World of Warcraft Community Magazine Issue 1 | Page 77

World of Warcraft Community Magazine // 77

made life miserable to say the least.

the diversity of the online family

emotionally-charged introduction

One of the biggest things I

I had joined were more mature

into the game I developed a real

struggled with at the time were

and experienced than my peers at

connection and even gratitude

anxiety and depression. My parents

school. I was never made to feel

for it. I would definitely not be

(thankfully) decided that getting

crazy for being over-emotional or

where I am today without its

me a computer and internet

a drama queen for having panic

influence in my life. Several years

connection capable of running

attacks when thinking about

on, I’m 26 and I am still playing.

World of Warcraft would give me

leaving the house. WoW and my

Despite several breaks here and

something to look forward to every

guild, Fellowship of Light became

there I have always come back

day as I struggled to see the light

my solace, somewhere I felt safe

because, well, WoW is my home.

at the end of the thyroid tunnel.

and the only place I felt happy.

I can honestly say that it was

Throughout my 3/4 years of

Last year I was diagnosed with
an under-active thyroid, which came

the best thing they ever did for me.

dealing with hyperthyroidism before

about after having my son. It’s a

Through World of Warcraft and

it finally normalised, I turned to WoW

rocky road and I have a much better

my new paladin, Emsey, I made

and my friends there whenever I was

support system now but it’s really

some amazing friends and joined

in need. Even on my insomnia-filled

nice to have that sense of security

a fantastic guild full of accepting

nights where there were few online,

that is World of Warcraft ready and

and welcoming people. I was able

I would travel around Azeroth and

waiting for me should I need it.■

to be myself and openly talk about

enjoy the escape from my real world.

my problems to those who due to

By Emsey P. Walker

Since I had such an

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