Neighbour is causing my anxiety to flare up again.

[Tragic_Swan]

First a bit of background on me. I'm 34 and having being living with Anxiety and depression for all of my adult life (first diagnosed with depression and GAD at 16). 5 years ago things got so bad that I lost my job as a social worker. I was self harming and abusing alcohol and prescription meds. My life was a mess really. With the help and support of my incredible family and amazing friends I started seeing a psyc, moved into my parents investment property and got a furry companion (Foxie X Jack Russell, my cuddly ball of happiness). I have spent a lot of time over the 5 years getting myself mentally and emotionally ready to reenter the workforce, even returning to university to retrain for a career change in office administration and accounting. I have quite happily and confidently been managing 2 days a week of volunteer work, and was even thinking about adding some extra days.

but now I am fearful that all this good work will come crashing down all because of one neighbour who seems intent on making my life miserable. For the second time in 2 and a half year he has lodged a complaint with council that my dog is barking at all hours of the night, and while I am reasonably sure nothing will come of it (the last complaint fell through and if anything my dog barks less then she did then) the constant worry is starting to affect my day to day. Most nights I have very poor quality sleep as I'm constantly trying to listen for her barking (I should point out I am a little deaf and her barking has to be pretty loud at night to bother me). Quite often I am convicted I am hearing barking and wake up only to find my dog asleep in her bean bag. I have done everything I can think off, letting her sleep inside at night, bringing her food bowls in, putting up a curtain on the window facing his property and have even brought a device that I can put outside that is meant to deter barking. My neighbour has not come to speak to me about her barking since before the first complaint but I often hear him yelling abuse over the fence. I'm am very worried about what he will do if his complaint again falls flat

i feel like I am constantly on the verge of a full fledge anxiety attack and am at a loss of what I can do. I live alone now days and I don't feel like speaking to him is something I could safely do. I've already had to miss a couple of volunteer days because I've just felt too tired and anxious to leave the house. I don't want all the good work I've done to just go away.

[BballJ]

Hi Tragic Swan,

Firstly, welcome to the forums. Well done on posting your story, you have done quiet well in your mental health battles by the looks of it and as a fellow GAD sufferer it was great to read.

Sorry to hear about your current issue and I can see why this would be causing your anxiety to flare up at a rapid pace it seems. You have so much right to try and alleviate it and cater to this person. I know you said you do not feel safe to speak with them but can you maybe go with someone and speak with them and let them know about all the steps you are taking to try and stop the dog from barking. Do you know why the dog would be barking in general? Mine usually does if there are birds in the yard or someone walks by?

Please, post back as much as you like, I am always happy to talk.

My best for you,

Jay