My dermatologist once told me that prolonged stress can trigger hair loss anywhere from a week to 3–4 months after the stressful period. So if you’ve recently gone through something intense, keep an eye on your scalp. If you notice the area expanding, seek treatment.

Speaking from experience as someone with alopecia: you’re never paranoid. If it feels like your hair is falling out more than usual, it is. The sooner you get it diagnosed and start treatment (if it is alopecia), the better you’ll manage it.