Dred

[Skjones]

All and all my anxiety and depression have been low but tonight I am dreading my sons inlaws are throwing a massive party for our grandson and crowds elevate my levels and so do loud noises and last birthday it was a large crowed and there was a dj and I'm sure it's going to be the same lots of noise and people and I am already panicking a bit

[Agora1]

Skjones, I so understand your anticipation. I think most of use can't seem to handlecrowds, noises as well as lights. You have a lucky little grandson who has parents

celebrate life with such gusto.

As to what you can do to get through this. Can you put in ear plugs that can tone

down the noise some? Something I would do is volunteer to help (say in the kitchen)

where you can be away from the crowd. Make frequent trips to an out of way bathroom

where you could have a few moments to breathe and calm your nerves.

I became real good at disappearing for short periods at a time.

Whatever you do, I hope you get through this night with less dred than you thought.

Wishing your grandson a Happy Birthday! And you my friend, some peace xx

[mgregor6 in reply to Agora1]

Well said, Agora1. Early on, I met my 4 brothers at a steak house type restaurant where everyone rehashed their life as brothers. Victories & failures - getting anything for a laugh.

Then their attention came to me. They said should "lighten up". I tried to tell them I'm

changing -- that my brains were being eaten away from the inside out. That PD medicine

caused ED as one of the side effects, and that the wife cold no longer deal with this.

That I'm going on short term disability at work, and, in a few months I'll be out of there.

Needless to say - that night ended on a sour note for the 5 of us. I'm finding a need to

socialize and hang out with other PD people my age...or....can anyone here have a suggestion? I think this rock steady boxing would be a start. Or finding and dating a female

PD person would also be rewarding?? These work-outs for mixed sexes have offered opportunities as well...

[Agora1 in reply to mgregor6]

Hi mgregor6, I'm not aware of a dating site per se but if you look on the PD websiteyou will find Support Groups as well as Social Groups. Knowing others who understand

the disease can help your mental stamina and allow you to live and not just exist.

I wish you well my friend. Keep us updated, you may just help others in the same

position. xx

[Roxylox]

Sympathy, my niece's 21st was a cacophany of noise, years ago when l was only 44. Us aunts and uncles stayed in a quieter room.

[Midori]

I understand. Massive noise, massive crowds, make me want to run and hide too! CPTSD.

Cheers, Midori

[loveletters]

Instead of focusing on the noise try to enjoy the food. Stay as far away from the music as you can. Maybe go into another room, if available. If you can get into a conversation with one person it might take your mind off the loud noise. Stay for a shorter period of time. You do not need to stay for the entire party, as long as you meet the birthday boy.