34-year-old queer science fiction fan from the midwest

[CaffeinePoet]

Hello folks,

I first developed severe anxiety as a child, because my mother was very ill and often in the ER for a legitimate health problem.

As an adult, I have developed a thyroid disorder that manifests with increased anxiety, depression, and ocd-type symptoms when my thyroid is off.

I was on Effexor 50 mgs for 7 years until November 2009, when I came off of it.   Since then, I have developed some health problems that cannot be explained on the basis of my medical tests -- I am coming around to the idea that it is partly related to health anxiety.  I want to jump back into the stream of life again, and have been staying home for fear of social embarrassment due to my problems (poor concentration, memory, etc.).   My main symptoms are blurred vision, 24/7,  and memory/concentration problems with lapses in common sense.

Thanks for meeting me! 

[sixpack]

hmmmm such a funny title to your intro post.   

I'm glad you are starting to realize that anxiety is a squirrely character capable of mucking with you in all kinds of ways.  That is half the battle in my opinion.  The other half is not letting it make your decisions for you.

[tigerpaw]

I know you will find lots of support here. Let me remind you you can access the Chat Room, and talk live some of us here!  A great resource for you. Also you can post your favorite picture in the Members Gallery. Lots to do here~