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Mental health

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Sound Related Anxiety

3 replies

houseofturner · 28/09/2025 13:57

My 13 year old is struggling with noisy environments. It’s not really loud noise, as she can do concerts and theatre, but when there’s lots of conflicting noises, I.e. lots of chatter with clinking glasses or plates etc. It makes her very stressed and anxious. She has taken to using noise cancellation headphones but that’s not a long term solution as it makes her feel different and isolates her. I have not had good experiences with talking to GPs about mental health issues and I don't want to leap into therapy causes that label her. I think she just needs to talk to someone who understands and who can give her some reassurance and maybe some coping strategies. I don't know if there are any charity groups that focus on this. I personally struggle with depression, OCD, and social anxiety and I am conscious of making sure this isn't learned behaviour. Any advice would be appropriated. Many thanks.

OP posts:
Arran2024 · 28/09/2025 18:05

It's a sensory processing issue - it isn't a mental health problem as such, though I can see how it can make someone anxious as a result.

The usual advice is headphones. Young people wear them all the time these days so I doubt your daughter will stand out as different. You can also limit her exposure to noise. I can't stand sports commentary on tv for example so my husband turns the volume down and watches without it.

MyPinkTraybake · 29/09/2025 22:10

In ear noise cancelling ear buds like Loop Switches. Very discrete.

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