Appearances

[Anonymous]

Wow, guys. It's amazing the toll that this condition can take on a person's physical appearance. I just feel like I don't look "well." Lack of sleep, etc. is starting to show.

[brandy]

Emily - I totally get what you are talking about. I have had a particularly rough week and when I got up this morning and looked in the mirror, all I could think was, "Ugh! I don't think there is enough make up to hide those dark circles and bags." We're kind of like that Garth Brooks song - "Much too young to feel this **** old!" If you find something that works to hide the effects of this disorder on your appearance, let me know, as I, too, am beginning to not be able to hide my exhaustion as well as I used to. And, it is depressing.

[ViewsAskew]

Oh, totally. I, too, always looked young - like ten years younger in my early forties. Now? Some days I look like I'm in my 50's - nothing wrong with 50's, I'm just not there yet!

Wrinkles, sagging, lack of color - got 'em all.

[jan3213]

Well, I can jump right in here on this one. I always looked younger than I am---even 10 years younger, or so some people would say. Now, OMG, my hair is getting thin! I'm looking older, my skin is really, really, dry. I don't think it's my thyroid, I think it's the meds I've taken for so long.

And, the years of going without sleep really start taking a toll on us. It is depressing. Of course, I AM older than you guys, but I don't like it either!

Jan

[Neco]

Some days I look like total sh**. And some days even if I don't feel that way, I still look sick or run down.. Kind of sucks, to someone who has enough confidence problems when it comes to girls, hahaha.. Oh well. I guess it's not so bad to actually look 40 when you feel it, right ? I dunno..lol

[Anonymous]

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[ViewsAskew]

It hit me the same way. Just one day I was like, "What the $%#$@$???" Bizarre.

[Neco]

Too bad my awesome blue dye job does not show up well in photos



Ok so maybe I'm not too much worse for the wear... That's 16 hours awake, roughly

[Anonymous]

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[ViewsAskew]

Zach, maybe pictures don't do your aging justice just like your cool blue die job, because you look just fine to me. OK, maybe it's a little weary, but it looks more like a 'tude of some sort I dare not post one of me or everyone's monitors would break

[jan3213]

hahaha I was thinking the same about posting MY picture, Ann. Zach, you look fine to me--a little tired, but fine. I'm glad to see what you look like.

Jan

[ViewsAskew]

You know, this is an epiphany. I've always known it, but it just hit me strongly - people really can't see how we feel. Even if we see all of our pain, weariness, and struggle in our complexion, wrinkles and hair, most other people won't see any of that. If we're lucky, they see us at all. As has been said many other times, this is assuredly why people don't take us too seriously.

[Neco]

Well thanks to the state of Maryland and many a "social worker", I am quite convincing in person when it comes to emotional suffering.

But it's true to a certain extent.. I feel 40 more often than not. Back aches, muscle aches, a billion medical and dental problems, and a less than ideal childhood has honestly aged me mentally, far beyond my years.

That's my "happy" face by the way.. I just look evil if I even try to smile, or if I'm lucky it'll look like a retarded smirk.

[tazzer]

i wonder if its rls that made my hair gray or my kids? i'm guessing 50/50 lol

dee

[ctravel12]

Well let me tell you that make-up really makes a difference (sometimes) I do not know how Zach was able to put his photo up. I do not think I want to know. I feel let them draw there own conclusion???? I wonder if that is good or bad However, I do agree with Jan it is nice to put a face with the person that we are talking to.