The 4th of July & Frazzled Nerves with Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
I used to love fireworks. Growing up, the popping, sizzling sounds were a herald of summer and a reminder of picnics, pools and fun in the sun.
Now, I hate the darned things. In spite of a county-wide ban on them, they're all over my neighborhood starting around this time every year. They're not only noisy, they startle me and get my adrenaline pumping. For a "normal" person that might not be a problem. For those of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, it's a harbinger of pain, fatigue, malaise, bad moods, etc. Then you've got crowds of people, crazy traffic, heat . . . I'm worn ragged just thinking about it.
My Plan
I want to go back to enjoying the 4th of July instead of dreading it, and this year I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. I'm planning to up my daily dose of rhodiola rosea for a few days and to add DHEA -- both supplements help with stress (check with your doctor and pharmacist before taking them, though!) If I start feeling nervous on top of that, I'll sip some iced tea to get the theanine. If the neighbors are getting crazy with fire crackers (like usual), I'll put in ear plugs and listen to some soothing music.
As for dealing with crowds and heavy traffic, I'm fortunate to have access to a parking lot and nice, grassy lawn just a few blocks from the big downtown display. The view is great, I don't have to walk very far, and my husband will be there to do the driving. If not for that spot, I'd find a hill overlooking the area and watch from up there instead. If it's all too much for you to deal with but you still want to see the fireworks show, check with your local TV stations -- they may air it live or stream it on their website.
Have you found things that help you get through the 4th without being frazzled? Is a single fire cracker enough to send you into a crash? Leave a comment below so we can all learn from each other!
Suggested Reading:
- Anxiety & Depression: Barriers to Treatment
- Develop Better Coping Skills
- Little Things That Can Help
Photo © Tom Grill/Getty Images
Comments
Wouldn’t it be nice to be on a deserted island away from all the noise on the 4th of July? I usually watch the Macy’s fireworks display on TV. We do have a local fireworks display in our neighborhood each year, and I live close enough to at least see the fireworks without having to hear too much noise. The illegal fireworks noise has lessened considerably over the years, but there’s always that occasional M-80 that could knock anyone out of their chair! LOL!
It’s stressful for my over-sensitive ears but at least I know it’s just that one day or weekend.
Now if I could only explain that to my cat. She’ll be hiding a lot that day for sure!
I am constantly frazzeled. I have “Hyperacusis” as a result from brain surgery to add to the Fibro. I have a place where I can run away to ….. I go to the cememtery and enjoy my walks. I can’t find another place that is quiet like that!!!
Adrienne:
I, too, have had fibromyalgia since 1984, following a car accident. In 1998, I met my husband, who was quite involved with Neurofeedback (eeg biofeedback. We attended several of the annual conferences (my husband was webmaster for the now International Society for Neurofeedback and Research(isnr.org). So much research has been done on FMS, CFS, and more.
I subsequently had treatment by Tom Martin, NorthStar Neurofeedback, in St. Paul, MN. The changes I experienced from those session were amazing. My “brain fog” cleared up, I don’t hurt nearly as much, and have been able to participate in activities at church and home. I would highly suggest checking out the isnr web site.
O, I had forgotten about the 4th! Now I’m stressing just thinking about it. It’s never bothered me before,but that was when I just had small flare-ups (before I knew what they even were!) of heightened sensitivities. ow I am sensitive to everything. Smell, sound, lights, sometimes I think even taste. And I always seems in flight/fight mode as it is. (I live in Houston, and there is ALWAYS something going on.)
dn527: I know what you mean. I’ve always called myself an ‘ultra sensitive’. People usually understand that term best.
My hubby is finally starting to understand that its me, not him. 
As far as fireworks, <> I guess I will just put up with it. In our state, fireworks are legal the entire month of July.
Perhaps next year I will plan my vacation accordingly.