How to Prevent Hair Loss Due to Stress

Not only can high amounts of stress negatively effect your general health and well-being, it can also cause mild to significant hair loss as well. Stress may cause hair loss via one of two conditions: telogen effluvium (TE)--which causes the thinning of the scalp by preventing hair follicles from growing hair--or, in more severe cases, alopecia areata, which occurs when white blood cells begin to attack the hair follicle.

If you are experiencing hair loss as a result of stress, then the best thing you can do is reduce the stress that you are experiencing. This is not always easy, and can be that much more difficult when you find you are losing your hair on top of everything else. But hair loss will correct itself once the stress has been alleviated. There are a few things you can do to help to manage your stress.

Instructions

• 1

  Exercise regularly. Daily exercise of at least 30 minutes a day is recommended. Exercise releases endorphins, a chemical in the body that the brain produces in order to manage pain. These endorphins can cause you to enter a euphoric state--a feeling athletes sometimes refer to as a "runner's high". Exercise and stretching can also help to relax your muscles and ease tension caused by stress.

• 2

  Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you suffer from insomnia or are finding that you cannot fall asleep as a result of your stress, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for sleeping pills.

• 3

  Practice relaxation techniques. Meditation, deep-breathing exercises and yoga can all help to relax your body and mind and fight stress.

• 4

  Make an appointment with a counselor or therapist to discuss your issues. Not everyone can deal with their problems on their own, and sometimes friends and family either are not supportive, or they simply cannot provide you with the help you need to get past your problems and feel better. A trained therapist can help you to work through your problems and provide you with techniques to reduce the stress that's causing your hair loss.