Hi everyone,

I'm new to SPD - just learned about it recently but some of it seems to fit how I've gone through life.

I'm 51-years-old and have been hyper sensitive to people talking around me for as long as I can remember. If I'm in a situation where I want to concentrate - whether that's a lecture, movie or concert, for example, if anyone is talking nearby - I can't focus on what's going on, instead I become completely obsessed with the talking. I can't hear the words necessarily, just the sound of it, the whispering...

Sometimes I look back at the talkers, as if my withering glance will compel them to talk (they don't usually). Every so often, I muster up the courage to actually ask them to be quiet, but it only lasts a short time, so I'm reluctant to do that over and over. If there's a possibility of changing seats, I'll do that too, but usually there isn't and I feel "trapped" and horribly anxious. Plus I miss whatever I came to see. I've taken to never going out to the movies (watching at home only).

Other than this, I function well in life. I don't now if this is a SPD symptom - if so, I would be very happy to receive your input on how to deal with it. It may sound "small" but it has seriously impacted my quality of life!

Thanks - Brian
I always

Welcome to the site

I myself have SPD as do 2 of my kids. I also like you have the hypersensitivity. Although, mine does not seem to have the same aspects as yours. Now does the anxiety only come after you seemed to have been bothered by this? Or is it right before?

My suggestion would be to try and work on the anxiety so that way you can build your way up to dealing with the SPD aspect of this. I say this because of the fact in my case, if I have any anxiety, weather it be before, during, or after a situation, it will fuel the next situation that I might encounter that is like that one. So, with me when I address the anxiety, I don't seem to have as many issues with my SPD the next go around with a similar situation.

Hope I could help some Again, welcome to the site, happy to have you

Hi, Brian, welcome! Have you seen the adult checklist for SPD? I can give you the link if you haven't seen it.

My SPD seems to be mainly auditory, like yours. Certain sounds make me want to jump out of my skin. I can't focus at all until the sound stops. I get that same anxious feeling you mention. One sound is when my dog licks himself. I have to either leave the room or make him stop licking.

I'm not sure what to suggest for your situation. If asking them to stop doesn't work and you can't leave or move, I'm not sure what else could help. I often suggest trying ear plugs for blocking sounds, but that wouldn't help you in the case of going to see a movie or play or such. It's too bad they don't have headphones you could wear that receive the music and dialogue from the movie but block noises from the other viewers. Someone needs to invent those! Maybe wait for showings when not many people would go, not on weekends.

It doesn't sound small at all! It would definitely alter your life! I hope others might have suggestions for you.

Hi Heather & Lynn,

Thanks for your input and your welcome!

I really want to try NOT to avoid situations that create anxiety. I want to be able to be in those situations but not let the noise (talking/whispering) bother me so much. And yes, earplugs at a movie kind of defeats the purpose! Any suggestions for de-sensitization?

Thanks,
Brian

(06-18-2012, 03:38 AM)brianfrombaka Wrote: Hi Heather & Lynn,

Thanks for your input and your welcome!

I really want to try NOT to avoid situations that create anxiety. I want to be able to be in those situations but not let the noise (talking/whispering) bother me so much. And yes, earplugs at a movie kind of defeats the purpose! Any suggestions for de-sensitization?

Thanks,
Brian

Brian,

I found for myself the best way of desensitizing is actually just remaining in situations that bug me. Yes, it is uncomfortable and I hate it, but after a bit, it doesn't bother me as much.

Heather