[spondiferous]

It's been a while since I've posted in forums here. I'm becoming symptomatic again, mostly with hypervigilance and some other obsessive/compulsive symptoms worsened by high stress. I will probably be reaching out more often now (again) in more forums under various topics (lots of different experiences in my pocket) but I feel the need to reach out right now, before it becomes completely unmanageable.

Long story short, in addition to living with C-PTSD and the associated anxiety and panic, I also have a worsening chronic pain condition, and have been going into another cycle of insomnia. I've had to drop out of school for the final time (this was my last chance with student aid) due to my health; my worsening hearing loss has me all but completely isolated. I basically feel completely alone. Most of my friends and family don't talk to me anymore because I can't talk on the phone and that's the only way they feel comfortable with staying in touch (as opposed to text, email, and other ways I can participate in being deaf). I am just learning to sign so I feel equally alienated at this point from the D/HoH (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) community. School was kind of the last straw. I haven't been able to work in years, and attempts at volunteering have been disastrous.

Anyway. That's a bit about what I've been going through. Glad to reconnect. I welcome responses on here, but also in private; I'm hoping to connect with people and just have people to talk to. It's really lonely living with the triple whammy of chronic mental and physical health issues, and a sensory disability.

[Shazerac]

Welcome back

I think it's weird and kind of callous and unkind for people to expect you to communicate on the phone knowing your are deaf. I feel terrible that this is happening to you. I hope you find friends and help here

Wow, that is really awful that they don’t want to email or text. People mostly text now, I thought!

I have found it a relief to come here and type out my thoughts, start threads, empathize with people. It can be overwhelming to see so many people suffering, but I want to try to support everyone.

Jump in—there are so many places to go on this site. I hope you find it helpful—I think you will.

[spondiferous]

Thank you both! And yes, I too feel it is a bit absurd to expect deaf/hard of hearing people to communicate on the phone. But you'd be surprised how common that is. Even the hearing aid centre, and the hearing clinic that I attend, confirm their appointments and everything else by phone, regardless of how many times I've asked them to email. Haha.

The hearing aide center too?? That is maddening.

My dentist and therapist confirm via text!! They certainly could do it!!

[spondiferous]

You would think so!

[Sunflower123]

Welcome back. I’m sorry you’re having a tough time. Sending big hugs.

[spondiferous]

Thanks Jennifer!

[Fuzzybear]

Welcome back . I agree, how odd and kind of callous of those people I’m sending gentle hugs

Thank you for the lovely bear pics you sent me, I’m glad to see you back

Please post as much as you need to (you’re actually one of the people I’ve missed )