ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Four women in Dougherty County, affected by alopecia, are stepping up to raise awareness about this autoimmune disorder. Alopecia can have a profound emotional and psychological impact, affecting self-image and identity. These women are determined to show that beauty transcends hair loss.
For many, hair loss is a natural part of aging. However, for those living with alopecia, the effects can be much deeper. Alopecia, particularly alopecia areata, is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to sudden hair loss, impacting not only the scalp but also self-esteem.
“I felt like my hair loss was a loss. I felt like I lost everything that I thought I was. My identity, my self-image. I was Gina with the thick hair,” said Regina Barnes, an alopecia advocate and registered nurse.
According to Osmosis.org, alopecia areata is a condition that can cause hair to fall out in patches. For many, the diagnosis can be embarrassing and lead to depression.
“I think people are ashamed or embarrassed because they associate being bald with being ugly, but it’s not. You can be bald, bad, and beautiful, and most people just don’t know that,” Barnes explained.
Advocating for Awareness
Three women from Dougherty County played a key role in designating September as Alopecia Awareness Month in the county. Their goal is to empower others dealing with the condition and to help them embrace their uniqueness.
“We all have a flaw, mine is my hair. Yours might be something else, but embrace what you’ve got and be bold about it,” said Gloria Baker, another alopecia advocate.
Yvette Green, who has lived with alopecia for 50 years, hopes those who are unaffected will show empathy toward those who struggle with it. She emphasized that the emotional impact of alopecia is significant, often going beyond the physical appearance.
“It is so depressing; it has a high emotional impact that others don’t always understand. We need you to understand that it’s not just an emotional issue. It’s a mental and emotional issue,” Green expressed.
These women are advocating for acceptance and understanding, demonstrating that alopecia is not just a cosmetic issue, but a condition that affects mental and emotional health as well.
