Ask Dave and Luke: Why is blushing so serious?

A University of Washington student who jumped from his
dorm to his death on May 29 may have killed himself
because
of his uncontrollable blushing.

The parents of 20-year-old Brandon Thomas are speaking
publicly for the first time and they say the condition
consumed his life and made him depressed.

“He would wake up in the morning and think about his day
and the routes that he needed to take and how he needed to
try and focus on his breathing and pulse to try and get
himself out of those situations.”

His mother, Dawn Thomas, tells MSNBC in her son’s
suicide
note, Brandon asked his parents to spread awareness about
the disorder, which is triggered by an overactive nervous
system.

Amy in Orting writes…

I blush all the time. If someone I don’t usually talk
to
comes up to chat with me, instant red. Sometimes walking
through the store I get really warm, sweaty, and red, for
no reason whatsoever. I have taught classes, spoken at
events and no issues. Turning red and getting sweaty are
totally random and happen to me daily. In high school,
another teacher was hanging out in my band class. My band
teacher said, “Want to see something funny? Hey Amy, turn
red.” I did instantly. It’s something that has always
been a part of my life and I just ignore it.

Luke: In reading this story of this young man who
killed
himself at the UW and in hearing Amy’s email I think one
of the big parts of this that is so problematic is that
everybody thinks it’s a big joke. Nobody thinks of it as a
big negative, so they think it’s fun to say ‘check out
this blushing.’ But to someone who has this condition,
it’s obviously pretty devastating.

Spring in Everett writes…

I’m in my thirtys and never knew that my blushing
problem
was a disorder and that there are cures/medications
available. I know that this has affected my life and job.
My friends and family know and expect the constant
blushing, but at work I hide away in my cubicle and shy
away from social events. I blush at the slightest thing
whenever someone at work asks me something and then I get
even more nervous and upset as I feel the blush. I feel
that my bosses and coworkers see me as incompetent or
insecure in my job skills.

Thank you for sharing!

Dave: That’s what Brandon Thomas’ parents wanted.

Send
Dave and Luke your Magic Messages. Listen for their
response at 11:45 a.m. or listen back anytime ON
DEMAND.