Dear readers,
My name is Tina, I am 17 years old and am currently attending the 12th grade of a comprehensive school. I have two older brothers. Till is 19 years old and Tim is 31 years old.
I lost my hair about ten years ago. At the time, I was in the second or third grade of a primary school. The hair loss started with small bald patches that kept getting bigger. At first, I tried to hide them with scarves and hats, but that was soon no longer possible. Until I went bald. From then on, I wore wigs for a few years. Unfortunately, I also had to experience bullying. My classmates in primary school inflicted verbal and physical violence on me. This also affected my psyche. I cried a lot, became very shy and did not want to attract attention under any circumstances. My mother in particular suffered with me. But with the great support of my family and friends (especially my mother), I became more and more self-confident.
Until seventh grade, I always wore my wig in public. Even when I was swimming or playing sports. But on a class trip in seventh grade, I showed my bald head to my class for the first time. From then on, I never wore my wig when I was playing sports or at the swimming pool. Later, I only went out wearing a hat and now I only show myself topless. After a long time, I put my wig back on and started crying because I felt very uncomfortable. That's not me anymore.
I enjoy being looked at, especially when I go out partying, for example. Today I can make people laugh with jokes about my bald head. Even today I get negative comments and messages on social media and people stare at me. And when I'm in a bad mood, it gets to me. But today I know how to deal with it better. People like that are blocked or ignored. The positive comments and the recognition for my self-confidence outweigh them and make me stronger every day.
For a long time I asked myself: Why me?
Today I know: Alopecia Areata has made me a more self-confident person and I am very happy about that. You have to be aware that some blows of fate are necessary in order to develop further. I would like to make every reader aware of this idea.
Best regards
Your Tina
