Yes I can find sounds overwhelming and when I was still suffering with PTSD sudden noises when make me jump out of my skin.

I am understand your reaction to visitors when you’re not in the right frame of mind for them. Sometimes we just need to go to our quiet, safe place to reset. And although some people might think it’s rude to not explain yourself, it’s your home and you know what you need. It’s exhausting having to explain yourself all the time.

Thanks Maddy, I really appreciate that. I think your articles on maddyathome.com has a lot to offer too. You get us to start thinking about what happens as we get older and how we can support those who in their golden years.

Thanks Helen you’re always full of support and make me feel better about myself ?

Nice article to share. The simple stuff is not the same as you show here. What i can easily relate to and what you wrote can easily be transferred to a number of normal life situations that are not as easy as they used to be, just like you explained. Feeling trapped. For me it can be avoidance all togeher. At least you didnt go hide from the visitors and leave it to a partner to explain. If without warning someone comes to our house and im not in the perfect state for lots of talking and interaction I will just hide. I know i cant get through the sort of interactive discussion they may be seeking so i know I have to go hide somewhere and have the partner say Im not here. That can happen alot, you can see it coming with a group of people forming a good discussion, get out before you have to embarrass yourself and leave all of a sudden with no explanation due to brain overload failure . Ive done that before as well!!

I love your * about soda. Many years ago my niece and nephew were visiting from America, and they asked my parents for soda. Well it was lost in translation, and they went out to buy every soft drink known to man! That was over 20 years ago I think, and back then we had a lot less American tv over here. Let’s just say we all learned the hard way ?

But back to your point, you are right that if I don’t communicate with people, it’s not fair to expect them to be mind readers. This example was my fault and yet was easily avoided. But we live and learn.

I do understand your response to feeling trapped in your own kitchen, Michelle. There are many small things that set me off since my brain injury. One is the sound of opening a soda* can. It’s a sudden, loud, annoying noise. Before my brain injury, it was just noise. Now, it’s like an explosion.

Everyone in my family and my close friends know how much I hate that sound, and warn me before they open a soda can (I don’t drink soda) so I can cover my ears. It’s one of the many small things people do to be considerate of my needs.

I wonder if the same could be done for you? Perhaps a cheerful sign that says “Kitchen Occupancy 1 Person Maximum” would keep people from entering the kitchen while you’re in there? People cannot be mindful of your needs if they don’t know what they are.

*soda is what we call a canned carbonated beverage here in the northeast US. I don’t know what you call it in the UK.