Hi, my name is Tiffany Blossom, and I’m from Maryland.
For the past 20+ years, I’ve faced a relentless series of health challenges. From life-threatening food allergies and debilitating migraines to cancer scares and other rare conditions, I’ve frequently found myself in doctors’ offices. It felt like a never-ending cycle of appointments, follow-ups, and tests—biopsies, ECGs, CT scans, PET scans, MRIs… you name it. This constant struggle has shaped much of my life.
One of the most frightening experiences I faced was being diagnosed with papilledema, a condition where the optic nerve swells, posing a risk of blindness, butevery health challenge, I’ve found strength and resilience within myself, especially during difficult times, such as when I experienced an Achilles tendon rupture that required surgery.
As for visual snow, I may have experienced it all my life at a low level, recalling faint dots in my vision. However, it wasn’t until high school, in 2014, that I became fully aware of it. I remember the day vividly. Overwhelmed with stress, I looked down at the carpet and suddenly saw thousands of tiny dots moving across my vision. Panic surged through me, leading to what I believe was a panic attack, lasting about 15 minutes.
During my sophomore year in college, intense stress and trauma triggered the visual snow to return—this time, it never left. The visual “static” has been a constant challenge over the past seven years, impacting my focus and adding difficulty to everyday life.
Despite this, I’ve continued working as an Admissions Representative for the University of Maryland and have even had the honor of singing the national anthem at events for the Washington Wizards, Mystics, and Nationals, managing to perform in front of large crowds with the visual noise of the ever-present dots.
Connecting with the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) was a turning point. For years, I had been searching for a community, a place where others understood what I was experiencing. Finding VSI finally provided a support system that went beyond online groups.
My support system—family, friends, and colleagues—has been a crucial source of strength. They’ve stood by me through every step of this journey. I’m also grateful for the incredible support from my community and friends, who have been a constant source of encouragement.
In my quest for answers, I’ve also conducted my own research, especially since doctors initially told me there was little interest in my condition. Over time, I developed my understanding, which led me to explore the possible connection between visual snow, anxiety, trauma, and physical imbalances in the body. I even took a cortisol stress test, which showed elevated levels, underscoring the potential role of stress and anxiety in my symptoms.
I’ve embraced a holistic approach to healing, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit. This includes addressing underlying issues, like hormonal imbalances, and supporting my health with natural remedies.
Alongside these, I continue to explore treatments, including therapy options like cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma therapy, while managing stress through mindfulness and relaxation techniques. I support my health with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper supplementation.
I share my story in hopes of giving others living with visual snow a sense of community and encouragement. This is the first time I’m openly sharing my experience, as I’ve previously kept it within my close circle. By raising awareness about visual snow, I aim to inspire further research into this condition and bring us closer to effective treatments, and perhaps, one day, a cure.
