ThyroidEyeDisease.net Awareness Week: The Emotional Toll of TED

Many of us know that thyroid eye disease (TED) has physical symptoms, and can impact a person's physical appearance, but what may be less known to those who do not contend with TED is that it can take a huge emotional toll on the person who has it. It can bring frustration, tiredness, hopelessness, and more. TED can impact a person's confidence, make them feel misunderstood or lonely, or like a burden to their loved ones.

The third week of November, we recognize Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week by bringing awareness to the emotional aspects of the condition. We want you to know we understand how this condition may impact you, you are not alone, and we hope to educate others to understand more about this rare disease.

You are not alone

If you have found our community and are struggling with the symptoms of TED, the changes it has brought to your life, changes to your physical appearance, or feeling like people in your life do not understand what you are going through we are here to tell you that you are not alone.

Our Health Leader team shares their experiences contending with thyroid eye disease through articles you can find on our homepages, or look up by author.

We hope that you can find comfort in our community by not only reading the experiences of others but also by reading and/or participating in forums or stories found in the community. These parts of the community are meant to help you connect with others who may be going through something similar to you, and for you to share your experience that others may relate to.

Here are some articles that may help you if you have felt lonely on this journey:

• Repeat After Me: You Are Not Alone!
• How I Became an Advocate: Jill's Story
• Health Resources

Taking care of your mental health

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Avoiding things that may trigger your symptoms to worsen, like lights in a store or sunlight, worrying about driving, or trying to find a new routine to accommodate your TED symptoms are just some of the things that you may be thinking about on an everyday basis. These can all be stressful, and there are other emotions you may be feeling that are not mentioned here.

Thyroid eye disease can be challenging and the feelings you are having are valid. It is important to manage your stress, worries, and concerns, and take care of your mental and emotional health. Some of the ways you can do this are by talking to someone about what you're going through (a therapist, doctor, family member, or friend). You can also take part in self-care activities and routines, and so much more.

Here are some articles related to mental health that you may find helpful:

• How Has TED Impacted Your Mental Health?
• How TED Impacted My Mental Health
• What Is Mental Health?

Self-care to benefit your emotional health with TED

Thyroid eye disease comes with many challenges and can cause some emotional struggles. Some people refer to the ways you manage your stress as self-care and it is something that we strongly support.

Whether you take 15 minutes in the morning to have a cup of coffee, take a yoga class, or go to the spa, self-care is an important aspect of managing the emotional toll of TED.

Everyone is different and people may prefer different types of self-care over others, but it is important to remember that your mental health matters, and you should make time for yourself to focus on your emotions, stress levels, and TED symptoms.

Find more information about self-care from our editorial team, and our Health Leaders:

• Why Is Self-Care Important, and How Can We Practice It?
• Self-Care and Comfort Items for People With Thyroid Eye Disease
• Why Self-Care Is So Important