Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav
ashquinn
1 634 M Embraced 5
"All Lights Turned Off Can Be Turned On"
PathStep 12 Compassion hearts27 Forum posts10 Forum upvotes8 Current upvotes8 Age GroupAdult Last activeJuly, 2025 Member sinceOctober 9, 2018
Bio

My name is Ash. I’m trans/queer and use they/them pronouns. I recently graduated with my Masters in Social Work. I enjoy playing video games such as Genshin Impact and Animal Crossing. I love watching anime, and my favorite is Banana Fish. I enjoy reading manga and novels, with my current favorite series being Heaven Official's Blessing. I am diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and I also struggle with fibromyalgia. I’m here because I think support systems are important in the process of recovery.

Recent forum posts
ashquinn profile picture
Navigating anxiety over loud noises
Anxiety Support / by ashquinn
Last post
 July 23rd, 2025
...See more Hi all - not sure if this is the best forum as this issue seems multifaceted, but I am starting here. Recently I moved into a new apartment, which is very exciting, but I'm finding I am unable to feel relaxed in my new space largely due to struggling with the new noises from my upstairs neighbors (relocation depression may be another factor).  As soon as I moved in, I realized my upstairs neighbor seems to have some kiddos who make a lot of noise in the afternoon/evening, namely some loud thudding noises (jumping/playing is my guess). I introduced myself to my neighbor early on, and wrote a polite note about the noise a few days later when I noticed it was ongoing and impacting my sleep (often continuing until 1AM, sometimes past that). I do have PTSD and suspect being autistic and struggle with sensory overload, which may be a factor. But overall I just can't sleep, and I can't relax. Every time I start to relax (deep breathing, mindfulness) another loud thud happens that pulls me out of it. I've tried headphones and loop earplugs (not my favorite - I hate having things on/in my ears), white noise machines, a sleep mask with attached headphones, background noise from the TV, music, etc. but nothing seems to work - likely because the noises literally create a vibration in my space that I can feel.  I recently brought this up to my apartment complex after not hearing anything back from my neighbor after my note - they reached out to my neighbor and this seemed to upset them greatly. My neighbors confronted me about the complaint last night, explaining that they have 3 kids and they try to have them keep noise down. I was in the middle of an anxiety attack when they stopped by my place, so I struggled to say what I wanted and I don't think it resolved well. If anything, I felt they got louder (though I do think the noise stopped a bit earlier than usual).  I'd appreciate any advice. This has been extremely challenging, and comes at a difficult time for me (already navigating difficulty at work and a recent loss). Thank you, 7Cups community.
ashquinn profile picture
talking about grief and sharing the person's story for those who will listen
Grief & Loss / by ashquinn
Last post
 February 19th, 2025
...See more Over this past week, a dear colleague/supervisor/friend of mine lost his life to cancer. Everything happened so quickly - within the span of just two months. It still doesn't feel real - each day I have been in the office, I've just been waiting for him to walk through the doors and say good morning. He has honestly been the best supervisor I have ever had - so kind, compassionate, and inspiring. The work we do is heavy, and I can feel the weight of trying to move forward without him here as a support.  I'm trying to take care of myself - be in community, find ways to remember him, take time to myself for little joys. But I know my heart is going to feel heavy for a while.  For those willing to listen, I'd like to share a bit about him and the memories he left in our office. We work for a university, supporting vulnerable students impacted by barriers such as homelessness. And we engage in a lot of volunteer and leadership work. My supervisor was a true leader, always finding connections in the community and making friends everywhere. He was always willing to listen without judgement, always willing to lend a kind word. After our office experienced a mass shooting, he always checked in on us to make sure we were all okay and taking care of ourselves. He always encouraged us goofing off when we needed to, and being serious when we had to be. He always shared photos of his kids, such a proud father. He was young, but he had so many accomplishments from publications to travels. I can't believe I won't be able to hear any more of his stories from his trips, or see photos of him with his daughter and her dance recitals.  I hope he knows what a deep impact he made in his community. He didn't respond to my last text to him, but I hope he saw it and knows how much I appreciated him.
ashquinn profile picture
Navigating life after a traumatic experience with gun violence
Trauma Support / by ashquinn
Last post
 June 30th, 2024
...See more I had a recent experience that has been incredibly traumatizing and difficult to navigate; TW for mentions of gun violence. Less than a month ago now, a mass shooting happened at the place I work. I had to shelter in place, and there were a few periods where the noises around me made me believe I would not survive. Luckily I did, but the trauma following has been incredibly difficult for me to navigate. I have a panic attack every time I hear a loud sound - a thud, sirens, yelling/raised voices, etc. It has been difficult for me to find support around me, as it was a collective trauma for my community and as a social work practitioner, I have been spending a lot of times helping others navigate this experience for themselves. I have been doing my best to practice self care and engage in coping practices, but it is still hard.  I'm looking to hear from the community - any comforting words, ways you cope with similar experiences, or any support would be appreciated. I'll be returning to work soon, and while they have been incredibly supportive, I am still scared to return.  Thank you for taking the time to read this. 
Search more from @ashquinn
Considering Therapy?
Talk to an expert therapist
Badges & Awards
12 total badges
Hand Shake Linked Quintet Honest Voice First Post Reaching out Helping out First Compassion Bundled Group Friend Forum Friend Hang 10
Report an issue