I know that alopecia is not life threatening but imo it would strip a lady of her esteem and self worth and cause depression.
Gail was famed for her beauty prior to losing her hair so it must have been particularly difficult for her to go through but I imagine it must be terribly traumatic for any lady to endure.

No offence to male posters but I really don't think men losing their hair suffer in the way so this question is addressed to female posters only Could you cope in Gail's situation and just shrug it off so to speak or would you be devastated?

I think Gail is very brave and coped a damn sight better than I would.

Absolutely nott

even if youre devastated you are still coping, i wouldnt say that if someone is not reacting like Gail then theyre not coping, unless they do something like harm them selves or worst then they are coping as theres not really any alternative, you just have to get on with life i imagine!

Truly.

I think it's important that she's out there for the children with alopecia (sp?)

I'd like to think I would cope because it's not life threatening but I couldn't say for sure.

She also happens to look gorgeous as she is. Prettiest female in the house IMO.

It's not a female thing at all btw. Men are just as attached to their hair.

I'd be devastated naturally but ultimately it's one of those things you have to adjust to and learn to live with as with any condition or illness.

Not coping wouldn't make it any easier. Gail is an inspiration. She's not let it hold her back, she's not hidden away in shame or embarrassment under a wig and if anything has turned it in to a positive. Should be applauded imo.

Thinking about it, I think I'd cope now, at the age of 52, but I'm not sure I'd have coped at the age she started losing her age. Her looks were part of her popularity, not all of it but part of it. They helped her make money, they made her appealing to the public, the loss of her hair affected not just her personal life but her career too.

Along with that, at a younger age you want to appeal to the opposite sex and looks - though not being the most important thing in the world - do give you confidence and affect your outlook on life. Yes, she has a beautiful face with or without hair, but I cannot imagine what she went through to achieve the confidence she has to have to appear on BB and essentially bare all

You've got to admire her.

You were male in your last incarnation, so I think I'll give anything you might think a pass.

I'm not male in any incarnation thankyou very much!

You know, I know

I like Gail but if she fells ugly because she has no hair then why not get a nice wig just to make herself fell better I know what she has said about this but I just think she's cutting of her nose to spite her face a bit.

I do admire her deeply and always have since she suffered from alopecia. I believe she suffered a few breakdowns and went into a clinic once, some years ago now. It is excellent to see she has recovered sufficiently enough to participate in something as challenging as BB, as you say

I agree she has a beautiful face and that is very true, she always did, but to hear her crying and saying "i'm ugly" was awfully upsetting, I just wanted to give her a hug. Because she is not ugly, far from it and it shows how the alopecia has lowered her self worth.

I think it's a question of having to cope. As with many things in life you have to learn to cope with something that you can't alter. I'm certainly not saying it's easy, but what choice would you have?

It's a sink or swim situation.

No, I couldn't cope. I thought about it tonight with Austin shaving his hair off and as selfish as it sounds, I don't think I could do that even though I know it would grow back. I know it's " only hair" and not life threatening, but it is a big deal and a big part of who you are, she is braver than she thinks, even though she acts a bit of a wet blanket. I
would not like to be in her shoes.

What is the alternative - coping or killing yourself. Better living and being bald as opposed to being a bald corpse.

[quote=Tess-g;79529729]
I'm sorry Tess but I'm afraid I don't!

Please can you stick to the thread topic. Thankyou

Gail said the work dried up after her hair fell out and they asked her to wear a wig but she asks people to accept her as she is. They have the problem not Gail.

I was thinking about this and I don't believe I would cope very well. It's such a huge part of my identity and I know that whatever people might say, you do get judged on your appearence. People do treat you differently depending on how you look. So I'm not sure how I would deal to be honest.

Gail does have my respect and empathy for what she's been through.

I also wonder if Gail saying she doesn't give a f**k is part of how she copes?

I respect your opinion but think a lady losing her hair is much more traumatic than for a man.

If people consider that sexist, so be it. I also happen to think its true.

I don't see why she should wear a wig either, she should be accepted as she is.

But as you can she from her weepy episode tonight, she is far from self acceptance. Anyway, she is a stronger lady than I.

Totally agree, you have to find or develop your resolve to cope. It would also be overwhelmingly distressing to think that your child may inherit the condition.

Ah, so polite as usual.

OK, I'll stick to the subject. I think she copes really well with her condition but I'm not sure about having someone shave their hair off in solidarity.

That OK "SweetAngelx"

It might not be that simple. Wig or not, you'd always be aware that you didn't have hair, which is a huge deal for some people.

I get that I really do its just you can get some really nice wigs now days and it might just make her feel a bit better about herself like putting on a nice new dress you know what I mean.

no i couldn't deal with it. i wouldn't wear a wig, but i'd probably wear a headscarf.

I can relate as I have a similar condition it's very upsetting and there is no proper treatment. I would hate to lose all my hair and wear a wig as would feel just as self conscious. I totally get her regarding men not being interested once they find out.