Ipods,mp3 players,mobile phones, etc

[mick_uk]

Have you noticed how many people are listening to Ipods,mp3 players,mobile phones etc when they are out and about. I often wondered how many of those you see using them, use them as a prop while they are out. Either deliberately or unconsciously to distract their mind from anxiety while out. It's a great prop for taking your mind of things and doesn't look out of place anywhere.

mick

[Deepest Blue]

I can't live without my iPod, I take it everywhere with me and it's helped me so much. I have an iPhone too but I don't use it as it should be used. I've even put on one of the Lee Evans stand up shows on my iPod and it always cheers me up :)

[mick_uk]

Good choice with Lee Evans, I wish I had half his energy

[its all good]

I use my mp3 player everyday, i can't live without it! I have emetophobia and am always on alert when i get on a bus, its deffo a distraction and i would really struggle to get on public transport without it as i am sooo scared of some1 throwin up lol. If i dont listen to it then it means i am talking to some1 on me mobile and i neva shut up through the whole journey, gives me another distraction! Sad i know but it gets me through those journeys and makes me smile as i get carried away some times and bop away to me tunes on the bus.

[Deepest Blue]

Good choice with Lee Evans, I wish I had half his energy

...but hopefully not his sweating!!!

[mick_uk]

Kayliegh it's not sad at all, The one thing I've learnt in life while coping with anxiety is whatever gets you through the day use it.
Doesn't matter what it is, if it works then keep on using it.
Deepest Blue.......yeah the sweating that lee evans gets is a bit gross
but I read somewhere that it is entirely down to his nerves. He says he stills gets very nervous when gigging.

all the best

mick

[Martin Ell]

It's a good idea, and what's more it can work wonders, and as you say, doesn't look out of place. I always use my MP3 player, both as a distraction when I'm anxious and just because I love music so much. A lot of people should give something like this a try.

[gwtitus]

I don't go anywhere without my mp3 player. I can't use public transport due to my anxiety so I tend to walk everywhere and the music helps to keep the world at bay if you know what I mean. I am currently in the middle of a course of CBT and using my mp3 player is one of my 'safety behaviours' that my therapist is trying to make me drop - not easy!

Graham

[sMINT]

As with most people in this thread I take mine EVERYWHERE.

Music helps me through so much. If I didnt have it I think I wouldnt be able to cope. I even take mine in the car, I have the radio on when Im inside but its for when I leave, even if its just a 2minute walk to a shop im going to and then coming straight back I have to bring the Ipod.

[eternally optimistic]

Hi

I definitely use mine as a prop.

Although I love listening to the radio or music downloaded, Id probably
feel really self conscious without it. It does distract me from thinking
silly things as I walk around.