MemberIs positivity important?
Tinnitus is a complex condition that comes in many forms and intensities and no two people experience it the same. If hyperacausis is present it can cause additional problems depending on how severe it is? I believe if one is able to adopt a positive mindset towards tinnitus and life, they will have the most essential requirement to help them through the habituation process and beyond. This will help to keep negativity at bay even in the downtimes should they arrive.
Negativity and the belief that nothing can be done for tinnitus can start to take its effect as early as going to Dr. Google or to be told by a GP: "It's tinnitus, nothing can be done you have to learn to live with it". It is unfortunate that someone who's probably very stressed and anxious to have his or her worst fears confirmed by a healthcare professional that should know better. This is negative counselling and it shouldn't be done.
Some people will visit a tinnitus forum in an attempt to allay any fears and prove to themselves what they have been told or read about it is wrong, by listening to people that have the condition and hopefully they will be told it does get better and it is curable. The views expressed at forums are often mixed and vary quite a lot. By now a person's stress level might have increased or decreased Depending on the information they receive either by direct answer to a question or reading members posts. This can induce calm and a feeling of relief, or do the complete opposite and make them feel worse.
I believe visiting a forum regularly can be helpful for some. The feeling of camaraderie that exists between like-minded people can be reassuring especially when family and friends don't understand which is often the case. However, it isn't without its drawbacks. Such a community is open to all and sundry, and thus positive and negative thinking people. Therefore, I believe it is important to try and focus on positivity. Seek advice from members that have had tinnitus for a while and habituated. This is not to say that advice from newbies shouldn't be sought too. I have read posts from people just a few months in with tinnitus, and been taken aback by the maturity, depth and understanding that they bring and makes a veteran like me smile in approval.
The thing to try and avoid is negative reinforcement because tinnitus and hyperacusis can be stressful conditions all by themselves without adding to them. Some people are sensitive to sound and take it upon themselves to be wearing: foam earplugs, noise reducing plugs or earmuffs at every opportunity. I have seen what this overuse can do to some people. It can instill fear and if one isn't careful phonophobia. A fear of sound.
Treating tinnitus and hyperacusis takes time usually many months and should be backed up with positive thinking. Positivity reinforces the belief not to be fearful of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Overuse of hearing protection sadly reinforces negativity and fear. It is for this reason I regularly advise people to read the positive articles that I have written on tinnitus and they are in my "started threads". They are to be treated as therapy and are a form of counselling and should be read often to reinforce "positive thinking". Without a positive attitude negativity is allowed to get hold and can become overwhelming. I also advise people to read the success stories written by members on the "positivity thread" and there are many. Again, this reinforces positive thinking. One has to work at this if they want to improve and get better.
Michael
PS: Life is problematic and with a condition like tinnitus at times it can be overwhelming. This can happen in the early stages of onset but usually improves with time. There is nothing wrong with feeling down and occasionally negative, just try not to make it become all consuming. Always talk to your doctor if you feel your situation is becoming too much.
Tinnitus is a complex condition that comes in many forms and intensities and no two people experience it the same. If hyperacausis is present it can cause additional problems depending on how severe it is? I believe if one is able to adopt a positive mindset towards tinnitus and life, they will have the most essential requirement to help them through the habituation process and beyond. This will help to keep negativity at bay even in the downtimes should they arrive.
Negativity and the belief that nothing can be done for tinnitus can start to take its effect as early as going to Dr. Google or to be told by a GP: "It's tinnitus, nothing can be done you have to learn to live with it". It is unfortunate that someone who's probably very stressed and anxious to have his or her worst fears confirmed by a healthcare professional that should know better. This is negative counselling and it shouldn't be done.
Some people will visit a tinnitus forum in an attempt to allay any fears and prove to themselves what they have been told or read about it is wrong, by listening to people that have the condition and hopefully they will be told it does get better and it is curable. The views expressed at forums are often mixed and vary quite a lot. By now a person's stress level might have increased or decreased Depending on the information they receive either by direct answer to a question or reading members posts. This can induce calm and a feeling of relief, or do the complete opposite and make them feel worse.
I believe visiting a forum regularly can be helpful for some. The feeling of camaraderie that exists between like-minded people can be reassuring especially when family and friends don't understand which is often the case. However, it isn't without its drawbacks. Such a community is open to all and sundry, and thus positive and negative thinking people. Therefore, I believe it is important to try and focus on positivity. Seek advice from members that have had tinnitus for a while and habituated. This is not to say that advice from newbies shouldn't be sought too. I have read posts from people just a few months in with tinnitus, and been taken aback by the maturity, depth and understanding that they bring and makes a veteran like me smile in approval.
The thing to try and avoid is negative reinforcement because tinnitus and hyperacusis can be stressful conditions all by themselves without adding to them. Some people are sensitive to sound and take it upon themselves to be wearing: foam earplugs, noise reducing plugs or earmuffs at every opportunity. I have seen what this overuse can do to some people. It can instill fear and if one isn't careful phonophobia. A fear of sound.
Treating tinnitus and hyperacusis takes time usually many months and should be backed up with positive thinking. Positivity reinforces the belief not to be fearful of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Overuse of hearing protection sadly reinforces negativity and fear. It is for this reason I regularly advise people to read the positive articles that I have written on tinnitus and they are in my "started threads". They are to be treated as therapy and are a form of counselling and should be read often to reinforce "positive thinking". Without a positive attitude negativity is allowed to get hold and can become overwhelming. I also advise people to read the success stories written by members on the "positivity thread" and there are many. Again, this reinforces positive thinking. One has to work at this if they want to improve and get better.
Michael
PS: Life is problematic and with a condition like tinnitus at times it can be overwhelming. This can happen in the early stages of onset but usually improves with time. There is nothing wrong with feeling down and occasionally negative, just try not to make it become all consuming. Always talk to your doctor if you feel your situation is becoming too much.
