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Hi
My name is Jessica and in 2024, I experienced a severe physiological and psychological event which resulted in a diagnosis of alopecia areata.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack healthy hair follicles on your head, eyebrows, and body. For most, bald patches affect the scalp and spread, regrowing in some areas and not at all in others. There is no cure for alopecia, and it is a lifelong disease.
It affects nearly 6.7 million people and children in the US.
I have lost 50% of my hair, and the psychological and emotional aspects of this disease take such a serious toll on one’s self-esteem, self-worth, and appearance.
From such a young age, we as women innately associate our identity with our hair and our appearance; our moms, dads, aunts, and grandparents brush it, braid it, and make it look “pretty.” It’s ingrained within us from such a very young age. As we age, I think it becomes even more a part of our identity.
Even though alopecia areata is a disease that affects our appearance, it can significantly impact a person's psychological well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. The visible nature of hair loss can affect self-image and identity, potentially leading to emotional distress and a diminished quality of life. Alopecia Areata can start at any age and there is still not enough known about the disease to have found a cure.
I can say that this disease has greatly affected my life, my self-esteem, and caused me emotional distress and depression.
Almost all insurance companies do not cover hair prosthetics and prostheses as “necessary” treatment options for alopecia areata. Some do not even cover treatments, which don’t always work.
In my discovery of options to cover my unsightly head, I’ve learned that good quality hair prosthetics are incredibly expensive and unattainable for most anyone’s budget.
I have been saving as much as I can to purchase one, but it is incredibly costly and my financial responsibilities have to be in the forefront, leaving my savings very limited.
Having the ability to go out into public without the worry of my appearance would be so incredible. I hope in having shared my photos of my journey, although it’s so difficult for me to post them and share, that I help spread awareness of the disease.
If you can donate any little amount, it would be so graciously appreciated.
If you cannot, please find it in your heart to consider making a future donation to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
God Bless