I’ve been suffering now with alopecia for nearly 10 years. I can’t describe how damaging this “cosmetic” autoimmune disease is, especially in your teenage years.
For years now, I have had to pay over £900 for a “normal” looking wig, twice a year. I have paid to have my eyebrows microbladed on top of this. The cost of living crisis is having a massive impact on everyone, never mind the sufferers of alopecia who put away a large part of their income to “fit in” and to prevent bullying. 
Anxiety and depression are mental health conditions that are linked to this disease, with little or no support from the NHS. This is completely overlooked by everyone and this needs to change. Simple things like looking in the mirror, brushing your hair to going on holiday, water parks and theme parks are huge triggers for those who suffer with alopecia, with little or no support circles. You are made to feel different and develop low self esteem. As a sufferer from panic attacks, one small comment can send me into a meltdown, out of my control. 


Mental health support also needs to be stronger and readily available with this condition. It is overlooked as cosmetic when in reality, not many individuals could handle the pressure and strains of this autoimmune disease. I’ve had doctors look at me with no sympathy or compassion since I was 14 years old. Developing new friendships and relationships since this diagnosis has been extremely difficult and stressful.
I understand this is not a life threatening disease, but please put yourself in my shoes or my mothers or my fathers to try and understand the toll it has on the individual. 
I also understand the financial strain on the NHS for providing wigs and other treatments. If wig providers would offer a 25% discount for those with medical conditions, this would be a great small change to help.

Developing another auto immune disease is very common if you have alopecia therefore it would be so beneficial for the GP surgery’s and the NHS to do annual thyroid and other tests to ensure these individuals are being looked after. 
I want a simple change of the mental health support and other testing to support with autoimmune diseases.