Argh. I have a new neighbor downstairs and she likes her music turned up, especially with bass cranked. I've already spoken with her in a friendly fashion and asked her to keep the bass down, she agreed but it is already back up.

Noise like this tends to trigger anxiety, even hypervigilant PTSD symptoms. I'm good at reminding myself to not make it worse than it is. I now use an electric fan, turn on the dishwasher, and use earplugs to help me cope - though bass tends to come through all that. I'm not currently able to do anything furniture or sound muffling wise. And this on top of me actually needing to sleep and rest for a few days is rough.

Unless it gets louder still I'm probably not going to talk further with her or with my landlord. It has been worse here in past, domestic violence used to be somewhat common around here, it no longer is. But there people who get drunk and loud, folks who slam doors, and now my new neighbor.

Because my income is limited my options are limited also. And I know that moving doesn't necessarily mean less noise. I know I'm not the only person dealing with being triggered by unwanted loud noise. I honestly wish I didn't have to deal with this now, I'm dealing with physical illness and would like to rest and sleep more.

Okay, so I know earplugs help a little, running a fan helps too. I know the noise won't kill me. I know I can occasionally get out of the house for a break. I know I can take good care of myself.

I know I can manage my symptoms, just wish I didn't have to go through this at all. I'm writing here to help me work through my thoughts, ask for friendly support, find out if any of you out there go through noise problems, and also as a chance to remind myself that this too shall pass. Eventually.