Stress Center Peer Support

So, I'm at work & our office is above some bottling equipment which has been clinking along all day & its drving me nuts.

I have to ask...does anyone else feel like they'll just go nuts sometimes over simple noise?

Earlier today, it was so crowded (to me) in our front room that I couldn't stand it. I think that is in part to why I don't "do" crowds (agoraphobic-ish). I feel like it messes with my mind & like I'm trying to concentrate & I'm hearing everything at once & it makes me just go nutty in my head. I feel my breathing come on & super anxious feelings.

But heres my kicker....I need noise (well besides the obvious gift of living with hearing) but I mean, I can't stand silence either. I know I should try to relax more & use the relaxtion tape. And the tape is nice. But thats just it, I have to immediately turn on noise (tv, radio, or phone call) to keep myself at peace. Only its not really peace when you have tvs on in each room and you feel like you can't turn one off unless you immediately turn the other on. I know this is obsessive & sounds wayyyyyy crazy but its become my way of surviving. Only I know its really killing me in a way...sort of my coping mechanism, I suppose.

I'll forget about the terrible noise for a while, like the bottling machine, or my all time most hated - vaccuem and then I remember my hatred of the horrible noise and start thinking all kinds of terrible thoughts again. Its cyclical and psycho & I hate it. I can't stand it!!!!

Does anyone have any advice out there or have a similar touched part of thier brain? I really could use some support/advice on this one. Its one of my biggest issues. I thought I was in control of using noise but now its using me and I know its all in my head...but thats just where its killing me.

Go easy on yourself. The relaxation tape is good, as you noted. Also, there are nice audiobooks (I get some from the library)--educational DVDs (again the library might be a good source)--and relaxing music. Sure it may still be "noise" but it can be soothing and productive.

As you relax, chances are you'll find other techniques to help you. Sometimes perusing magazines or photography (especially nature scenes) can be calming.

The homework for the lessons are also important. As you go through the program you'll find the answers--just be patient.

Yes, I do get very aggrivated with little sounds like a clock ticking. It gets on my nerves! I have a clock at my desk where this computer is that ticks so loud, well I made myself listen to it one day without any sound drowning it out. It helped out alot. I now don't hear the clock unless I listen out for it. I turn on some soothing music when I need noise or I will turn on a fountain (the ones that drop water down on rocks or whatever). It helps calm you and gives you noise. You just have to deal with the noise and make yourself drown it out. Hope this helps!

JEnnifier

I've never been comfortable around a lot of noise however since my anxiety is so acute right now I am having a much harder time with it. I noticed it earlier today. It just makes me feel agitated or something. I guess I should just say it really stresses me right now.

oh, and sometimes (Hearos brand--foam are my current favorite) earplugs help. though i've never tried this at work--it has helped at home. this way i can read and study without being overly annoyed by others watching TV or conversing at a reasonable volume. i think sometimes we, who are prone to anxiety, get overstimulated--so doing meditative things like walking in the park or through a museum gallery can help, too.

Nothing you said sounds "crazy" to me, because I relate to all of it. When I'm alone, I do that TV turning on/off thing too. Have a TV in kitchen, liv. room, bedroom & basement (laundry room). However, now I have "my" room (guest room with futon) where I will not have a TV, but radio/CD player only. I can write there or do crafts or draw or whatever w/music very softly in background. I have no trouble being in crowds, but after that sound stimulation I need time to "wind down." Sometimes in the car when I'm alone, I purposely turn it as soft as I can to barely hear it & somehow that's comforting. I'm planning on getting a "noise machine" (usually they have "white noise" & other sounds like rainstorm, waves etc.) because I noticed I love to fall asleep to sound of the space-heater which is a drone. I think us "sensitive people" are always on "radar mode" so much that mind is so active, it just needs time to "unwind" every so often. I mean NEEDS to, because if we don't, then "escalation to meltdown" begins! I'm sure you know what I mean. Take care & best hopes 2 U!

Great Responses Guys! Thank you so much for all the concious ideas. I got something out of each of your posts. Its always a comfort to know that someone out there somewhere knows exactly what you're going through. Thank you. Good luck to you all, in all of your struggles as well. PEACE