[LLB44]

I got tinnitus 4 months ago and it has triggered an anxiety disorder in me. I use a white noise machine at night so the sound of my tinnitus doesn’t necessarily disturb my sleep. I have a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep and am sleeping very few hours. I don’t know how to fix this. Do I need to get on an SSRI to fix my underlying anxiety before my sleep will get better?

[Scott]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum! Our thoughts aren’t the problem, it’s the struggle with them that causes continued issues. We try to avoid or fight anxiety because those thoughts don’t feel good but the attention we give them, the more intense those thoughts become. Instead of fighting them when they arrive, what if you changed your relationship with them? When an unhelpful thought arrives, welcome it by saying, “Thanks, mind!” and return what you were doing when it arrived or focus on your breath for a few seconds. Instead of putting up a fight, acknowledge it, allow it to exist for as long as it wants and continue engaging in more meaningful activities.

Hope that helps,
Scott J

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The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

[Author]

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