That's interesting. Over the past few months I underwent some stress with a job and a bit of loneliness, and then I lost my job and have had to go through the stress of finding a new job. There has been more stress than normal there, but I'm coming out of the stressful period now, and I was never at risk of being homeless or anything like that because my parents are supportive.
I personally am sceptical of the whole telogen effluvium thing myself to be honest.