@CapedCrusader2
Really sorry to know that you are feeling so low right now. It's cold comfort to say this but you're not alone. Almost all of us have been, or still are, where you are at right now. Believe me, we understand what you are feeling, the fear, the anxiety, the depression -- all of it. It's horrible to experience and sadly our family and friends often cannot relate. But we, here, can.
Right now you are in the acute phase of this malady. The good news is that it often gets better in time as your brain habituates to the tinnitus and/or the anxiety and depression revolving around it dissipate. The bad news sometimes it takes awhile to get to a good place with it. But please know that many, many people do "recover" to a point where they feel better and can resume their lives.
In the meantime I'd ask if you've seen your doctor and/or an ENT? Yes, they can be clueless at times so you might have to become your own educator regarding tinnitus. Pretty much all of us have at some point. But, since you are feeling so depressed you should talk to your doctor about getting some mental relief. If your primary doc doesn't want to prescribe anything then get a referral to a mental health MD. (No, this does not mean that you are crazy. It means you are suffering from a horrible affliction that is overwhelming you. No shame in that as we have all pretty much been there too.) A psychiatrist can help address the issues of anxiety, depression and also sleep deprivation. At the very least don't deny yourself some relief from these horrible feelings, even if it's only temporary. Many of us have needed help getting over the initial shock of this damn thing.
I would also caution about isolating yourself too much. It's a normal reaction to have but it's probably not that healthy to do. So explain to your friends that you have tinnitus and it's pretty bad and that you are going to wear ear plugs when you guys are out socializing. And also that you are going to avoid noisy environments in general. Explain that you aren't being a jerk but that you simply can't handle those situations. If they don't understand then that's on them. But chances are if you're good enough friends they will accommodate you in some regard.
Lastly, don't give up. It's still fairly early into this problem for you and chances are it won't be easy for awhile. But, like I said, in time there is a good chance that you will habituate and/or adapt to your new reality and will feel much better about life. Again, tons of people on this site have been exactly where you are right now and they have gone on to reach a place where they feel much, much better. So read the success stories to remind yourself that "getting back to good" is a very real possibility.
Zorro~
Member
