Re Karen1
Quote:

He had mentioned that I had a "hard time" with my birthday. I was stunned. I was/am having a hard time but my birthday surely wasn't the issue


That sounds typical, what you are thinking and what another person sees is a common disconnect. The OP doesn't see things you see and sees some of what you see differently.

I can be painting windows and cut my finger but be more upset because the ladder broke than my finger being cut, but all BB sees is the cut finger.

Quote:

there are a couple of people who want my job


Karen1, I have been there so many times when I was working on commission. It is a feeling I don't want to repeat. I did it for 4 years during a down cycle in the automobile industry.

All I can say is be better to yourself than I was to myself.
Quote:

I may have Graves disease


Oh No, more stress.

Here is a Mayo clinic page Graves' disease

Graves' disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. It occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland and causes it to overproduce the hormone called thyroxine. This abnormal immune response can also affect the tissue behind your eyes as well as your skin, usually on your lower legs and feet.

When you have too much thyroid hormone in your system, your body's metabolism rate can increase by 60 percent to 100 percent because thyroxine regulates your cells' metabolism. A higher metabolism can lead to a number of health problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or anxiety.

Ellie / kml on the forum had thyroid problems and might be able to help you with some answers.

((( Karen1 ))) Sorry you have the added stress and problems.

Lou

H is from Pluto. I am from another Galaxy
It might feel that way but I think you are in the same galaxy as most of us here.