Anxiety or OCD? Noise Sensitivity in Teens

Anxiety or Obsession?

I am 17 years old and have been living in a dorm since the beginning of my junior year.
Perhaps due to the pressure of studying, I have become very sensitive to noise; even the slightest sound can affect me.
Let me give you two examples of the places I spend the most time in:
---At home---
My neighbors have a dog, and whenever it barks, I feel compelled to run next door to see why it is barking.
If I don't check, I feel guilty.
Objectively speaking, the dog doesn't bark very often.
My dad says this is my own issue because when I asked my other family members, they said it only barks occasionally and it's not a big deal.
However, living in the countryside, there are dogs everywhere, and whenever I am in rural areas (at home or at relatives' houses), I become very anxious about dog barking.
---In the school dormitory---
Any noise from knocking, regardless of its volume, makes me extremely angry, and I rush out of my room to find out which dorm is making the noise.
Any sound before I sleep can disturb me, but my roommates are indifferent to noise, and I am a very light sleeper.
I wear earplugs when I sleep, but even with earplugs, I still feel pressure from sounds and can wake up from them.
I can't sleep through the night.
For example, our dorm plays music to wake everyone up, and I can hear it through my earplugs and wake up, while my roommates, who don’t wear earplugs, sleep soundly.
My dad has encouraged me to exercise, saying it can help improve my situation, but I have been exercising for a long time and have lost quite a bit of weight.
However, my mental state has only worsened.
I used to be able to tolerate small noises, but now even the sound of the wind shaking the windows affects me.
Every day, I can only numb myself by listening to music.
Even with headphones, noise still bothers me.
I watch my classmates laughing and enjoying life, while I can only suppress my inner pain with a smile.
I have thought about suicide, but I am afraid to go through with it because I don’t want my family to be sad.
Just thinking about it makes me cry uncontrollably.
Additionally, I am a Virgo and tend to seek perfection in everything.
Is this related to my personality? If it is indeed related to my personality, does that mean no amount of exercise will help improve my situation because it is just who I am? Or can my mental issues only be treated with medication? My dad has told me to take things less seriously and that life will be more exciting, but I have tried that and still feel troubled all day.
Life feels meaningless, and I do my best to hide my inner pain, but it still aches subtly.
It feels like the whole world is against me.
Doctor, what should I do?

Wo yao kuai le, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/21

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello.
The text reveals some negative emotions (anxiety, depression, etc.).
Whether caused by stress or personality traits, it is important to address these existing mental health concerns properly.
If it's inconvenient, please consider visiting a local mental health clinic for consultation.
You can also call the local support hotline for assistance; they will provide help.
I believe this can improve your situation.

Reply Date: 2017/01/21

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant distress related to noise sensitivity, which can be a manifestation of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Your situation is not uncommon among teenagers, especially those under academic pressure. The heightened sensitivity to noise, coupled with feelings of anxiety and distress, can be overwhelming and may lead to a cycle of avoidance and increased anxiety.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that your feelings are valid. Many people experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, including sound, particularly during stressful periods. This can be exacerbated by factors such as lack of sleep, academic pressure, and personal temperament. You mentioned that you have been under considerable stress due to schoolwork, which can certainly contribute to anxiety levels.
Your experiences at home and in the dormitory, where even minor noises cause significant distress, suggest that you may be dealing with a form of anxiety. The compulsive need to check on the source of the noise, such as the barking dog or sounds from your dorm, can be indicative of OCD tendencies. This is characterized by intrusive thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety.
While it’s good that you are engaging in physical activity, which is known to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, it seems that it has not been sufficient in your case. This could be due to the intensity of your anxiety or the specific nature of your sensitivity to noise. It’s also worth noting that personality traits, such as a tendency towards perfectionism (which you mentioned), can influence how we respond to stress and sensory input. However, it’s crucial to understand that personality traits do not determine your ability to cope with anxiety or noise sensitivity.

Here are some strategies that may help you manage your symptoms:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a highly effective treatment for anxiety and OCD. A therapist can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies for dealing with noise sensitivity.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce overall anxiety levels and improve your response to stressors, including noise.

3. Gradual Exposure: This involves gradually exposing yourself to the sounds that trigger your anxiety in a controlled manner. Start with low volumes and gradually increase as you become more comfortable. This can help desensitize you to the sounds over time.

4. Sound Therapy: Listening to calming sounds or white noise can help mask distressing noises and create a more soothing environment.

5. Professional Help: It’s important to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide a proper assessment and treatment plan tailored to your needs. They may recommend therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

6. Support System: Talk to trusted friends or family members about what you’re experiencing. Sometimes, just sharing your feelings can alleviate some of the burden.

7. Limit Stimulants: Reduce caffeine and sugar intake, as these can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

8. Sleep Hygiene: Establish a calming bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality. This may include limiting screen time before bed, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are effective treatments available. It’s essential to reach out for help and not to hesitate in seeking support from mental health professionals. Your well-being is important, and with the right strategies and support, you can find relief from these distressing symptoms.

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