A Bite Into Your Mind - The Mental Side Effects of an Infestation

Alana Korol

October 16, 2016

What starts off as one small bite can quickly erupt into absolute warfare on your relaxation, security, and peace of mind. Those struggling with an active bed bug infestation have a whole host of issues to navigate through, and while guides and tips discuss how to physically eradicate bed bugs, few guides delve into the psychological aspect of these aggravatingly persistent parasites.

Anyone that has had to sleep in an infested environment and has been awakened by painful and itchy bites can rightfully say that these tiny pests do much more than simply drink your blood- they flat out steal your tranquility and ability to fully relax. While the actual bites might only be skin deep, the simple presence of bed bugs goes far beyond those marks on your skin and goes much deeper into your psychological well-being.

The Psychological Results of Bed Bugs: How to Cope with an Infestation

Bed bug infestations are known to elicit not only physical but likewise psychological pain. Those dealing with an active infestation of bed bugs have been clinically found to experience a wide variety of symptoms ranging from sleeplessness and anxiousness, to even exhibit classic symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

As you deal with an active infestation, the stress of it can lead to some serious mental health issues. Adding to the physical stress of this encounter, other stress triggers, such as the potential loss of personal self-possession, the intense importance to prepare for treatments, and the unexpected costs of bed bug treatments, do nothing but create a sense of nervousness, dread, and agitation.

In fact, in one such study, researchers learned that out of 474 people with an active infestation, 29 percentage experienced sleeplessness, 22 percentage experienced emotional distress, and 20 percent experienced substantial anxiety. Moreover, a clinical research study published in the January 2012 publication of the American Journal of Medicine found that approximately 81 percent of those with bed bug infestations reported some type of psychological effects.

How to Mentally Cope With Bed Bug Infestations

Due to the unique landscape of each individual’s mind, it's nearly impossible to create a standard guide for how to mentally cope with these agitating parasites. Though this might be the case, there are several measures you can take to help keep your mind and body as peaceful as possible throughout this physically and emotionally draining encounter:

Step One | You're Not Dirty

Arguably one of the most severe psychological effects of bed bugs is the notion of being unclean or unhygienic. This is simply not true. Bed bugs are unbiased in that they affect both the poor and affluent- with equal rigor. Should you be dealing with an active infestation, you have to remember that you did not make this happen by being "dirty." The truth is, in all likelihood, you or someone in your household were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Take peace in knowing that you are not necessarily at fault.

Step Two | Prepare with Peace

It's incredibly easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of planning and preparing that you have to do in order to eradicate bed bugs from your residence. Whether you're struggling with a small or widespread infestation, the sudden need to completely restructure and regroup your surroundings can be stressful. While these steps are crucial, make sure you concentrate on your breathing and understand that life has its way of testing you. By proactively adjusting your mental attitude toward these necessary steps, you can help to lower or avoid the stress and anxiety usually associated with bed bug treatments.

Step Three | Take Calming Herbs

Anxiety and stress are nearly unavoidable when trying to get a handle on bed bugs. Some researchers find this reaction to actually be totally healthy. Regardless, many bed bug sufferers find that their anxiety levels are increased dramatically while in the middle of an infestation. To help ease these undesirable thoughts and emotions, take pacifying herbs, such as Kava Kava, Valerian root extract and Relora. These herbs are known to help lower your stress and nervousness while helping to ease your body's natural response to stress such as lowering your cortisol production.

Step Four | Your Bed Is Still Your Safe Haven

This is probably the greatest source of anxiousness and sleeplessness experienced by bed bug sufferers is the alteration of safety within their bed. Sufferers believe that their home, once a source of rest and rejuvenation, is now eternally defiled. Once you've encased your mattress and treated your room, you must actively work to restore the association of peace and relaxation with this highly regarded piece of furniture.

Spend some time examining your bed all while reminding yourself that it is NOT tainted. Try to encourage yourself to find tranquility where you formerly did. While you might have some residual feelings of "bugs" crawling on your skin, commonly known as Delusory Parasitosis, try reminding yourself that you've eradicated these pests. Although this may be the toughest part of your recovery, it is arguably the most important step of all.

Try spraying some Lavender Oil on your sheets, it's a soothing, calming scent that helps people rest easily.

Let us at Bed Bug Store assist you. All our products come with a 90-day 100% satisfaction guarantee. We have been relieving customers of their bed bugs for over 15 years. Our products are also 100% all-natural, chemical and pesticide-free. The smell you notice when using our solution, is peppermint.

Safe for children and pets, completely deadly for bed bugs.

Our sprays are made with 100% effective natural ingredients and essentials oils, making Bed Bug Patrol a great alternative to harsh pesticides and insecticides which bed bugs are becoming increasingly resistant to.

Enjoy the safety of knowing your bed bug battle will soon be won by the all-natural power of Bed Bug Patrol.