Need Ways To Drown Out External Stimuli

[Fadeaway]

I can't take it anymore. Right now I have no way to get away from overwhelming stimuli. I would love a sensory deprivation tank right about now. Since I can't have one I need alternatives.

My upstairs neighbor's television is on full blast. They have been cited and fined and they just don't care. Even with earplugs I can feel the vibrations of their sound system reverberating in my chest.

My husband is annoyingly Under Foot. I can't seem to make any plans as to which room to be in because he keeps changing his mind. If I am in the bedroom he has a headache and needs to lay down. So I go in the living room and he can't lay down because of acid reflux so he needs to sit up in the living room. I am being suffocated by too much stimulation. If I had a car I would leave. Even the slightest movement of the pets seems to make me tense up to the point my muscles ache but I can't get them to relax.

 

[J'qel]

I hate to say it, but...closet? With a big comfy blanket or two? Nesting can help calm us, and if you throw in a comforting warm drink it may do you good.

...and the clothes will help drown out the noise and I don't see your husband joining you there. :P

(We have two other people living with us in our house-it's big enough-but sometimes they *just won't go away*-and it drives me crazy. I used to hide in the bathroom by having a long hot bath, now we have a walk in closet I'm going to put a desk and chair in..and possibly a wedge for the door).

 

[Fadeaway]

It is small but it has a light and an door...it could work with some adjustments and restacking some boxes and stuff.

 

[Enaila]

I SO understand what you are going through! A comfy blanket wrapped around is definitely a good idea and a warm drink of something without caffeine usually helps me some. Most of the time I just have to remind myself, "This too shall pass. I am uncomfortable at the moment, but it will eventually get better."

 

[Naoru]

It is not as comfortable, but sometimes I use the shower stall. I have a little stool in there and I can lock the door. And people do not usually follow / question.

The blankness of the tiles and the lack of other visual stimuli helps. I turn on the shower to drown out noise and create warmth, along with the overhead ventilation and sound machine (otherwise known as a fancy Japanese toilet), or I just sit & zone in there with nothing but a blanket.

Closet is probably better though. Can take food and drinks in there. :D

Just another idea. Had to do this earlier so it was fresh on my mind. :unsure::ninja:

 

[J'qel]

I used to hide in my closet when I was younger, so your experience may be different, and be prepared for a "why are you in the closet?" and "coming out of the closet" jokes :P

Though honestly, a smaller closet (if you're not claustrophobic) is ideal. You can curl up just inside and the walls and the muffling make it feel more secure.

For lights I'd suggest going to a local walmart or dollar store-they often have battery powered lights you can just stick to the walls and press to turn on, that way you don't need to worry about cords, and for the smell I'd actually suggest some mildly dirty laundry or an old blanket to fill it with "your" scent. Humans may not operate by scent by we are very much affected by it-especially in relation to memory functions.

Here's hoping your nest helps give you the space and quiet you need to get away. <3

 

[VioletButterfly]

Are you able to leave the apartment and walk outside? I have neighbors like yours, and the management is ridiculous and turns the noise back on me saying I'm unrealistic in my expectations. Nope! So, I've found that if the earbuds don't do the trick and even just to be healthier, I get out into nature or at least just get out of the apartment. Not sure if that is an option. I feel your pain though and am sending warms rays of relief to you from the stress and turmoil this is causing.

 

[Fadeaway]

@VioletButterfly Due to the weather the only way I can tolerate the freezing cold is to be be triggered because then I don't notice the cold, and actually feel overheated sometimes. Otherwise I am the biggest wimp when it comes to cold. My California upbringing weather spoiled me.

 

[J'qel]

That's why I suggested a closet myself. A good part of the world is pretty darn cold right now, and if it isn't snow, it's cold rain. I live in a part of the world where late spring and summer are the only times when nature is truly pleasant. The rest of the time it's either hellishly hot or frigid and frozen over. :P

As a result I am a proud member of the "climate controlled environment fan club". Give me A/c and indoor heat or give me a more accomodating climate! (I'm not moving, our weather is pretty much the only thing I don't like about where I live :P )

 

[EnHomagetolife]

It is not as comfortable, but sometimes I use the shower stall. I have a little stool in there and I can...

I have been "cocooning" my entire life and only now do I find other people who need these "crawl spaces" as I have always called them. Nobody understands and I need to sneak away with my snacks and maybe books and blanket. It really bothers me that people can't just allow others to do what they need to care for themselves. I have not been able to cocoon for months and over time the symptoms pile up and spill out into my daily routine life. I really wish people cared to see things from other perspectives. I am glad you have your hideout.

 

[J'qel]

Could always whip out some references if someone gets to you about it. Cocooning is actually encouraged as a method to de stress even among those without mental illnesses*. Who knows, you may get some converts! :P

*fun stuff I came across, apparently in China there are studios where you curl up on a blanket in a semi fetal or lotus position on a comfy mat and they tie the blanket up around you for an hour or so. People pay to go in and de stress because in larger cities the cost for apartments means they don't always have the space to do so at home.

I run across weird stuff on the internet. But it's usually interesting :P

 

[VioletButterfly]

I feel blessed to have a car. I guess my car is really the only place I can calm down and find a little bit of peace. I try to find a nice, quiet subdivision with little traffic and just drive for a bit with quite music or NPR. I might try walking again over where I used to live very early in the morning when most folks are still at home. It is sunny here today and the temp, although cold for us, is nothing compared to most of the rest of the US or Canada, so I could do that.

I can't go into small spaces anymore or have a blanket wrapped tightly around me as I have horrible thoughts/feelings/reactions and hit panic very quickly. I still don't understand that response. It started after I started therapy a decade ago. I used to be able to go into small spaces when I was little - I had many adventures in my little hiding place under the stairs, in my closet, and in my self-styled fort.