Hair loss has different effects on people. Some become extremely depressed, even suicidal; others are not the least bit concerned. What is important is not the hair loss itself but our reaction to it. Coping with sudden hair loss is important so that you not only look good physically but are also sound mentally.

Obviously a person who regards his appearance to be the focus of his life will feel more stress than someone who doesn't consider it to be so. Some people have even used baldness to their advantage. Telly Savalas, of Kojak fame, and Yul Brynner are names that spring to mind. However, many find hair loss rather difficult to handle.

Fortunately for these, there is now treatment for some types of baldness. Even male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), which was previously considered untreatable, now has treatment in the form of minoxidil lotion. Although minoxidil does not cure all cases of male pattern baldness, it does help some patients re-grow hair and may prevent further hair loss if used regularly.

Additionally, some types of baldness, no matter how bad they look, are only temporary. Telogen effluvium, for example, only causes temporary hair loss, and re growth is the rule. And while hair is slowly growing back, there are now very well-made and attractive wigs to camouflage baldness and increase the person's self confidence.

Some are able to accept hair loss; others may suffer a variety of psychological reactions as well as from stress. This has to be dealt with because it may lead to more severe problems as well as related illnesses like stomach ulcers, irritable bowel and heart disease. So it is important that you cope with your sudden hair loss in a positive way.

Stress may itself cause hair loss, as in the cases of Maria, who developed trichotillomania, and Jennifer, who developed telogen effluvium after her father's death. Telogen effluvium is usually temporary and hair re-grows when the precipitating stress passes off. If the original stressful factor is replaced by another form of stress, then re-growth may be prevented or delayed.

Hair loss, admittedly, is very stressful but it is important not to let stress reach extreme proportions. If permitted, it can lead to a vicious hair-loss cycle or a stress-related illness. To avoid this you have to learn how to manage to cope with your sudden hair loss.