself more. Embrace self love practices like mindfulness or yoga if they resonate with you at all. Love yourself first and you'll find the grace to get through whatever you are facing now.

Thanks, folks. Will try what you suggest - maybe when lockdown ends, I'll treat myself to something nice.