Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Online Support Groups
Join a supportive and informative online community for individuals dealing with thyroid eye disease. TED Online Support Groups provide a safe space for you to participate in a conversation about what you and others are going through as each navigates the TED journey. These one hour, peer-facilitated, and topic driven online groups use Zoom to connect our global community. You can choose to have your camera off or on. Come as you are. And wear sunglasses if that works best for you. You can simply listen in or share according to your comfort level.
To attend a TED Online Support Group, please fill out the form below to be added to our email list. We will keep you informed about future meet ups.
Because we are a community and not medical professionals, it is important to follow the guidelines of TED Online Support Groups as outlined below – click the plus sign.
The above TED eyes drawing is by Roseanne and is part of the INSIDE OUT TED ART project.
TED Online Peer Support – Join the Conversation
Wednesday, January 15th @ 4:30pm PT / 5:30 MT / 6:30pm CT / 7:30pm ET
Friday, January 17th @ 12 Noon PT / 1pm MT / 2pm CT / 3pm ET
Please join us for a TED Community Peer Support Meet Up – a heartfelt, uplifting, and solution-oriented conversation about living with thyroid eye disease, TED.
Below are the topics for the midday and evening one-hour meetings that will take place on Zoom in January 2025. (International participants welcomed!)
You can be on or off camera. This is a safe space so make yourself comfortable!
Scroll down and use the red button to access the ZOOM log in credentials.
Have a topic you want to discuss? Let us know: hello@tedcommunity.org
TOPICS
Off the Top
EYE DROPS, OINTMENTS, ICE, HEAT, and other methods for bringing comfort to TED eyes.
The Person in the Mirror
It is common for TED patients to report bewilderment, at times intense anxiety, when looking in the mirror. It is understandable. Bulging eyes (proptosis) and changes in facial appearance due to swelling or asymmetry can severely impact one’s self-image and self-esteem. Many of us avoid mirrors, cameras, and Zoom calls for this reason.
You might be wondering what steps to take to get your life back! We’re going to talk about it.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness are common. The unpredictability of TED and the visible changes it causes can lead to emotional stress and decreased mental well-being.
How can this be turned around?
TED & Difficulty with Daily Activities
Even routine activities like reading, driving, or working on a computer can become difficult or impossible due to vision problems or discomfort, leading to frustration and loss of independence. Is the answer to practice “acceptance” or is there a way to recapture one’s independence?
We’d like to hear how you are dealing with this dilemma.
On a final note: Medication and side effects.