Background noises has been really irritating me

[Zoostar84]

Recently background noises such as televisions and radios has been really irritating me.

At work I may be using the computer at the main desk whilst 2 conversations may be happening behind me and the radio turned on. I have spoken to my manager and she had told me to tell the others I will be turning the radio off for a short period. Work can be quite busy and noisy at times. I work in health and wearing headphones is not an option. I try to find quiet areas (closed rooms) when I am not needed or if I feel I need to escape.

I went to the GP recently and was in the waiting room and the television was quite loud (not blasting though). After about 20 mins I was getting really irritated. There only a few of us and the girl next to me was watching it. I waited until she stopped watching it and went to use her phone. I asked her if it was ok for me ask the receptionist if I could get the volume turned town. She was fine with that and I politely asked the receptionist and she turned it down...actually so low that no one could hear it. LOL

I was at my dads holiday house and the main television was on a music channel. Dad told me he will not be changing the channel and the volume will be the same all day. I spoke to dad and told me that the noise was really irritating me, I explained to him that I have to deal with it at work and I went away to get away from this. I then told him that I will be spending most of the day outdoors..which is where most people spent their time anyways.

 Any tips with dealing with background noises would be appreciated

[Guest_1055]

Dear Zoostar

I cannot offer you any tips. I only wanted to let you know that you are not alone in this. So is it OK for me to reply?

I also find background noises, simply too much too bear at times. And you wish, they would turn just turn it off, like the music blaring out into your head. And sometimes you can't escape it. These times that I do find it hard, would be usually the times that I am struggling with some emotional issue in my own heart. Or if I am physically tired and feeling stressed.

For me it is like you are trying to deal with whatever is happening inside of you, this could be many issues, from feeling like no body loves you, um....the fact you need to prepare dinner, you are running late to get somewhere. Anyway this is what happens to me, you cannot process all this stuff, all at once. So then comes the loud blaring music invading my head space.... well that is simply just to, to much. It is stressful and not calming at all. I'm not sure if this is how it is for you????

But as I am writing this now, I am thinking that it may be a good idea to just get out a piece of paper, list all the issues that are whirling around in you. Maybe that would clear your head a bit. So you then might be able to tolerate the background noises.

Having said all this, I am really unsure if this is what is happening to you?? Anyway if I have helped you, that is great, if not well.... simply know that I care about you.

OK bye now

Shelley anne xxx

[Zoostar84]

Hi Shelley anne

Thankyou for your reply. It's good to know somoene else is experiencing this as well. Maybe it's just noticing that I'm stressed out and that the background noises are an added pressure to deal with?

I do carry around a piece of paper in my back pocket to write notes in and then later on I write these notes in my diary. This is something my psychologist has asked me to do to try and express my feelings. I mosty write things down that make me frustrated, but also write down when I find something funny. I have gained more confidence and have communicated better when dealing with a stressful situation. I think my colleagues have noticed this also. It has made me realise that I need to communicate when I get really anxious. I have supportive colleagues and most of them know about my mental condition. It has been over 4 years since my last panic attack and I never want to have another.

I really appreciate you typing that you care about me...verbal or written supprtive comments are always welcome

[pipsy]

Hi there.  I too find background noises irritating.  I was at Centrelink  not so long ago and the constant ringing phones while I was trying to talk drove me crazy.  It's hard to 'switch off' when you're working.  Having to concentrate on your work with people talking, phones, ringing general background noise makes it near impossible to concentrate.  Whenever my ex and I went out, I'd be trying to talk to him, the news comes on, very important he listens to the news, on goes the radio, I shut up.  I found one way to cope, just thinking about the peace and tranquility at home, helped me get through the day.  You can't 'dream' about 'laying down in a meadow' when you're at work.  My ex used to claim he could multi-task and look forward to quality time with me.  I believed him, till I found out it wasn't true.  Some people can multi-task, that's true, but him looking forward to quality time with me, that was rubbish.  Even multi-tasking is hard with distractions though.  If you can, more power to you, but if you're like me and can't, you just have to get through till you're home in the peace.  I think people who don't respect other's needs for quiet are quite rude.  You should be able to request a bit of peace anywhere.  If you're in a Dr's waiting room, that should be kept quiet for other patients benefit. 

Just look forward to being in your own space.  Relish those moments when you're on your own or with someone like-minded.