Smell
Today I almost got a panic attack out of nowhere. I just started to fold the newly washed chlotes. They didn’t smell good. Actually they didn’t smell anything. I was crying so bad and don’t know the answer. I know it is very important for me that everything is clean and smell good in the house. And I remember when I was a child my dad was smoking inside our small flat. My chlotes always smelled like cigarett. My classmates smellled so good. Sorry for sharing this. So I went to the store and got a new washing soap hope it will help. And a smell to my car. So I am washing the bedsheets and chlotes. Is there anyone in similar situation? Thank you Have a great weekend. Xoxox
Peace and blessings! Thank you for sharing each detail of your story. I can relate to your experiences (past and present). You are not alone!
It's a bummer, but it CAN be managed and prevented without the onset of anxiety.
Finding balance in our need to control/manage the smell of our environment is important to us, especially when these situations are linked to a past event. My personal event stems from body odors related to a brief childhood abuse. This "hurdle/mountain" with the need to control my smell environment was a part of my journey to healing, and didn't truly appear until I was much older.
I'd like to share one of my own ways to balance (both mind and health) control over smell anxieties:
#1 Keep a spray bottle of water with a few drops of essential oils in your laundry area, closet, kitchen, and vehicle. Use the spray bottle to mist your laundry, trash bin, curtains, and vehicle. It will improve the smell, eliminate odors, and provide aromatherapy to YOU as you BREATHE and RELEASE negative energy. (Essential Oils are much healthier than certain detergents and sprays.)
#2 Monitor you thoughts and take notes about which smells/ essential oils help you feel the most calm. Switch smells every so often, too.
#3 Celebrate the fact that you have a sense of control and improvement over this "hurdle/mountain" that you've been climbing. You are in control now and Finding Balance is important---and achievable. :-) Take it one step at a time. You've got this!
I wish you all the best and keeping you in my thoughts! You will indeed find your own balance and victory through this. Again, thanks for sharing!
@Redirecting
Thank you so much . These are such a great steps and ideas to follow. Never thought about it. Thank you so much xoxoxox
I'd love to hear about your future progress. Please keep on touch. Thanks! Xoxo back to you!
@Redirecting
Thank you for sharing these great ideas? I'm very sensitive to smell and always keep a bottle with water/a little conditioner and essential oil to eliminate unwanted scents.
Hi there! Which essential oils work best for you?
Lavender or Ylang Ylang work best for my environment. I use Spearmint or Peppermint occasionally. For purification, I use Frankenincense or Cinnamon. I cannot use Vetiver , but Sandalwood is a substitute for me.
Nice to meet you ! Stay well ! 💞🙏🏽
@kala
I have found that panic attacks are so debilitating and disorienting !
I have found that sharing with other 7Cups members helps me !
I am extending an invitation to join me in the 7Cups Sharing Circle chat room ! 😊
@hounddog2021
Thank you 🤗
@amiablePeace77 😢😢😢
@kala
Hugs kala ❤️ Getting overpowered out of the blue like you were is awful. Smells can be very powerful, particularly when they connected bad experiences. For "emergency cases" I always have a bottle of essential oil readily available in the house. I find it works well to override a previous scent. Here is a video which can help with panic attacks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAODG6KaNBc
@amiablePeace77
What kind of bottle are you using? How can you spray it? Great idea. I will try.
@kala
For "emergency" cases I just hold the small bottle I bought the essential oil in under my nose but please keep in mind that not everyone can take it. Some people might react strong on an intense scent (allergies etc.), so know what you inhale!
@kala Hi Kala!! Yes actually my smell and taste gets messed up from anxiety and panic, stressful events, ptsd .. I started several years back even though I have dealt with panic and anxiety and more all my life but back in 2020 it started and no not covid but my mental health !
I have gotten used to it but it is still very annoying at times.
I have learned to just let it kinda run it's course and use some of my favorite body spray and self distractions, self positive talk, hobbies.. replacing negative thought and things I tell myself.
I grew up with my dad , brother and grandpa smoking and we had no running water!! Yes I am that old lol but I so get the smell and being around other kids who looked and smelled better then me.
Remember this is okay and it will pass and this is not gonna harm you at all..
Breathe and Believe !! Relax, use mindfulness exercises we have here on the site !! meditate another good one.
You have some great replies here !! You are gonna be okay !!
Prayers- Good Vibes-Positive Thoughts your way, Tye ❤️
@Tyedyedbutterfly65 Thank you so much ❤️🤗
@kala You are most welcome ! Take care
Tye
@kala Smell is the strongest memory trigger in humans. It can be so powerful. But it sounds like you figured out what was triggering your feelings and you addressed it right away. Good for you!
@goldenWheel2451 Thank you ❤️🤗