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Warrior of the Week

These inspiring individuals with Visual Snow Syndrome are sharing their experiences living with this condition and how they try their best to overcome its symptoms everyday.

Spotlight on:

Visual Snow Warrior of the Week – Matt Clifton

Spotlight on: Matt Clifton ???? @mattclifff

“Hello everyone! My name is Matt and I’m working towards a Masters Degree in Economics. I firmly believe I had a mild case of VSS my entire life but medication made the symptoms worse. When I first discovered the visual snow phenomenon, I was devastated. Hearing how rare and unheard of something you have is really frightening. In fact, my doctor called the symptoms anxiety distractions and said to just focus on other things. I felt alone. The derealization was the worst part about it. I had to drop several courses because words on my laptop couldn’t seem to stay still.

I am a very skeptical person, yet I know that a normal life with VSS is so, so possible. VSS sufferers have so much hope! I have faith in modern innovation. In the meantime, I want to learn to live with it. I’m sorry if it changed your reality, it did for me too. I learned many valuable lessons from my hardships. I learned how fragile my brain/mind is and how much care and protection it needs. I also try to look at it as a unique perception of the world that others won’t have the opportunity to see. This outlook is the only option I have. If I stay miserable, the snow will still be there.

Today, I am happier prior to my diagnosis. I play guitar, chill, lift, listen to music, etc. I also take healthy risks that I wouldn’t have been willing to take. This might be our only life, but just remember that everyone has issues they keep behind closed doors. I also have tinnitus but it fades into the background relatively easily for the most part. I’m much less individualist as I was before and started feeling more empathy for others. I hope you all stay strong. Your future self will thank you.”

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