Mental Health Issues Surrounding Bed Bugs

Nobody wants to be told they have bed bugs, which some would consider their worst nightmare. It’s unsettling to think about a small insect inhabiting your living space. Bed bugs are parasites that breed quickly and like to hide in crevices. They feed on human blood, so you can find them in your bed and bedding if there’s an infestation. Unfortunately, infestations of bed bugs are becoming more and more common. You may know someone who’s dealt with them, or you could have picked them up on your travels. They’re very good at finding a way to hitch a ride and set up shop in your home.

Being diagnosed with bed bugs is something that causes a lot of distress. People tend to think that it means the space is unclean, but that's not always the case. Bed bugs are not picky about where they live, and can be found in extremely tidy places. This is mainly because they can be transferred from one spot to another easily.

It's even tougher when you have a bed bug problem, as these little critters are superbly mobile. The social stigma associated with them can be quite severe, with people choosing to stay away from you for fear of bringing some of the bugs back home with them. This can be very damaging to your mental health, and many prefer to keep their infestation a secret, rather than risk being shunned.

If you're trying to tackle the problem on your own, it's easy to become preoccupied with the thought that these minuscule parasites, which are nearly undetectable, are somewhere in your space and ready to feast on you while you slumber. Not many can remain undisturbed in the face of this! It's no surprise that these bugs can have such a strong influence on our mental wellbeing. The distress and loneliness that come with this is certainly very real and can be hard to overcome. Not only is there a psychological toll, but also a financial one, as well as a social one.
 
Our company offers bed bug pest control and has experience with a variety of clients and their different needs. Our main message is that if you're having trouble with bed bugs, you're not alone. We want to reassure our customers that this is only a temporary issue and bed bugs won't take over their lives or their minds. We have some useful advice, being specialized in bed bug pest control, on how to keep a positive attitude in the midst of this issue, with the hope that it will also help emotionally.

You are Not the Only One

​It's likely that you aren't the only one in your area who is dealing with this issue. You might not even be aware that there are others like you in the same location. Pay attention to the old mattresses that you may come across in your area, as this could be a sign that other people are in a similar situation. Don't be disheartened – you're not the only one in your town going through this!

Practice Positive Self Talk

​Reflect on your true identity. These bed bugs have not altered you in any way; you remain the same person who makes a positive difference in society. Don't let these pests shape your character; they are only temporary and will soon be taken care of.

Get Outdoors

Taking a break from the stresses of life can be as simple as going for a walk or reading a book in a quiet spot. When the weather is nice, taking advantage of the outdoors and nature can be a great way to reset mentally. So take the time to get away from whatever is causing you stress and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and peace. You deserve to be able to step away from it all and take a breather whenever you can.

Don’t Overthink a Bed Bug

Bed bugs are not out to get you like some nightmarish bloodsuckers. In reality, they are far less menacing than the average mosquito. Although they may not be the cutest bugs around, they won't actually hurt you, but your anxieties about them could.

Practice Breathing

Deep breathing is an excellent way to reduce stress. This activity can help you to shift your attention away from the issue that is causing you to feel overwhelmed and instead focus on the pattern of your breaths. Try it now: inhale and exhale, counting each breath, and you will soon observe your body start to unwind. Spend a few minutes concentrating on your breathing and you should feel the tension ease.

Exercise

​Take a break from your bed bug situation and get moving!  Going for a jog on a pleasant day, hitting the gym nearby, or just reclaiming your own space to work out at home - the choice is yours.  Exercise can help your mental wellbeing by releasing endorphins in your brain, and it's great for your physical health too.  So pick a place where you feel comfortable and get active!

Speak Out

​Do not go through this on your own. Reach out to someone and talk to them. Isolation is detrimental to your mental wellbeing, and it can be daunting to open up to someone and let them see what you are going through. Despite the apprehension, try to do it. Select someone in whom you can trust and ask them to keep your conversation confidential. You are not the only one dealing with this. Also, if you feel comfortable, a hug is alright.

Get Professional Help

It is very important to act quickly to eliminate the bed bug problem in order to protect your mental wellbeing. DIY treatments are not recommended and you should call in a professional pest control company, like Professional Pest Management, to take care of the issue. Listen to our advice and make sure that the treatment is done as soon as possible. This is the way to reclaim your life and to make sure that the bed bugs are gone for good.

​Eventually, you will be able to banish the bed bugs. What should be the main focus now is to preserve your peace of mind and not let the insects cause disruption to both your mental and physical wellbeing. As with most other troubles, the anxiety is the most difficult component.

​Check out our other useful articles here!