My
diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder kicked off my linguistic rehabilitation. I switched medications—from the mind-bending migraine medicine Topamax to Lexapro, a much better fit. I switched jobs — from notoriously fickle startups to bigger, more established companies. Slowly but surely, words returned. They started connecting me with others again, as they are connecting me with you now.
Instead of being consumed by a fear of not being able to communicate, I was ignited with curiosity. My desire to understand the human mind felt limitless. I suddenly had so much to say.
It’s been 5 years since that terrible wordless time. Revisiting my question today, I have some words for my old self:
Is the impossibility of communication a knot within ourselves that we just have to live with? Yes, Meredith, but it’s not as much of a knot as you used to think. Remember the Chinese finger trap feels tight when you pull hard. Let go a bit, and it loosens right up. And if you can’t find words, look for pictures. Look for colors. Express yourself in whatever way works. And get your meds checked.
Looking forward to learning about your home planet soon,