I have an EXTREME sensitivity to noise. I have sensory overload syndrome? My therapist basically said my senses are extremely heightened, where hearing someone talking sounds like they’re screaming and has the effect on me as if they’re screaming in my ear while poking me all over my body. My dad plays video games like a child and talks to people doing it, and every day I want to scream. Also our dog is older and is constantly sleeping and making noise, snoring, grunting, coughing. I’ve tried everything, listening to music, (which I’m doing now) earplugs, I even had my boyfriend bring headphones of his dad’s that he used for the shooting range! And I can STILL hear them ! I can’t do anything I want anymore. I feel like I live in a prison. I can’t read I can’t write. I feel like I can’t think. Every single day I’m crying from the overwhelming overload I feel every day. Currently in the tub trying to relax and have to blast the music to drown them out, which isn’t even working, I CAN STILL HEAR THEM. This may not make sense unless you have this too but the sensory overload is so bad that it feels you with uncontrollable anger and sadness and makes me think I would rather kill myself than have to deal with hearing them anymore. This spirals my depression even more Because I need to move out! But my overwhelming amount of medical issues and cost are preventing me from that. I can’t even work more than part time due to the issues and every paycheck is spent on bills, half of which are for my health. ?? so my life is going nowhere and all I do is wish I wasn’t alive. I understand I could go to the library etc..but honestly I shouldn’t be so stressed at my house. And. I’m currently sick so I need to stay home, I can’t leave. I’m trying to relax and it’s a fucking nightmare. I’m going to rip my hair out

Unfortunately over the years I have tried everything and nothing works. I have spoken to my therapist about this and primary doctors. There is no actual medication that can be taken for specifically this problem. And yes you’re right people with autism do suffer from the same thing. I have been tested for autism due to the fact that my sensory issues are so severe, but I do not have autism. Some people can have it regardless. Also my therapist says OCD feeds off it and vice versa. It will make my obsessive compulsive disorder “flare up” and then the episodes with cause my sensory overload to take hold. It used to get to the point where it would put me to sleep. My body could not handle all the noise (even if there was barely any, it was too much for me) and I’d just end up falling asleep wherever I was. My mind just shut off. Now I don’t fall asleep as often as it is my brain fog and depersonalization setting in as a result of me not being able to handle noise.

It’s poisoning my entire life. The lack of sympathy my family has is absolutely disgusting. Honestly having mental issues really shines a light on the people in your life. So many people throughout my life who should have cared about me who show utter disrespect and lack of empathy is disgusting. The fact that I have explained the severity of the situation (as much as I can because my family thinks I’m being dramatic) and he still talks every day none stop playing his child games just is utterly repulsive. I have lost who I am as a person, because I can’t think clearly. The noise is so loud I can’t hear myself think. I don’t do anything but sit and cry every day. It has caused my depression to spiral out of control. And no one notices.

If you need a friend, I'm happy to chat. We're here for you. I know it sucks when others don't understand. This too shall pass, as nothing lasts forever!

My recent ocd flare up has been coupled with a hyper sensory sensitivity. The heightened noise/vibrations/people’s voices is another layer of chaos in my head that is so debilitating. I don’t listen to music or the radio or watch tv much anymore. I did buy some easy listening music (Chopin nocturnes, Gregorian chants) that have been soothing/distracting for me and my intrusive thoughts. Might be worth a try. I’m a cellist and can’t play right now because the sound and vibrations of notes feel and sound like a freight train too me. I spend most of my time in silence by myself but at work I have to deal with it as it is a large market where I work and it’s very echo-y and loud. My mind let’s me deal with it by accepting the anxiety and knowing I have to work to pay to live. But I’m often left so mentally exhausted from the sensory overload that I don’t leave my house besides for work. I hope things start chilling out for ya! There are things called sensory deprivation tanks that you might try. Or a mediation app with theta waves. Good luck!

Thank you so much for that advice @matthias

I go through the exact same thing, I feel you. Nobody can tell what I have. Idk if I have autism (I don't think so), misophonia, hypersensitivity or if it's my anxiety disorders which make me more sensible to sounds

I feel for you. Have you tried not trying to relax? Maybe embracing the discomfort and letting the anxiety take you over? In a few weeks this exposure effect could have real results. Have you spoken to a professional about this? As a last resort I am sure there is medication for something like that. People with autism also suffer from a similar symptom if I'm not mistaken.

Thank you ? I do need a friend