Alex's Answer

Hi there,  

You’re welcome to ask Alex.  

So, you have told us your hair falls out because of stress and you are wondering why this happens. Perhaps you feel like you need help! This is an issue that would need to be explored with your medical professional such as a GP or Nurse.  

It could be because of stress, but sometimes it can me other issues that only someone with a medical background would know about.  

However, there are a few things you can do to help with stress. 

When people become anxious or worried or stressed, they often start to breathe more quickly and in a shallower way, using the upper parts of their lungs.  

Changing the way, you breathe when you start to feel anxious or stressed can help to prevent the anxiety or stress from taking over.  

Breathe in through your nose, pause, then breathe out through your mouth, pausing again before taking another breath.  

Counting your breaths can help you to stay focused on breathing calmly. This is done by counting from one to ten in your head, thinking “one” on the first breath in and “two” on the next breath in, all the way up to ten.  

Another way to stay focused on breathing in and out – especially when your thoughts are racing – is to focus on the feeling of the cool air coming in through your nose and the feeling of the warmer air coming out through your mouth.  

Abdominal or Belly Breathing 

Belly breathing is a special type of breathing that helps you to take deeper breaths.  

Sit in a comfortable position or lie down on the floor. 

Place both hands on your belly. You can also place a small stuffed animal on your belly. 

Take a deep breath in through your nose. Fill your lungs right up. Your stomach will rise. 

If you are sitting down you will feel your belly press against your hands. 

Hold breath for 3 seconds. 

Breathe out deeply through your mouth and watch as your belly lowers or feel it move in from your hands. 

Repeat 5 times. 

For more techniques please watch this video Grounding Technique – 5 Senses – Childline by ISPCC – ESB 

When you are feeling stressed, it can also help to talk to someone like a friend, parent, uncle aunt, or teacher.  

Thanks for getting in touch with us today and if you ever want to Ask Alex anything, please just leave a message. We are here to listen to you and offer you information and support.  

If your question is urgent, or you would like to talk privately, you can contact Childline for free by calling 1800 66 66 66, chatting online via our webchat on www.childline.ie or by texting 50101. We are available 24 hours a day, every day. 

Take Care, Alex.