Distractions don't work for me. I can get involved in a movie or be around a group of people that distracts me from my tinnitus for a while, but I still feel high anxiety. My subconscious still picks up on it, even if I'm directing my focus elsewhere, and there's that automatic response from the sympathetic nervous system engaging the flight or fight response. There's still that layer of brain fog caused by tinnitus, even when I'm focusing on something else. If only it were that easy, I would have figured it out a long time ago. Although, years ago, when I had mild tinnitus, it was much easier. Having severe tinnitus is a whole different matter.
I apparently still hear it when I'm sleeping because I keep waking up after not sleeping for over two years. If not a cure, we at least need an effective treatment that significantly lowers tinnitus. Benzos help temporarily, at least, but that's not a good path to take.
