Sort Of Stuck Here

[Spring Flower]

Since I'm still pretty new, I hesitate to post too much (my anxiety tends to kick in and make me worry that I'm pouring nothing out but being a burden whenever I talk about things Im going through) but I'm not sure where else to say this, and I've been encouraged to speak up.

I'm currently in a hotel for a few weeks, because I'm in the process of finding a new place to stay (long story, the previous landlord I had basically gave away my apartment to another couple after I'd missed an 'appointment' with her that I never really got notice of) and it's been a bit tricky.

The problem is the room I'm currently in has pretty thin walls, meaning I can hear the sounds of the streets outside a lot more clearly than I could when I was still in my apartment. I wouldn't mind so much, except that occasionally I hear a tire screech or the sound of police sirens (which I realize is normal) and it throws my anxiety into overdrive.

Ive had a hard time falling asleep the past few nights because it's put me into pretty bad anxiety induced panic attacks, and so far one full blown incident where I was hysterical and wound up curling into myself in the bathroom and clawing at my own arms without realizing it because it felt like I was back in that car accident again.

I can't really afford any place that's more expensive right now. I have a showing for a new place tomorrow, and I'm hoping that goes through, but for now I have to deal with this and I'm not sure the best way to go about not jumping at every little street noise that sounds even a tenth similar to the accident.

 

[Deadman]

The hypervigilance and being sensitivity to noise is pretty normal. I find leaving the TV on and tuned to a channel with mild content helps override the outside noises and keeps me from having nightmares.

Pretty normal for PTSD suffers that is.

 

[Spring Flower]

@Deadman Keeping the TV at a low volume is a really good idea and not something I'd even considered. I'll definitely try that tonight and see if it's any easier to get to sleep. Thank you!

 

[Enaila]

Having the air on at least the fan setting on will sometimes create a white noise as well. Sirens are a trigger for my flashbacks and thankfully my grounding techniques usually work to counter them. Keep reaching out and when you are ready maybe post an introduction in the Introduction area, so others will get to know you better. Try to share about your trauma if you can. Doing so will allow members who can relate to your story to reach out to you and give you more specific feedback. You won't ever be bothering anyone or a "burden" on this website. We all know too well what you are feeling and are there to offer support.

Remember to breathe when the panic sets in. If you have some soft object or something you can hold without hurting yourself with it, run your fingers over it instead of scratching. It takes awhile to train yourself to reach for an object, but eventually it does become more automatic. I took to wearing a bracelet I start holding, twisting, feeling, etc. when the anxiety starts. It is better than scratching.

Welcome to the site!

 

[Friday]

I would either suggest asking management for a room in the back, or getting earplugs. Or both. :)

These are my favorite ear plugs, as you can still hear everything crystal clear, it's just like turning the volume down, & muting the upper & lower registers (booms & cracks/squeals). IMO they work a lot better than Drummer's ear plugs, but the same principle applies. Earpro Sonic Defenders® Plus Earplugs from SureFire

 

[Spring Flower]

@Friday Thanks so much for the link! I'll absolutely have to look into these if it continues to be too much of a problem. I'll talk to the management tomorrow as well and find out if a room switch is possible.

 

[Casey_03]

If you can afford it, a noise machine is a great investment. They sell some decent ones on Amazon for about 30 bucks, the better ones are about 40-50. It blocks out just about everything, and has been a huge help to me. I imagine it would block out all the sounds distressing you too (and it has volume settings so if you still want to be able to hear, you can just set it lower).

 

[Spring Flower]

@Casey_03 I had no idea things like that even existed, honestly. I'll definitely have to look into that.

 

[Casey_03]

@Spring Flower I didn't either until recently! But I spent about 40 bucks on mine and it blocks just about everything imaginable out.