The current support groups vary in their specific objectives, average age groups and memberships, but they do share a common goal; to provide alopecia areata sufferers, their families and friends a warm, comfortable environment to share experiences.  Meetings are held regularly and ideas are shared amongst the groups. Not all meetings are listed on our calendar so please contact the support group in your region for meeting schedules.

People who have Alopecia Areata and their family members often experience a variety of emotions:

* Feeling alone, withdrawn, and isolated
* Loss and grief
* Fear that others may find out you have the disease
* Scared that others may find out that you wear a wig
* Sadness and depression
* Anger
* Embarrassment
* Guilt or self-blame that you somehow brought the disease on yourself
* Guilt related to how the disease is affecting family members and loved ones
* Helpless in regard to searching for answers or cure (going to extremes)
* For parents, guilt that they may have genetically contributed to their child’s disease
* For siblings and other family members, shame and hurt because the disease has also affected their lives

AAAF is seeking out support groups throughout Australia.  If you or someone you know operates a support group we would like to here about it. Drop us a line at info@aaf.org.au.

Closed Facebook Groups:

Sydney

http://www.facebook.com/groups/253267248063760/

Melbourne

http://www.facebook.com/groups/324140794330058/