Are you experiencing hair loss and wondering, "Can depression cause hair loss?" The answer is yes; there is a link between mental health issues like depression and experiencing excessive hair shedding or thinning hair. In this blog, we will explore the connection between depression and hair loss in detail.
Depending on where you live, the winter months can often appear dark and gloomy: cold weather, rain, snow, clouds, and no sunlight. A lack of sunlight can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression. SAD affects about 10 million Americans and can lead to a plethora of health problems – including hair loss.
Link Between Depression and Hair Loss
Various factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, certain medical conditions, medications, and stress, can cause hair loss. While stress itself doesn't directly cause sudden hair loss, it can still exacerbate conditions that do, such as alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and trichotillomania.
Depression is also a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Depression can also indirectly cause hair loss along with changes in behavior and physical health.
Most people diagnosed with SAD experience its symptoms before winter, and they continue throughout the winter months. Signs can include:
- A drop in energy level
- Cravings for sweet or starchy foods
- Weight gain
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hair loss and other health problems!
These symptoms should not simply be brushed off as a simple case of the winter blues. If you’re noticing signs of hair loss, it’s time to begin an effective and natural hair loss treatment that’ll thicken your hair without causing any side effects.
How Can Depression Lead to Hair Loss?
Depression can lead to hair loss in several ways. First, the high levels of stress and changes in hormone levels can affect your hair growth. Let's have a look at how depression can affect your hair health:
1. Physical Stress and Hair Follicles
Depression causes a lot of physical stress on the body. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can force many hair follicles to go into a resting phase too soon, making hair thin and shedding more easily. The physical stress from depression pressures hair follicles, disrupting the normal hair growth cycle.
2. Telogen Effluvium
Another cause of hair loss related to depression is a condition called Telogen Effluvium. When we experience intense emotional or physical stress, such as depression, our hair follicles can enter a resting phase prematurely. This leads to excessive shedding and a noticeable thinning of the hair.
3. Changes in Hair Growth Cycle
Depression impacts the natural hair growth cycle. Instead of following the normal cycle, depression pushes hair follicles into resting too soon. This disruption causes more hair to shed while fewer grow back right away. Depression throws the hair growth cycle off balance, leading to overall thinning hair.
4. Less Self-Care
When someone is experiencing depression, they may have difficulty taking care of themselves, including neglecting proper hair care practices. This lack of self-care from depression can lead to hair loss, breakage, or damage.
Treatment for Depression Related Hair Loss
To treat hair loss caused by depression, we must treat the root cause, depression itself. Although winter depression is a seasonal problem for most people, there are some things you can do to promote hair growth. So, wave goodbye to winter blues with these three tips guaranteed to elevate your mood, energy, and mental health throughout the year while giving your hair new life.
1) Get 15 Minutes of Sunlight Every Day
Getting some sun exposure every day can be helpful for treating depression-related hair loss. Sunlight, particularly UV-B radiation, is essential for your body to produce Vitamin D, which is crucial for human health. A Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a handful of medical problems, including diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, depression, hair loss, and more.
Just 15 minutes of sunlight exposure a day allows your body to get plenty of Vitamin D. So, make a point of going for a quick stroll around the block when the sun is peaking through the clouds.
Since medical problems usually affect hair follicles and scalp health, reverse hair loss and thicken your hair by wearing the Theradome laser hair regrowth helmet for 20 minutes twice a week. Did you know that the majority of women see a 38% increase in hair count after only 18 weeks?
2) Incorporate Vitamin D into Your Diet
You may not have the luxury of seeing a sunny sky every day, or your physician may recommend staying away from UV rays. If that's the case, try eating foods rich in Vitamin D. Since vitamin D deficiency can contribute to depression and hair loss, getting enough of this nutrient is essential. Many types of fish contain an abundance of Vitamin D, including mackerel, salmon, tuna, and herring. Not a fan of fish? Ask your physician about taking Vitamin D supplements.
In the meantime, keep your thick head of hair intact and prevent any signs of thinning hair with the Theradome LH80 PRO. Your hair loss treatment sessions will also strengthen your hair follicles and leave you with much more manageable hair.
Read more on connection of Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss.
3) Boost Your Mood with Exercise
Along with depression and anxiety, SAD can also lead to stress, a well-known cause of hair loss. One effective way to tackle hair loss caused by depression is through exercise. Exercise can help control stress levels and maintain your health (and your hair’s). So there’s another reason for you to put on your running shoes and head for a nice stroll around the park while soaking in some sun.
Exercise help in reducing stress levels and promote hair growth. Find out how exercise and hair growth are interconnected.
Don’t Let the Blues Weigh Your Hair Down!
Women are four times more likely to be affected by SAD and experience health problems. But there’s no reason to dread winter months, feel alone or like there’s nothing you can do about how you feel. By following the above suggestions, you’ll be able to overcome depression induced hair loss soon be on your way to a healthier, happier you. And always remember the best thing you can do for your hair is begin laser hair regrowth treatments with the Theradome LH80 PRO.
Regain your hair, regain your confidence with Theradome's laser helmet. Don't let hair loss define you. Act today and embrace the journey towards a fuller, more vibrant you.
