OpenHealth Q&A

Am I Losing My Mind?

Hello there, I’m a newcomer to Reddit, and I created this account to explore what might be going on with me. I’m 16, identify as nonbinary, stand at 5'5" and weigh around 55kg, and I reside in New Zealand. For approximately a year, I’ve been experiencing some unusual occurrences, though they haven't been constant. I’m on a weekly dosage of methotrexate due to my arthritis. (I did get flagged by the bot earlier, but I'm hoping my post goes through this time.) To give you some background, I live with my mom and stepdad along with three younger siblings (aged 8, 6, and 4). Our home is situated about twenty minutes from town in a rural area surrounded by hills and farms, which makes us feel quite isolated. Lately, I’ve been hearing some strange sounds around the house that are really starting to unnerve me. It began when I would go outside to feed our dogs. I started to pick up on this odd noise resembling the sound of a cartoon phone dialing. It's almost like a series of four beeps that play in the same tone, followed by silence. This sound has struck me in various locations; it would echo in the field beyond the chickens or from behind the trees next to the dog houses. It always happened after dark, but one day, while I was in my room during daylight, I heard it again outside my window, seemingly from far away. While it felt creepy, I didn’t want to dwell on it too much. (There was also another noise I used to hear, but I can’t recall what it was, so I’ll just move on.) On another note, I’ve also heard footsteps outside my window, like someone walking on dry pine needles. The sound would come closer until it just stopped. It was dark at that moment, but I switched on my flashlight to take a look outside, and naturally there was nothing there. (Good thing too; I didn’t want to encounter anything except perhaps my stepdad fooling around.) Maybe I was just tired, but it was still peculiar. The most startling incident occurred a few months back when I was babysitting my two oldest siblings, ages 8 and 5. I was sitting on my bed in my room while they were content watching television, when suddenly, I heard a thumping and muffled screams coming from my dresser. I initially thought it might be a rat caught in the hangers of my clothes, but upon getting up to investigate, I was confused about whether the noise emanated from the walls or the dresser itself. I stood there, stunned, until it abruptly stopped. I quickly asked my siblings if they had heard anything (given how thin our walls are), but they looked at me puzzled and replied, "No?" This left me totally baffled. I opened the drawer, and everything looked normal—my jackets intact, no signs of chaos, and no entry points for anything to sneak in. The last incident happened just tonight around 7:30 PM when it was pitch dark outside. I heard a sound akin to scraping or digging coming from our front door. It resembled the noise of a bowl being dragged on concrete. Thinking it was just a cat lapping up food from the bowl outside, I didn’t think much of it. However, the sound kept recurring whenever I walked by, prompting me to check it out with a flashlight. To my surprise, there was nothing there. The bowl itself was dry and untouched. I haven't heard the scraping since then. It’s possible it was just a quick-moving cat, but given everything else I've experienced, it feels distinctly odd. So, Reddit, what do you think? Am I going crazy, or is there something more to this?

Answers (1)

8/6/2025, 10:11:22 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about unusual experiences, especially when they involve sounds or sensations that unsettle you. Your situation raises valid questions, and I want to assure you that you're not alone in feeling this way. Many people can experience odd phenomena, particularly in environments that might feel isolating or when under stress.

Key Points:

• Your experiences could be linked to various factors, including environmental noises, fatigue, or even anxiety.
• Mental health, especially during teenage years, can contribute to heightened sensitivity to sounds and increased anxiety.
• It’s important to take a step back, reflect, and find ways to address any stress or anxieties you might be facing.

Explanation:

1. Environmental Factors:

   • Living in a rural area can mean hearing sounds from wildlife or natural elements that are unfamiliar. These can often create noises that are interpreted as strange, especially at night when things are quieter.

2. Mental and Emotional Context:

   • Stress and fatigue can amplify your senses, potentially making common noises seem more intense or alarming. This is common, particularly in teenage years when emotional and psychological changes occur.
   • The fear of being alone or feeling isolated can also enhance our sensitivity to sounds that we may typically ignore.

3. Sleep and Tiredness:

   • If you are not getting enough sleep or feeling overwhelmed, this can contribute to stress-related experiences or perceptual changes.

Prioritized Next Steps:

1. Reflect and Write it Down:

   • Keep a journal of these experiences, noting when they happen and if there are any accompanying feelings (like anxiety or tiredness). This can help identify patterns and reduce the “unknown” aspect.

2. Discuss Your Feelings:

   • Talking to someone you can trust about what you’re experiencing, such as a parent or friend, may provide relief and clarity. They might offer insights or share similar experiences.

3. Create a Comforting Environment:

   • Ensure your sleeping area is comfortable and secure. Using a small sound machine or white noise generator at night might help mask unusual noises and provide background sound that feels soothing.

4. Mindfulness Techniques:

   • Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation. These techniques can help ease anxiety and ground you when you start feeling overwhelmed.

5. Explore Your Surroundings:

   • If comfortable, try investigating the sounds during daylight hours when you feel more secure. Understanding your environment better can reduce fear and help normalize these experiences.

If these feelings persist or get more intense, or if you feel a significant change in your mood or behavior, consider seeking professional support. Talking to a mental health professional can help you navigate your emotions and experiences further. You’re not alone in this, and there are people and resources that can support you.