Anyone else bothered by up-tempo loud music in stores interrupting concentration on shopping?
Seems like more and more the stores, everything from grocery to fabric store, etc. are playing up-tempo oldies, or radio stations with annoying loud car dealer commercials, or other kinds of music that literally make it so frustrating for me to shop. I can't concentrate on what I came into the store for. I can't block the music. Have thought about getting IPod or earplugs or something, but I also have PTSD & startle so badly (my heart just about goes into fibrillations! :) ) that if someone came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder I'd probably jump 3 feet in the air! Am I the only weirdo who has a problem with the ADD-distractibility in public places? It even affects my choices of where to apply for jobs, which I'm currently doing.
Hi Bunnyhoppin: The reason that they use this music is that research has shown that people actually spend more when they are energized. Companies hire psychologists to analyze their marketing to increase sales.
In any case, it sounds like it is more likely that your anxiety rather than ADD that is interfering with your concentration. You might want to read my recent sharepost at Anxiety Connection about PTSD. While my article may not address your specific cause of PTSD, we know from years of experience that hypervigilance, inattentiveness, jumpiness and super sensitivity to sounds, light, smells or sudden movements can have a negative impact on your day to day living.
I assume you have a therapist, and perhaps he/she can help you desensitize to these stimuli. If you don't have one, find one who specializes in PTSD. You can locate a therapist in your area through Psychology Today.
I hope this helps,
Dr. Diana Walcutt
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That annoys me too and I don't have ADD. I don't shop in Walmart because they don't put accustic tiles in the ceiling of their big box store and I can't hear myself think.
I do tell the store why I won't be back to give them a chance to correct the problem. It helps if you know about how much you spend there each year/ month, most places don't want to lose the buisness and don't know they are sending customers away. If the problem isn't corrected be sure to write the corp. address on you reciept and let them know.
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