The Anxiety And Panic Is So Bad, Crippling Me

[sfgirl]

I don't know what to do. My anxiety and fear is getting so out of hand, I've begun melting down at every creak, every footstep, car driving by, change in volume from tv commercial to another. I just discovered I'm not the only one who has this hypersensitive startle response and that is reassuring. My boyfriend is as understanding as possible, doing his best to keep the quiet environment I need (this is difficult because he works from home and constantly is on the phone or having customers drop by (he went so far as to rent the room next door to work out of so I could be left alone).

I know his patience is Not endless and I hope to god he doesn't decide to throw in the towel because I know that I am impossible sometimes. I hate that I put hi through this and the stuff I do filter out is hardly noticeable.

What are some coping mechanisms I can use to deal with noise? And general normal everyday life occurrences I deem unbearable?

 

[JSKarma]

What worked for me is stopping in the moment (as best as you can, I understand it's hard) and think of what that noise is.

Logically deconstruct it. What is it? Where is it coming from? Will it have any affect on you?

Get your boyfriend, who is an a "clearer" state of mind to do it for you. You'll notice alot of triggers are just normal noises like the garbage truck backing up.

I would jump at the sound of rain hitting my steps...it can get better :)

 

[safenow]

What are some coping mechanisms I can use to deal with noise?

Check out this thread: [DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/ptsd-and-sensory-overload.22633/page-2[/DLMURL]

And general normal everyday life occurrences I deem unbearable?

You need to ground yourself. I recommend you go to "how it began" Page 1, Item #21. That is a link to the 5-4-3-2-1 game I use to ground myself between each thing that triggers me. It helps to bring me back to the present. Those noses that you hear are everyday noises, so it won't help with that, but it will keep the mind in the now knowing that it's a current noise, and not something from the awful part of your past.

I hope this makes sense to you.

You are so fortunate to have a boyfriend who rented the room next door so you could have the peace you need. Bless his heart. You said you are afraid he might give up on you. Don't add that stress to your mind right now. He is there for you right now, and that is what counts.

If you look at the future through those glasses, you will increase your stress. Stay in the now. When you look to the past, it depresses. When you look to the future, it can be scary. Stay in the now and let it be a present to you. (I heard that somewhere from an old Chinese philosopher)

 

[WhiteLady]

Hello,
I came upon this page due to my own terrible panic attacks. Though I am far from cured, I do mange sometimes and I hope this helps you:

I hate the sounds of stomping and footsteps and my dogs barking spontaneously (as if someone approaches). Sometimes when this occurs I find it helpful to pet my cat repeatedly - if he´s not around (d.i.: if you don´t have a soft pet) any soft-sensation will do. As a child when I was terrified I stroked a soft blanket, let it gently touch my cheek (and for some reason, even as a child, I focused very much on these sensations and why they may have differed) and tried to imagine stories in my mind, write them like an author. If you enjoy some type of music, wearing headphones may deter the noise and put your mind at ease as you recite the song´s words to yourself, and try to determine each instrument being played. Be sure to keep hydrated and full with vitamins - it does help.
Best wishes to you.

 

[safenow]

You need to ground yourself. I recommend you go to "how it began" Page 1, Item #21. That is a link to the 5-4-3-2-1 game I use to ground myself between each thing that triggers me. It helps to bring me back to the present. Those noses that you hear are everyday noises, so it won't help with that, but it will keep the mind in the now knowing that it's a current noise, and not something from the awful part of your past.

I corrected the page number for that link. It is on page 1, Item 21. Sorry about that.

Be sure to keep hydrated and full with vitamins - it does help.

I so agree with all your techniques. They do work.