Needing Support :(

New here!

In 2017, whilst trying to sleep, I heard what I thought was rustling leaves outside, or possibly rain. In recent months (of 2018), my anxiety made me think I was hearing footsteps. But when trying to be rational, I assumed it was a water pipe which is outside my bedroom.

But in August this year when putting my fingers in my ear blocking out all external sounds, I could still hear this trickling water/hissing sound. I then went on to realise this is most likely Tinnitus.

Tinnitus isn't just ringing in the ears, though I do have that sometimes, along with banging in the ears occasionally (which my mum also suffers from).

I'm really struggling to sleep. Due to my anxiety, I HAVE to sleep in silence, so I can't have any sounds to block out the Tinnitus (which most sites and doctors recommend!)

In the U.K., to see a specialist, the wait is so long. After a long wait, I've finally managed to book a first appointment in a week or so, but I don't think it's a proper appointment. More like a first check up to see what the issue is.

Just needed some support and any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

My tinnitus has turned into crickets/idling jet engine sounds.

 

That sounds so horrible Wish Tinnitus didn't exist I need to sleep!!

 

Check out
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...eone-else-who-has-tinnitus.26850/#post-307822

Now that you have T, you are already Not sleeping in silence. It feels good to have something else to listen to, besides your T...

What was it before that?

 

Same here...

Good night.

 

I think you need to address the issue with someone about your need to sleep in silence. Once you do that, you can mask your tinnitus. I know this is no easy task and don't mean to downplay you anxiety regarding this.

 

How does one go about addressing this issue?

 

Do you habitate with another human, or do you have creatures who stay with you?

 

I don't have any pets, if that is what you were asking about. I have had three cats at various times earlier in my life. When a pet passes away, it is just too traumatic. So I won't be having any pets anymore.

 

I am suggesting he see a professional that can help work through the anxiety.

 

My mom tells me that I have had trouble falling asleep (and would be woken up by the slightest noise) ever since I was a baby.

There is no anxiety - some people are just more sensitive to noise than others - and there is nothing to be done about it.

 

You've already come this far (a year or more) and tinnitus IS a patience game.

You've already shown great grit and fortitude, so a few more weeks to get a diagnosis and possible help is within your abilities. Hang tough! You deserve more credit than maybe you give yourself.

I do hope you gain some peace meanwhile and get the beloved restful sleep.

 

I come at it from a slightly different angle. If I’m not already dead I’m going out with the dog. I simply cannot envisage a point in carrying on with this screaming brain shit without a single living soul, human or animal, requiring me to.

 

What about your family?

 

wow!

 

I felt a lot like you and then my anger calmed down along with the noise. I think the subconscious mind controls much of the noise. Psycho-Cybernetics is a good book dealing with how to control our subconscious. I was really angry with someone and then it suddenly switched off and I thought of that book. It helped me in the past with my self- image and some of my anxiety traits. Of course 1 day does not make a track record.

 

Try Melatonin to help you sleep. Take warm bath and do some relaxing exercise. Some suggest take a hot drink/water to sooth the nerves and muscles. If silence is tough for tinnitus, and noise make you anxious, why not try some very soothing nature sounds at low volume. If you don't know where to find such sounds, we can recommend some for you. Good care. God bless.