Re: Intro and question about paranoia

[Guest guest]

I get so paranoid that people are doing it on purpose that I freak out. It makes my anger skyrocket. I always thought it was because in the past a few people HAVE tried doing it on purpose to test me. It's almost ike as soon as I know that a person knows about my weird problem, every time they make a noise after that it's "on purpose." I even accused my husband of this recently. And even just yesterday I could have sworn on my life that he was doing it on purpose, testing me. It makes it hurt even worse. Even if he's not doing it on purpose, I get mortally offended that he doesn't try as hard as he can to stop. That makes me paranoid about him, too. Subject: Intro and question about paranoiaTo: Soundsensitivity Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:01 AM

Hi,

I've been lurking for a while, but I've finally decided to come out of hiding and ask a question... A quick intro first - I'm a 26 year old female in grad school, and I've had this sound sensitivity since age 10 (the main sounds that really agitate me include - chewing, socks rubbing against the floor, sniffling, breathing, throat clearing, tapping, etc. and also visual things like toe wiggling, and things moving in my peripheral vision... I could go on and on...) It has impacted me a lot academically - it's so hard for me to find places to study - the library is too quiet and I hear too many sounds, in some of my classes people eat, and I can't focus on the lecture at all, I have a lot of difficulty on trains (I commute to school), and I find myself exploding at my parents when they make certain sounds - I think b/c I hold it in all day b/c I'm not going to yell at strangers, and I have to release it somehow...

Anyway, so much for a quick intro... I was just wondering if anyone has thoughts that complete strangers who are making a triggering sound somehow know that that sound bothers me, and that they are testing me to see how I react. If I turn around and quickly try to see who's doing in it, something in their facial expression really makes me worry about whether or not it's true. Depending on how agitated I get I really believe it, although afterwards I debate - thinking it's crazy to think that, but there's still some uncertainty, and when I'm in the moment, I really do fear that they somehow know, which makes me more anxious, and subsequently even more sensitive to the sounds.

Have any of you experienced this? Does this sound like paranoia, or just extreme anxiety/agitation that just makes my thought-processes irrational?

Thanks! I am so thankful this group exists - I was shocked and also relieved that there is a group for this condition - I definitely feel less alone and "crazy".

[Guest guest]

I get so paranoid that people are doing it on purpose that I freak out. It makes my anger skyrocket. I always thought it was because in the past a few people HAVE tried doing it on purpose to test me. It's almost ike as soon as I know that a person knows about my weird problem, every time they make a noise after that it's "on purpose." I even accused my husband of this recently. And even just yesterday I could have sworn on my life that he was doing it on purpose, testing me. It makes it hurt even worse. Even if he's not doing it on purpose, I get mortally offended that he doesn't try as hard as he can to stop. That makes me paranoid about him, too. Subject: Intro and question about paranoiaTo: Soundsensitivity Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:01 AM

Hi,

I've been lurking for a while, but I've finally decided to come out of hiding and ask a question... A quick intro first - I'm a 26 year old female in grad school, and I've had this sound sensitivity since age 10 (the main sounds that really agitate me include - chewing, socks rubbing against the floor, sniffling, breathing, throat clearing, tapping, etc. and also visual things like toe wiggling, and things moving in my peripheral vision... I could go on and on...) It has impacted me a lot academically - it's so hard for me to find places to study - the library is too quiet and I hear too many sounds, in some of my classes people eat, and I can't focus on the lecture at all, I have a lot of difficulty on trains (I commute to school), and I find myself exploding at my parents when they make certain sounds - I think b/c I hold it in all day b/c I'm not going to yell at strangers, and I have to release it somehow...

Anyway, so much for a quick intro... I was just wondering if anyone has thoughts that complete strangers who are making a triggering sound somehow know that that sound bothers me, and that they are testing me to see how I react. If I turn around and quickly try to see who's doing in it, something in their facial expression really makes me worry about whether or not it's true. Depending on how agitated I get I really believe it, although afterwards I debate - thinking it's crazy to think that, but there's still some uncertainty, and when I'm in the moment, I really do fear that they somehow know, which makes me more anxious, and subsequently even more sensitive to the sounds.

Have any of you experienced this? Does this sound like paranoia, or just extreme anxiety/agitation that just makes my thought-processes irrational?

Thanks! I am so thankful this group exists - I was shocked and also relieved that there is a group for this condition - I definitely feel less alone and "crazy".

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome to the group! I think that our sensitivity causes us to

perceive things in this way, though I'm sure that strangers have no idea. There

are people in my life who know about my sensitivity and still make sounds that I

hate, but often believe that it's inadverant. If they've been sniffling this way

all their life, it's become a habit and they won't always remember not to do it.

(Not all people are this innocent, but I know some who don't intentionally want

to hurt me.) It's hard for people to be aware of it if it doesn't bother them.

I can say all this in a calm moment, but it can be difficult to believe in the

heat of the moment. I think about things that I know annoy or hurt someone else

but seem innocent to me--to help me to understand that I could unwillingly

offend someone though they perceive it as an attack. We all have our buttons,

and we don't always intentionally push those of others.

When we're sensitive to a particular sound, we are so much more aware of it and

think " how can they not realize how obnoxious they sound? " and " they must be out

to get me " . I think it's a somewhat normal result of our issue, but it's not a

good trap to fall into.

Anyway, just some of my thoughts. Yes, it's so good not to feel alone and crazy.

Cate

>

I was just wondering if anyone has thoughts that complete strangers who are

making a triggering sound somehow know that that sound bothers me, and that they

are testing me to see how I react. If I turn around and quickly try to see

who's doing in it, something in their facial expression really makes me worry

about whether or not it's true. Depending on how agitated I get I really

believe it, although afterwards I debate - thinking it's crazy to think that,

but there's still some uncertainty, and when I'm in the moment, I really do fear

that they somehow know, which makes me more anxious, and subsequently even more

sensitive to the sounds.

>

> Have any of you experienced this? Does this sound like paranoia, or just

extreme anxiety/agitation that just makes my thought-processes irrational?

>

> Thanks! I am so thankful this group exists - I was shocked and also relieved

that there is a group for this condition - I definitely feel less alone and

" crazy " .

>

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome to the group! I think that our sensitivity causes us to

perceive things in this way, though I'm sure that strangers have no idea. There

are people in my life who know about my sensitivity and still make sounds that I

hate, but often believe that it's inadverant. If they've been sniffling this way

all their life, it's become a habit and they won't always remember not to do it.

(Not all people are this innocent, but I know some who don't intentionally want

to hurt me.) It's hard for people to be aware of it if it doesn't bother them.

I can say all this in a calm moment, but it can be difficult to believe in the

heat of the moment. I think about things that I know annoy or hurt someone else

but seem innocent to me--to help me to understand that I could unwillingly

offend someone though they perceive it as an attack. We all have our buttons,

and we don't always intentionally push those of others.

When we're sensitive to a particular sound, we are so much more aware of it and

think " how can they not realize how obnoxious they sound? " and " they must be out

to get me " . I think it's a somewhat normal result of our issue, but it's not a

good trap to fall into.

Anyway, just some of my thoughts. Yes, it's so good not to feel alone and crazy.

Cate

>

I was just wondering if anyone has thoughts that complete strangers who are

making a triggering sound somehow know that that sound bothers me, and that they

are testing me to see how I react. If I turn around and quickly try to see

who's doing in it, something in their facial expression really makes me worry

about whether or not it's true. Depending on how agitated I get I really

believe it, although afterwards I debate - thinking it's crazy to think that,

but there's still some uncertainty, and when I'm in the moment, I really do fear

that they somehow know, which makes me more anxious, and subsequently even more

sensitive to the sounds.

>

> Have any of you experienced this? Does this sound like paranoia, or just

extreme anxiety/agitation that just makes my thought-processes irrational?

>

> Thanks! I am so thankful this group exists - I was shocked and also relieved

that there is a group for this condition - I definitely feel less alone and

" crazy " .

>

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome to the group! I think that our sensitivity causes us to

perceive things in this way, though I'm sure that strangers have no idea. There

are people in my life who know about my sensitivity and still make sounds that I

hate, but often believe that it's inadverant. If they've been sniffling this way

all their life, it's become a habit and they won't always remember not to do it.

(Not all people are this innocent, but I know some who don't intentionally want

to hurt me.) It's hard for people to be aware of it if it doesn't bother them.

I can say all this in a calm moment, but it can be difficult to believe in the

heat of the moment. I think about things that I know annoy or hurt someone else

but seem innocent to me--to help me to understand that I could unwillingly

offend someone though they perceive it as an attack. We all have our buttons,

and we don't always intentionally push those of others.

When we're sensitive to a particular sound, we are so much more aware of it and

think " how can they not realize how obnoxious they sound? " and " they must be out

to get me " . I think it's a somewhat normal result of our issue, but it's not a

good trap to fall into.

Anyway, just some of my thoughts. Yes, it's so good not to feel alone and crazy.

Cate

>

I was just wondering if anyone has thoughts that complete strangers who are

making a triggering sound somehow know that that sound bothers me, and that they

are testing me to see how I react. If I turn around and quickly try to see

who's doing in it, something in their facial expression really makes me worry

about whether or not it's true. Depending on how agitated I get I really

believe it, although afterwards I debate - thinking it's crazy to think that,

but there's still some uncertainty, and when I'm in the moment, I really do fear

that they somehow know, which makes me more anxious, and subsequently even more

sensitive to the sounds.

>

> Have any of you experienced this? Does this sound like paranoia, or just

extreme anxiety/agitation that just makes my thought-processes irrational?

>

> Thanks! I am so thankful this group exists - I was shocked and also relieved

that there is a group for this condition - I definitely feel less alone and

" crazy " .

>

[Guest guest]

My daughter, who is 4S like me, is getting her masters online. I doesn't pull as much weight probably, but is better then no degree at all. I got as far as a bachelors, but nearly lost my mind in the process. Had to settle for a lesser degree, lesser job, lesser life really. This is a handicap no less debilitating than any other that effects ones ability to interact socially. There are some jobs that get around it, but I have not yet found one that fits my abilities and interests. The horrible part of it is that I like to be with people most of the time and I just can't do it always.

It makes me sad to think of all the missed opportunities and joy that could have been. But I won't give up trying. Life is too good to give up or check out.

Public awareness is going to be an important key. At least we will be less likely to get shot if we complain of loud chewing!

L.

Subject: Re: Intro and question about paranoiaTo: Soundsensitivity Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 10:23 PM

Hi.. I have only been a member for a few weeks and have been mainly lurking as well. i don't have a lot to say on the paranoia part. I have a bit of those feelings but I think they are mainly from the fact that I have lived with and loved several people (family and significant others) who have used my 4s to taunt me, make me feel crazy, etc. With strangers (esp those chewing gum next to me in a store or loudly opening candy with cellophane/chewing popcorn behind me in a movie) what I experience most is axiety mixed with a fear of confrontation/feeling of helplessness.

Mostly I wanted to respond because I really relate to your experience with school. I have tried over and over to complete my degree and I lived on campus in a dorm itended for music students (bad move) and I could NEVER EVER focus. Not even in the library because the quiet seemed to bring out all those little noises even more. I struggled all through primary school with people chewing and tapping feet around me as well. Eventually I gave up on school and that is the main reason. The only thing that ever helped me was to go to some public place where there is a lot of noise with a good pair of headphones and music that soothes me while I work. Anyhow, I posted a bit awhile back and didn't get much of a response so I just wanted to tell you you are definately not crazy! And not alone. My question to you is- how did you make it all the way to grad school/what coping methods did you use to focus to get you

through those years? Hang in there

Larsen

Sender: Soundsensitivity

Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:01:51 -0000

To: <Soundsensitivity >

ReplyTo: Soundsensitivity

Subject: Intro and question about paranoia

Hi,I've been lurking for a while, but I've finally decided to come out of hiding and ask a question... A quick intro first - I'm a 26 year old female in grad school, and I've had this sound sensitivity since age 10 (the main sounds that really agitate me include - chewing, socks rubbing against the floor, sniffling, breathing, throat clearing, tapping, etc. and also visual things like toe wiggling, and things moving in my peripheral vision... I could go on and on...) It has impacted me a lot academically - it's so hard for me to find places to study - the library is too quiet and I hear too many sounds, in some of my classes people eat, and I can't focus on the lecture at all, I have a lot of difficulty on trains (I commute to school), and I find myself exploding at my parents when they make certain sounds - I think b/c I hold it in all day b/c I'm not going to yell at strangers, and I have to release it somehow...Anyway, so much for

a quick intro... I was just wondering if anyone has thoughts that complete strangers who are making a triggering sound somehow know that that sound bothers me, and that they are testing me to see how I react. If I turn around and quickly try to see who's doing in it, something in their facial expression really makes me worry about whether or not it's true. Depending on how agitated I get I really believe it, although afterwards I debate - thinking it's crazy to think that, but there's still some uncertainty, and when I'm in the moment, I really do fear that they somehow know, which makes me more anxious, and subsequently even more sensitive to the sounds.Have any of you experienced this? Does this sound like paranoia, or just extreme anxiety/agitation that just makes my thought-processes irrational?Thanks! I am so thankful this group exists - I was shocked and also relieved that there is a group for this condition - I definitely feel

less alone and "crazy".

[Guest guest]

Many others feel that way and this is one of those places where we can ask, is

this real or is this a cognitive distortion? We can challenge and change our

cognitive distortions, actually that aspect can be easier than some other kinds

of changes.

A good cognitive therapist can help with that task, I strongly encourge you to

locate one and set up a few visits.

Dr. J

>

>

> Subject: Intro and question about paranoia

> To: Soundsensitivity

> Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:01 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>  

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi,

>

>

>

> I've been lurking for a while, but I've finally decided to come out of hiding

and ask a question... A quick intro first - I'm a 26 year old female in grad

school, and I've had this sound sensitivity since age 10 (the main sounds that

really agitate me include - chewing, socks rubbing against the floor, sniffling,

breathing, throat clearing, tapping, etc. and also visual things like toe

wiggling, and things moving in my peripheral vision... I could go on and on...)

It has impacted me a lot academically - it's so hard for me to find places to

study - the library is too quiet and I hear too many sounds, in some of my

classes people eat, and I can't focus on the lecture at all, I have a lot of

difficulty on trains (I commute to school), and I find myself exploding at my

parents when they make certain sounds - I think b/c I hold it in all day b/c I'm

not going to yell at strangers, and I have to release it somehow...

>

>

>

> Anyway, so much for a quick intro... I was just wondering if anyone has

thoughts that complete strangers who are making a triggering sound somehow know

that that sound bothers me, and that they are testing me to see how I react. If

I turn around and quickly try to see who's doing in it, something in their

facial expression really makes me worry about whether or not it's true.

Depending on how agitated I get I really believe it, although afterwards I

debate - thinking it's crazy to think that, but there's still some uncertainty,

and when I'm in the moment, I really do fear that they somehow know, which makes

me more anxious, and subsequently even more sensitive to the sounds.

>

>

>

> Have any of you experienced this? Does this sound like paranoia, or just

extreme anxiety/agitation that just makes my thought-processes irrational?

>

>

>

> Thanks! I am so thankful this group exists - I was shocked and also relieved

that there is a group for this condition - I definitely feel less alone and

" crazy " .

>

[Guest guest]

Many others feel that way and this is one of those places where we can ask, is

this real or is this a cognitive distortion? We can challenge and change our

cognitive distortions, actually that aspect can be easier than some other kinds

of changes.

A good cognitive therapist can help with that task, I strongly encourge you to

locate one and set up a few visits.

Dr. J

>

>

> Subject: Intro and question about paranoia

> To: Soundsensitivity

> Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:01 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>  

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi,

>

>

>

> I've been lurking for a while, but I've finally decided to come out of hiding

and ask a question... A quick intro first - I'm a 26 year old female in grad

school, and I've had this sound sensitivity since age 10 (the main sounds that

really agitate me include - chewing, socks rubbing against the floor, sniffling,

breathing, throat clearing, tapping, etc. and also visual things like toe

wiggling, and things moving in my peripheral vision... I could go on and on...)

It has impacted me a lot academically - it's so hard for me to find places to

study - the library is too quiet and I hear too many sounds, in some of my

classes people eat, and I can't focus on the lecture at all, I have a lot of

difficulty on trains (I commute to school), and I find myself exploding at my

parents when they make certain sounds - I think b/c I hold it in all day b/c I'm

not going to yell at strangers, and I have to release it somehow...

>

>

>

> Anyway, so much for a quick intro... I was just wondering if anyone has

thoughts that complete strangers who are making a triggering sound somehow know

that that sound bothers me, and that they are testing me to see how I react. If

I turn around and quickly try to see who's doing in it, something in their

facial expression really makes me worry about whether or not it's true.

Depending on how agitated I get I really believe it, although afterwards I

debate - thinking it's crazy to think that, but there's still some uncertainty,

and when I'm in the moment, I really do fear that they somehow know, which makes

me more anxious, and subsequently even more sensitive to the sounds.

>

>

>

> Have any of you experienced this? Does this sound like paranoia, or just

extreme anxiety/agitation that just makes my thought-processes irrational?

>

>

>

> Thanks! I am so thankful this group exists - I was shocked and also relieved

that there is a group for this condition - I definitely feel less alone and

" crazy " .

>

[Guest guest]

Many others feel that way and this is one of those places where we can ask, is

this real or is this a cognitive distortion? We can challenge and change our

cognitive distortions, actually that aspect can be easier than some other kinds

of changes.

A good cognitive therapist can help with that task, I strongly encourge you to

locate one and set up a few visits.

Dr. J

>

>

> Subject: Intro and question about paranoia

> To: Soundsensitivity

> Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 7:01 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>  

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi,

>

>

>

> I've been lurking for a while, but I've finally decided to come out of hiding

and ask a question... A quick intro first - I'm a 26 year old female in grad

school, and I've had this sound sensitivity since age 10 (the main sounds that

really agitate me include - chewing, socks rubbing against the floor, sniffling,

breathing, throat clearing, tapping, etc. and also visual things like toe

wiggling, and things moving in my peripheral vision... I could go on and on...)

It has impacted me a lot academically - it's so hard for me to find places to

study - the library is too quiet and I hear too many sounds, in some of my

classes people eat, and I can't focus on the lecture at all, I have a lot of

difficulty on trains (I commute to school), and I find myself exploding at my

parents when they make certain sounds - I think b/c I hold it in all day b/c I'm

not going to yell at strangers, and I have to release it somehow...

>

>

>

> Anyway, so much for a quick intro... I was just wondering if anyone has

thoughts that complete strangers who are making a triggering sound somehow know

that that sound bothers me, and that they are testing me to see how I react. If

I turn around and quickly try to see who's doing in it, something in their

facial expression really makes me worry about whether or not it's true.

Depending on how agitated I get I really believe it, although afterwards I

debate - thinking it's crazy to think that, but there's still some uncertainty,

and when I'm in the moment, I really do fear that they somehow know, which makes

me more anxious, and subsequently even more sensitive to the sounds.

>

>

>

> Have any of you experienced this? Does this sound like paranoia, or just

extreme anxiety/agitation that just makes my thought-processes irrational?

>

>

>

> Thanks! I am so thankful this group exists - I was shocked and also relieved

that there is a group for this condition - I definitely feel less alone and

" crazy " .

>