Having Problems Coping

While my tinnitus seemed to have died down it now seems to be back up again. I really can't stand it. It's louder than anything. I can't seem to get any breaks. I'm having problems staying asleep. Nothing seems to mask it. My desire to do anything is way down. I just can't seem to handle it.

I've been having a lot of negative thoughts.

I want to believe that it will diminish to a reasonable level, but that seems like a fantasy.

Nobody around me seems to understand what impact this is having on me.

Not to mention the hyperacusis on my left ear is horrible. I just can't handle it.

 

Tell yourself that you can stand it. What is leading to your emotional response is the feeling of having lost control so take steps to wrestle control back from your tinnitus. Use sound maskers (such as White Noise Lite - an app for Iphone and Android) whenever you feel negative as that gets you control. Ask your MD for some minor tranquilisers, such as lorazepam or clonazepam, in the first few weeks or months as this will reduce the emotional intensity of your brain's response to the tinnitus. Take whatever you need to ensure a few hours of deep sleep. In most cases, tinnitus will settle over time although there will often be flareups. Get psychological help in developing cognitive strategies to cope and remember 'It is only tinnitus' !!

 

hi neo m,
there are ways to live with problems,to feel at ease you have to think there are some people who have worse illnesses,i take amitriptyline,it helps to get a calm and better sleep,it works for me,think positive and stay away from stress as much as possible,we are all in it together,be good to yourself,kevin

 

Thanks everybody. I was having a panic attack. I've calmed down today, but I'm still not getting enough sleep. I was prescribed ativan to help me sleep but that doesn't stop me from waking up in the night. I wonder if there's something stronger that will keep me asleep?