Anxiety caused by bogan neighbours

[GusGust]

I’m posting here because I don’t know what else to do

So a couple of years ago, I moved to the suburbs with my family, everything was fine until these new neighbours showed up, for over a year they’ve been having screaming matches at each other at unbearable times like at midnight or 6:00 in the morning

Every time I start mentally improving, these people start yelling and swearing again, sending me back down the spiral, making my social anxiety worse and messing up my sleep cycle

It doesn’t help that my room is right next to their yard so that I can always hear them arguing or hacking their lungs out in the morning loud and clear

I also feel bad for the children, having to endure that constantly, so I feel a sense of guilt not being able to do anything about that either

Anyway yeah, can’t leave the house, can’t stay in the house, I just don’t know what to do

[PamelaR]

Hi GusGust and warm welcome to our forums

I understand what you are saying completely as I live in similar circumstances. It can be frightening can't it? Especially when the language gets a little over the top and it's quite evident there is violence occurring. Completely see why you fear for the children.

I'm sure you'll get a range of views here about how you could manage this. My view, is just one among many. If you think the situation is violent, then I'd call the police on 000. If it is just loud arguments - maybe get some ear plugs? It isn't fair I know. I've talked with my neighbour, especially to say how concerned I am for their welfare, and the children. Hasn't done much good.

It's an unpleasant situation to be in isn't it? For me the biggest part is I have no control over what is happening. I have been through the 'guilt' feeling and called the police. Has helped a little, though it hasn't stopped and unless one of the parties want to press charges then there is little the police can do.

It was suggested by the police that the fights get recorded and then they can do something. However, this is a very delicate path to go and I'm not sure I want to do this.

Does any of this help you GusGusts? Do you have anyone you can talk to about what's happening? E.g. close family member or trusted friend?

Keep reaching out if and when you want to. You're not alone Gus.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[GusGust]

Thank you for the response, you have given me lots of good points to consider

I do have close family that I can talk to who share the same experience since we all live together

In a weird way it’s reassuring to know that other people also feel that sense of guilt about not being able to do anything, the most I could do was to put up Kid’s Helpline posters near the public phone booth

Thanks again for the kind and helpful response

Kind regards

GusGust

[smallwolf]

Hi GusGust,

welcome to beyond blue.

You are not alone in your situation. We used to have neighbors 2 door around (in a cul de sac) who rented the place. When the GF came over, there were constant arguments. luckily (?) this was in the day time and most people were at work (but I worked from home)! On the weekend in the afternoons the band practiced - nobody knew what they were playing and the drummer was out of time. Everyone sort of the put up with it. They left and the neighborhood returned to normal.

But when you are the neighbor listening to all of this it is really frustrating - when you cannot do anything about it. One neighbor tried once. Pamela has made some really good suggestions to you. I wish you well.

Tim