Depression and Hair Loss: Is There a Connection?

Depression affects far more than your mood. It can show up in surprising physical ways — fatigue, chronic pain, digestive issues, and yes, even hair loss. If you've noticed your hair thinning and you've also been battling low mood, the two might be more connected than you think.

How Depression Can Lead to Hair Loss

Depression doesn't directly "cause" hair to fall out the way a fungal infection might. Instead, it creates conditions in your body that can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. Here's how:

Elevated Cortisol Levels

Depression is closely linked to chronic stress, which keeps your body's cortisol levels elevated. Research shows that sustained high cortisol can push hair follicles into a resting phase prematurely, leading to increased shedding — a condition called telogen effluvium. For many of our patients in the Atlanta area juggling demanding jobs, long commutes, and family responsibilities, this stress response can be especially pronounced.

Nutritional Deficiencies

When you're depressed, eating well often falls by the wayside. Loss of appetite — or turning to comfort foods that lack key nutrients — can result in deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D, all of which are essential for healthy hair growth.

Medication Side Effects

Some antidepressants can contribute to hair thinning as a rare side effect. Wellbutrin (bupropion) has the highest reported association, though it remains uncommon. If you suspect your medication is affecting your hair, talk to your psychiatrist before making any changes — stopping antidepressants abruptly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms.

Inflammation

Depression is associated with increased systemic inflammation, and research has linked chronic inflammation to certain types of hair loss. The immune system dysregulation that often accompanies depression can further compound this effect.

Can Hair Loss Cause Depression?

The relationship works both ways. Losing your hair — especially unexpectedly — can significantly impact your self-esteem and body image, potentially triggering or worsening depression. This creates a frustrating cycle: depression contributes to hair loss, and hair loss deepens depression.

Other Physical Symptoms of Depression

Hair loss is just one way depression manifests physically. Others include:

• Unexplained aches and pains
• Chronic headaches
• Digestive problems
• Persistent fatigue
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Sleep disturbances

What You Can Do

If you're experiencing both depression and hair loss, a multi-pronged approach works best:

• See a psychiatrist to address the underlying depression with proper treatment
• Consult a dermatologist to rule out other causes of hair loss (hormonal, autoimmune, etc.)
• Focus on nutrition — work on incorporating foods rich in iron, zinc, omega-3s, and B vitamins
• Manage stress — Gwinnett County offers great options for outdoor activity, from trails at Yellow River Game Ranch to walks around the Lilburn greenway
• Be patient with medications — if a side effect is the culprit, your provider can explore alternatives

Treatment at Next Step Psychiatry

At Next Step Psychiatry, we understand that depression is a whole-body experience. Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C take a comprehensive approach to treatment, addressing both the mental and physical dimensions of your health. We offer medication management, Spravato® for treatment-resistant depression, and work closely with your other healthcare providers for coordinated care.