Sunny with a high of 107

[andrewjoemorris]

I always feel like there is something innately awkward about introducing yourself, and in this case, diving right into your "troubles" as it were. You only live once though, right?

My name is Andy (or Andrew, either or really). I'm 27, and live in an oven (Phoenix, Arizona). I've had a very bizarre time with my own early 20s, and this podcast was one of the big reasons that I decided to be more public about the things I go through. I've literally hidden this stuff from my own parents (who I love dearly) so please don't tell my mom.

The following is a list of symptoms that have either been confirmed by a medical professional. I've also included some that while never clinically diagnosed, everything I read (I read a lot) seems to point out at being pretty true.

Insomnia (or as one sleep specialist put it, permanent jet lag)
depression
hypervigilance
Social/General Anxiety (I'm not sure how to word it. Other than I'm anxious about every aspect of every day. Label it as you will.)

I think what I want to get out of this is the communication skills to better communicate how I'm feeling to people. Part of this also is to prepare me to see a therapist. I haven't seen once since my late teens, and needless to say, it will be quite an adjustment for me.

So what's next? I hope to be pretty active on here. I think I've got a lot to say.

[in_media_res]

Welcome to the group Andy. Feel free to jump in as you're comfortable -- that seems to be the best way to get started.

[seb]

Hi Andy, great to meet you. Look forward to chatting more on the boards. Or when you're bored. Or eating boar. Or something.

Wow, I used to be so awkward at this introduction stuff, just look at me now! *giggle snorts and runs off*

[Stina]

Hi Andy -
We have similar diagnoses... I dunno how you can handle the depression / anxiety / hypervigilance on little or no sleep. Gosh. I want to sleep all the time! Anyhoo, see you around.
(Yeah, short comment is short because I need to work on communicating better as well.)

[andrewjoemorris]

Thanks for all the great welcomes. I'm excited to get started here.