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Heightened sense of smell

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Posted 1/6/2012 12:29 AM (GMT 0)

I've been having severe health anxiety for about 6 months now, and I'm just realizing that I've lately also had a better-than-usual sense of smell. As someone who's had sinus issues all my life, I find this very unsual and unsettling. Once I smell something, I start to focus on it and obsess over it and then I get more panicky.

Anyone else experience this?

Posted 1/6/2012 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi NB,

I have noticed that some smells bother me, and if I am struggling with anxiety, it can be the proverbial 'straw that broke the camel's back' as far as irritants go.

Smell is also the sense linked closest to our memory, so if a smell that is associated with something unpleasant comes around, it could be a trigger for you.

I also think that the increased smelling ability may have something to do with the fight or flight mechanism during highly stressful times/panic.

I read somewhere that smelling baby powder is good as an instant calming effect. It brings about happy associations for us, and can derail anxiety, or at the very least, override the bad smell of something else.:)

I am sure that you will here from others on this...interesting subject!

S.C.
Posted 1/6/2012 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
That's great to know about the baby powder. I've been chewing gum and sucking on peppermints and I'll try and just focus on those smells whenever I get stuck on an unfamiliar one.

You're probably right about the fight-or-flight response...that makes sense.

I have to say, I'm glad I found this forum! It gives me a lot of comfort to know that I'm not the only one dealing with anxiety on a daily basis.

Posted 1/6/2012 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Agreed! This forum is really important to me as well. I still read and come across things daily that validate me in how I may be feeling at the moment. I am able to get help and advice...and also in turn help others with what I have learned from my experiences.

The support and care here are unequal to any other site! :) (IMO)

Keep posting!

S.C.
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