Can't stop humming!
Posted , 66 users are following.
Put this under neurological as don't know where else to post it. I find myself constantly coming out with a repetitive (same few notes) hum. I think it first started when I would be finishing an arduous task but now it is frequent through the day - almost like a sort of crutch/mantra. Last week I nipped into the dentist's loo just before an appointment and realised I had been at it again. Which was embarrassing as there was someone waiting outside.
Any techniques for dealing with this? I want to stop!
10 likes, 84 replies
bethchi66 chris2
Posted
I have always, for probably all of my life, hummed quietly to myself. It's usually 3 or 4 notes just repeated constantly. It could be a song I just heard, or it could just be any random notes. I never thought much about it until I started sitting at work in rather close quarters and started wondering if I was bothering my co-workers with it. I wonder if it's more of a self-soothing technique - - - - it seems to increase with anxiety, but it is always there at some level.
tonya52806 chris2
Posted
I have done the same thing for a long time, and really started hearing myself when I was in the shower..and then others made comments.. my sister told me that I even hum in my sleep.
I do a lot of self work, self analyzing is second nature to me. In doing such, about my humming, I've come to find that it is, for me, a comforting self soothing coping behavior.
I have severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and a pretty 'blow your mind' sort of life.. So rapid thoughts and ADD have also been a part of my life for many years..
Humming for me is my instinctual way/behavior to self soothe my brain..
Another reference that compared to this, in my situation, was when I began drumming with a drum circle, and found that sense of "OM"/Peace that IS within my brain and being.. all from the rhythmic beats of the drums..
Soothed and calmed the high energy activity that is, my brain.
I figure, it could be worse.. I could overeat, or overspend, or some self destructive behavior to, self soothe.. but I kinda like my freedom.. If it bothers others, I leave humming. Lol
john53841 chris2
Edited
Wow!
Although this thread is mostly 5 year old discussions, I read all the replies, and feel like I am among "family" when it comes to my "condition", which I have had for years.
I also tend to have similar repeating, somtimes complex, finger tip tapping. (Constant on the steering wheel).
As well as, as someone else mentioned, during stressful times, it worsens, to include the need to "keep the beat going", including, nodding my head, as if I am listening to music.
I'd love to know if anyone has found any significant new info???
John Age 57. Techno-Geek. Widower. Technical job that I love.
tonya52806 chris2
Posted
For some reason, I cannot read your whole comment.??
john53841 tonya52806
Posted
thanks.
i reposted it.
I hope that works?
john53841 tonya52806
Posted
Tonya,
I have had a similar life experience as a bi-polar.
and your experience with this is also seemingly the very same thing.
I have found a contented place with, and enjoy using my manic tendencies to my creative advantage.
tonya52806 john53841
Posted
I have no manic times. But music soothes me no matter my mood.
john53841 tonya52806
Posted
music is my magic love. ❤
john53841 chris2
Posted
Wow!
Although this thread is mostly 5 year old discussions, I read all the replies, and feel like I am among "family" when it comes to my "condition", which I have had for years.
I also tend to have similar repeating, sometimes complex, finger tip tapping. (Constant on the steering wheel).
As well as, as someone else mentioned, during stressful times, it worsens, to include the need to "keep the beat going", including, nodding my head, as if I am listening to music.
I'd love to know if anyone has found any significant new info???
John Age 57. Techno-Geek. Widower. Technical job that I love.
jane48664 chris2
Edited
john53841 jane48664
Posted
I have the exact same issue.
Even though my humming is generally very soft, it gives me a sore throat some times.
My sequential (always either left to right, or right to left. ) finger tapping is 90% on my right hand. (I am right handed)
I'm not sure what it is though, but I also bi-polar, but very well controlled.
Hmmmm.
You are not alone in your frustration.
John
jane48664 john53841
Posted
John, have you asked a doctor about these symptoms? I have an appointment in August with my Neurologist. I will tell him then, I am not bi-polar but I am getting more than disgusted with this humming and typing thing. God bless you. Where do you live? I live in Kentucky.
john53841 jane48664
Posted
I have not, as of yet, discussed it with a doctor, but please let me/us know what you find out.
I live in PA.
molly64702 jane48664
Posted
Hi Just wondering what your doctor said. Please let us know. 😃
tonya52806 jane48664
Posted
Jane,
Are you into music or dance? Ever play an instrument??
Try a djembe drum .. Im a finger flicking hummer as well. This has helped me.
jane48664 tonya52806
Posted
Tonya, thank you for writing. I have played the piano all my life. I also have a condition called Essential Tremors. My hands and arms shake but that has nothing to do with my fingers moving. Or my humming.
tonya52806 jane48664
Posted
Do you happen to have anxiety issues as well, by chance?
kathleen2019 tonya52806
Posted
yes I do.
tonya52806 kathleen2019
Posted
Kathleen - I also have anxiety.. and have found that when I hum, I'm usually anxious..and its a good way to self comfort ones self ...
kathleen2019 tonya52806
Posted
I do it alot. Even when bored. My son thinks I am losing it. ,😀
tonya52806 kathleen2019
Posted
My son is used to it.. and even when we think were just bored, there can still be anxiety or anxious thoughts floating around in our heads..hence, humming..