Right now I have my typical pre-therapy jitters. Part of my anxiety is I know how loud the waiting room will be when I get there. In addition to the white noise machines which I find highly triggering there’s music pumped in, other patients moving around and employees chatting. The office is loud and it’s dark. My therapist said this ill lit situation is “mood lighting” but for me it’s like sitting in the dark. I don’t like it at all, then add in noise makers and all sorts of movement and you’ve got serious stimulus overload.
When I went to the psych exam the other day the office was just as anxiety provoking. The lighting was fine but the small room had music pumped in which for me made the room feel smaller. Just outside the closed door I could hear other employees laughing and talking. Even with my headphones on I was overwhelmed by every noise and sight around me. This brings me to a series of questions concerning PTSD and waiting rooms. I wonder if others experience the same thing.
Continue reading ‘Waiting Rooms and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder’
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