| |
|
Results for 09/03/2002 to 09/10/2002
|
Last week, Sarah said:
|
"Hair Problem
A while ago I was diagnosed with a disease called Alopecia Areata. This disease doesn't spread, but everyone thinks it does. Because of Alopecia, I have lost almost all of my hair. This is not from cancer. I tried wearing hats, then wigs. I just don't like telling people about it; they make fun of me. I don't care what people think of me, it's just it gets annoying and makes me feel uncomfortable having to talk about it all the time. Anyway, my questions are simple. How do I respond to people when I just don't want to explain it again? The second one is about high school. After gym, you have to take showers. I'm not sure what I should do - I can't wash with my wig on because it destroys it. Any suggestions?"
|
Do you need advice on an issue? Other SmartGirls can
help! Submit your issue to SmartGirl.
|
160 SmartGirls replied:
| 16% |
Talk to your school and see if you can get into a gym class that meets at the end of the day. That way you could just take a shower at home. |
| 13% |
People are always going to be curious and usually pretty tactless in the questions that they ask. Explain to a few close friends and/or a few key people in the school what the problem is. They can help answer any questions before people get to you! |
| 16% |
Talk to people at your school about having an informational assembly or fund raiser for Alopecia research. That way you would only have to explain everything once - and you'd be promoting awareness and educating people all at the same time! |
| 3% |
You could carry around a card with a telephone number or website that provides information about Alopecia Areata - that way when people ask you could just hand them a card. |
|
|
52% gave other responses. Some SmartGirls said:
Hey Sarah! I no how you must be feeling, people making fun of you for something you cant change, all I say is stand up for yourself, if people cant except you four who you are then they arent worth it, always speak to your family or close friends about your problems, it can be hard but it will get easier. Keep your chin up sweetheart and think what you want to achieve in later life. You go and chase your dreams you deserve to. Always remember look after number one 'you.' GOOD LUCK! ~ Charlotte, 16 Sarah, it's okay. I have a friend with Alopecia. She wore a wig and had P.E. first. Until I talked her out of it. Making a card with some basic info would be all right, or just say, "If you are so interested, go use Google and look it up." Try not wearing a wig for a while. It was good for my friend. She also has a boyfriend of 10 months now. You are beautiful. Accept that. Love yourself. Sarah, I used to be exactly like you- hiding my real self because I thought I wouldn't measure up to other people's standards. Then I had a brainwave- who said that bald isn't beautiful? For that matter, who said that overweight, or pimply, or really short isn't beautiful? WHO SAID? Nobody. Everybody has their own idea of what is beautiful- who said that you should look just like what someone else wants? How DARE people do that to you? You don't deserve to be stuck in a mold! So be YOU. It's hard, but you can do it. You're beautiful! I hope you know that. Hey! I have Alopecia too. Mine isn't as serious as yours but mine is unpredictable and shows up with stress. If mine were as serious as yours I would just take off my wig and take a shower. If people asked then tell them what is wrong. It's a lot better for people to understand than to go around whispering about you. Even if people do end up making fun of you realize that you are the bigger person in this situation and if they can't accept you then you don't need them as friends. With this disease it will be easier for you to learn who your true friends are. God Bless ~ Allison Sarah, Hi. I am a survivor of a cancer. I lost all my hair because of chemo. At first I wanted a wig so I got a wig but I just didn't feel right, I didn't feel like myself. So then I started wearing hats, which I thought suited me well. So I wore hats or just nothing, when I lost my hair. I know what you mean about getting tired of telling people about, but people are always going to be curious. Maybe you should just tell them what you have and that you don't want to talk about...I would always tell people even if it was really annoy having to say it over and over. I think it is great that you don't care what people think...well take care Sarah and stay strong! ~ Marie, 16
Thanks to all of you that gave your advice! Please give your
advice for this week's issue.
|
The advice represented on this page is the opinion of SmartGirl
users who have responded to last week's Issue of the Week. It is not the
opinion of SmartGirl.org or the University of Michigan.
|
|
