FEELING OVER-WHELMED

SandyJG · ‎07-07-2016

I have never posted in here before. No-one understands why I get over-whelmed at times and why I cannot cope with noise. I do volunteer work and really love it; it has really helped with my depression/trauma/PSTD. But sometimes when it gets busy or there is a lot of noise in the office. I find I have to go outside for awhile, get some fresh air then return. Through where I am working I have beenseeing a Trauma Counselor, and at my next appointment with her this is something I am going to really go in depth with her about. I happened to mention at work yesterday how I cannot even listen to music these days, because it brings back bad memories of the past (I did not mention that, just said I cannot cope with noise) and of course no-one understood this. How can any human being say I do not like music etc. ?? But this is part of my past which I am slowly trying to deal with. When I began this volunteer job 4 months ago, it meant there I was now going to be around people, something else that was new for me. I had not worked for a few years, and now here I was with a group of people and I had to learn the art of conversation again, but at the same time, I was able to use skills I had to use for a long time (typing etc.) which I love. Fear if failure is something I am also trying to deal with, plus lots of other fears, which I will not go into. But as this post is about Feeling Over-Whelmed, I guess I have now put this down in writing and that is good for me. Thank you for letting me post in here. [[Oh also, when people (e.g. counselors) ask you if you ever think about suicide, I wonder how many people tell the truth.]]

blondguy · ‎07-07-2016

Hello SandyJG

Welcome to the forums!

Feeling overwhelmed can be crippling let alone exhausting. I have had anxiety/depression for many years and still occasionally get that feeling.

When we get a 'tired' mind it result in overthinking, sleep disturbances and the feeling of being overwhelmed. The 'allergy' to noise is also a sign of being 'oversensitised'....Nowadays I use my dislike of noise as an indicator of my being stressed, anxious or oversensitised. A tired mind can have great difficulty processing information especially audio based signals...it just doesnt have the ability.....sometimes

In the 1980's when I first had the mega anxiety attacks I had great difficulty with noise too....everyday. Whether it be music, traffic or a room full of people talking at the same time.....a crowd of people...ugh!

If you are driving and a car backfires close to you, do you jump?

I think many people will tell porky pies to their therapists Sandy and about suicide, sure. The trouble with not disclosing info to a therapist is we are retarding our own recovery, whether its suicide, anxiety or depressive symptoms.

The feeling of being overwhelmed is a common sign of anxiety/depression and the exhaustion it can bring.

You are smart in having a break outside to clear 'the fog' from your head. Good on you.

There are many super kind people on the forums that can be here for you Sandy, you are more than welcome to post as many times as you wish!

My kind thoughts

Paul

Cornstarch · ‎07-07-2016

Hi Sandy,

I would make it your priority to connect with a professional today. A GP, counselor, psychologist, help-line or hospital and also a partner, friend or family member as well. That doesn’t mean having to have big deep and meaning-fulls of all the intimate details of your past because trauma closes your throat, even if it’s only temporarily. But thoughts of self-harm should always be taken seriously. There is no shame in accessing
the health system for this. That’s why you pay taxes and if you can afford it, private health insurance. Prioritize that today but by the same token if you freeze and don’t contact anyone and call in sick for work try and not beat
yourself up. Freezing and PTSD/Trauma is the cornerstone symptom. And of course an ambulance is always there and should never be seen as only for physical illnesses. These conditions are just as legitimate, your shame is just at the forefront of everything at the minute. There is also no shame in having those thoughts in the first place they are extremely common, more common than people care to admit. But that doesn't mean ignoring them. They need to be addressed in a safe non-judgemental environment or relationship with a professional and also someone that loves you.

Stay safe SandyJG and reach out.