![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lissy on October 19, 2001, at 9:52:53
Please help me, I feel like such a complete idiot but I am
have been crying for 2 days and can't make myself go to the
kitchen or basement all because of a stupid mouse! This is
so embarassing but I have been diagnosed w/ocd a couple
years ago but went off the meds because of weight gain and
tiredness and had been doing okay w/all the other stuff
like excessive worries and obsessions and had even cut down
the counting stuff quite a bit. I have always been phobic
of mice and toads. The toads since I was little I think
it started because the neighborhood boys used to chase us
girls w/the toads they catch and even put them down our
backs so now when I encounter one I actually run away screaming
How embarassing for a 35 year old woman Huh? My neighbors
just laugh at me we always joke about it. I can deal w/that
fear since it is outside. The mouse thing came about
in my teens when we used to get mice in our house and they
would even get into our bedrooms upstairs and I could hear them while
I was trying to sleep and they would go in my closet and
scratch at the door and crawl into my shoes so ever since I have been
terrified. We have lived here for 10 years and have only
had a mouse one other time but caught it w/in the hour.
My kids saw it in the basement the other day and we haven't been able
to catch it. My husband also told me he had caught one
in the kitchen last week. So now that I know that they amble into
the kitchen too I can't bring myself to go in there. My kids had
to make themselves breakfast and dinner! I am frozen w/fear I can't wash
clothes since the washer is in the basement. My husband thinks
I am just doing this so I don't have to do work but I
swear that is not it! I have company coming over tomorrow and
my house is a pit because I haven't been able to clean the downstairs because
of my fear so between my fear of the mouse and my hubby's yelling at me '
I can't stop crying! My doctor can't see me til next week, by then hopefully
the mouse will be gone anyway. So that won't do me much
good. Of course my other fear is that they say just because you see just
one that means there are probably more than just one. I can't even sleep cuz I
think they might come upstairs to our bedrooms like our
old house. I know I sound crazy but is there any over the counter meds i
could get to calm me down or some kind of techniques to use to get me through
? Should I even bother going to the doctor anyways? There probably
isn't anything to take just for phobias anyways. Please
someone respond and try not to laugh at me too much.
Posted by petey on October 19, 2001, at 10:07:17
In reply to Is there any kind of meds for phobias?, posted by lissy on October 19, 2001, at 9:52:53
> Please help me, I feel like such a complete idiot but I am
> have been crying for 2 days and can't make myself go to the
> kitchen or basement all because of a stupid mouse! This is
> so embarassing but I have been diagnosed w/ocd a couple
> years ago but went off the meds because of weight gain and
> tiredness and had been doing okay w/all the other stuff
> like excessive worries and obsessions and had even cut down
> the counting stuff quite a bit. I have always been phobic
> of mice and toads. The toads since I was little I think
> it started because the neighborhood boys used to chase us
> girls w/the toads they catch and even put them down our
> backs so now when I encounter one I actually run away screaming
> How embarassing for a 35 year old woman Huh? My neighbors
> just laugh at me we always joke about it. I can deal w/that
> fear since it is outside. The mouse thing came about
> in my teens when we used to get mice in our house and they
> would even get into our bedrooms upstairs and I could hear them while
> I was trying to sleep and they would go in my closet and
> scratch at the door and crawl into my shoes so ever since I have been
> terrified. We have lived here for 10 years and have only
> had a mouse one other time but caught it w/in the hour.
> My kids saw it in the basement the other day and we haven't been able
> to catch it. My husband also told me he had caught one
> in the kitchen last week. So now that I know that they amble into
> the kitchen too I can't bring myself to go in there. My kids had
> to make themselves breakfast and dinner! I am frozen w/fear I can't wash
> clothes since the washer is in the basement. My husband thinks
> I am just doing this so I don't have to do work but I
> swear that is not it! I have company coming over tomorrow and
> my house is a pit because I haven't been able to clean the downstairs because
> of my fear so between my fear of the mouse and my hubby's yelling at me '
> I can't stop crying! My doctor can't see me til next week, by then hopefully
> the mouse will be gone anyway. So that won't do me much
> good. Of course my other fear is that they say just because you see just
> one that means there are probably more than just one. I can't even sleep cuz I
> think they might come upstairs to our bedrooms like our
> old house. I know I sound crazy but is there any over the counter meds i
> could get to calm me down or some kind of techniques to use to get me through
> ? Should I even bother going to the doctor anyways? There probably
> isn't anything to take just for phobias anyways. Please
> someone respond and try not to laugh at me too much.I have always hsd a fear of mice,too. As a matter of fact, we saw one last night! Ugh! I find the only way I can get my housework done is to keep the radio on and run the vacuum. This really works because they don't like where there is noise. Please do not go on medication for this! I am already on meds. for depression and the fear of mice has not gone away! I'm still just as terrified. I have had nothing but big problems ever since I went down the medication road! The side-effects are just not worth it. I have found when we do get mice, to make sure all food is put away, bread in the fridge, cereals in plastic containers, etc. If they can't get any food, they'll leave and go somewhere else for food. Think about getting a cat! They are wonderful for catching mice! Just don't go the medication route, I think you'll be sorry like I am! Good luck!
Petey
Posted by lissy on October 19, 2001, at 10:19:35
In reply to Re: Is there any kind of meds for phobias?, posted by petey on October 19, 2001, at 10:07:17
> > Please help me, I feel like such a complete idiot but I am
> > have been crying for 2 days and can't make myself go to the
> > kitchen or basement all because of a stupid mouse! This is
> > so embarassing but I have been diagnosed w/ocd a couple
> > years ago but went off the meds because of weight gain and
> > tiredness and had been doing okay w/all the other stuff
> > like excessive worries and obsessions and had even cut down
> > the counting stuff quite a bit. I have always been phobic
> > of mice and toads. The toads since I was little I think
> > it started because the neighborhood boys used to chase us
> > girls w/the toads they catch and even put them down our
> > backs so now when I encounter one I actually run away screaming
> > How embarassing for a 35 year old woman Huh? My neighbors
> > just laugh at me we always joke about it. I can deal w/that
> > fear since it is outside. The mouse thing came about
> > in my teens when we used to get mice in our house and they
> > would even get into our bedrooms upstairs and I could hear them while
> > I was trying to sleep and they would go in my closet and
> > scratch at the door and crawl into my shoes so ever since I have been
> > terrified. We have lived here for 10 years and have only
> > had a mouse one other time but caught it w/in the hour.
> > My kids saw it in the basement the other day and we haven't been able
> > to catch it. My husband also told me he had caught one
> > in the kitchen last week. So now that I know that they amble into
> > the kitchen too I can't bring myself to go in there. My kids had
> > to make themselves breakfast and dinner! I am frozen w/fear I can't wash
> > clothes since the washer is in the basement. My husband thinks
> > I am just doing this so I don't have to do work but I
> > swear that is not it! I have company coming over tomorrow and
> > my house is a pit because I haven't been able to clean the downstairs because
> > of my fear so between my fear of the mouse and my hubby's yelling at me '
> > I can't stop crying! My doctor can't see me til next week, by then hopefully
> > the mouse will be gone anyway. So that won't do me much
> > good. Of course my other fear is that they say just because you see just
> > one that means there are probably more than just one. I can't even sleep cuz I
> > think they might come upstairs to our bedrooms like our
> > old house. I know I sound crazy but is there any over the counter meds i
> > could get to calm me down or some kind of techniques to use to get me through
> > ? Should I even bother going to the doctor anyways? There probably
> > isn't anything to take just for phobias anyways. Please
> > someone respond and try not to laugh at me too much.
>
>
>
> I have always hsd a fear of mice,too. As a matter of fact, we saw one last night! Ugh! I find the only way I can get my housework done is to keep the radio on and run the vacuum. This really works because they don't like where there is noise. Please do not go on medication for this! I am already on meds. for depression and the fear of mice has not gone away! I'm still just as terrified. I have had nothing but big problems ever since I went down the medication road! The side-effects are just not worth it. I have found when we do get mice, to make sure all food is put away, bread in the fridge, cereals in plastic containers, etc. If they can't get any food, they'll leave and go somewhere else for food. Think about getting a cat! They are wonderful for catching mice! Just don't go the medication route, I think you'll be sorry like I am! Good luck!
> Petey
Thank you for responding right away and not thinking me an idiot! I realize how silly my crying and
carrying on seem when there is a war going on and
all those poor people that got killed and their families but I
have strange ways of dealing w/things and the therapist
had said it is part of my ocd. I wasn't too keen
about the meds thing anyway I have been on quite
a few a.d.s and the weight gain, tiredness, muscle aches, withdrawals etc. do suck.
The only good thing right now would be that I couldn't squeeze out a tear when I was
on them though. Thanks again
Posted by jay on October 19, 2001, at 12:47:09
In reply to Is there any kind of meds for phobias?, posted by lissy on October 19, 2001, at 9:52:53
You are *not* an idiot for crying..I and millions other do it every day. :-) In panic, the *smallest* thing can seem like the end of the world. For intense *panic*, and any hovering *anxiety*, nothing works much better then the benzos. They are a med that get a bad rap, but they have *saved my life*, UNLIKE any a.d. out there.
Once you get panic/anxiety under some control with a benzo, you can go from there. Just a maintenance dose, and when things get tough, an *extra* dose. Plus, you don't get all the wacky side effects of a.d's, that just are not for some people.
Having said that, if a benzo doesn't work out to your best, you can try a novel a.d. *with* a benzo.
Best wishes..panic and anxiety are *too* painful for us not to get good, immediate treatment. Maybe others on here can direct you to some docs or pdocs who will prescribe the right meds at proper doses.
Jay
> Please help me, I feel like such a complete idiot but I am
> have been crying for 2 days and can't make myself go to the
> kitchen or basement all because of a stupid mouse! This is
> so embarassing but I have been diagnosed w/ocd a couple
> years ago but went off the meds because of weight gain and
> tiredness and had been doing okay w/all the other stuff
> like excessive worries and obsessions and had even cut down
> the counting stuff quite a bit. I have always been phobic
> of mice and toads. The toads since I was little I think
> it started because the neighborhood boys used to chase us
> girls w/the toads they catch and even put them down our
> backs so now when I encounter one I actually run away screaming
> How embarassing for a 35 year old woman Huh? My neighbors
> just laugh at me we always joke about it. I can deal w/that
> fear since it is outside. The mouse thing came about
> in my teens when we used to get mice in our house and they
> would even get into our bedrooms upstairs and I could hear them while
> I was trying to sleep and they would go in my closet and
> scratch at the door and crawl into my shoes so ever since I have been
> terrified. We have lived here for 10 years and have only
> had a mouse one other time but caught it w/in the hour.
> My kids saw it in the basement the other day and we haven't been able
> to catch it. My husband also told me he had caught one
> in the kitchen last week. So now that I know that they amble into
> the kitchen too I can't bring myself to go in there. My kids had
> to make themselves breakfast and dinner! I am frozen w/fear I can't wash
> clothes since the washer is in the basement. My husband thinks
> I am just doing this so I don't have to do work but I
> swear that is not it! I have company coming over tomorrow and
> my house is a pit because I haven't been able to clean the downstairs because
> of my fear so between my fear of the mouse and my hubby's yelling at me '
> I can't stop crying! My doctor can't see me til next week, by then hopefully
> the mouse will be gone anyway. So that won't do me much
> good. Of course my other fear is that they say just because you see just
> one that means there are probably more than just one. I can't even sleep cuz I
> think they might come upstairs to our bedrooms like our
> old house. I know I sound crazy but is there any over the counter meds i
> could get to calm me down or some kind of techniques to use to get me through
> ? Should I even bother going to the doctor anyways? There probably
> isn't anything to take just for phobias anyways. Please
> someone respond and try not to laugh at me too much.
Posted by paxvox on October 19, 2001, at 12:58:15
In reply to Is there any kind of meds for phobias?, posted by lissy on October 19, 2001, at 9:52:53
Sweet Lissy,
I'm sorry to hear that you have been suffering needlessly. Of course!! There are MANY medications that can help with phobias and aniexty disorders. You can also use behavioral therapy as an adjunct treatment with meds. The logic here is: You clearly identified SPECIFIC fears with SPECIFIC incidents, that is a learned response that can be UNLEARNED as well.
I think you should see a doctor, not necessarily a Pdoc if you have a good relationship with your GP. You can be given Paxil and Xanax or Klonopin, and you will at least be able to function. There are no consistantly efficacious OTC meds that will help you much (except perhaps Kava Kava),so don't be afraid (or ashamed) to go see your doc, and do it soon. Don't put it off. In a few weeks, you will be wondering why you waited so long to get some help. Let us know how you do.
PAX
Posted by petey on October 19, 2001, at 22:39:22
In reply to Re: Is there any kind of meds for phobias? » lissy, posted by paxvox on October 19, 2001, at 12:58:15
> Sweet Lissy,
>
> I'm sorry to hear that you have been suffering needlessly. Of course!! There are MANY medications that can help with phobias and aniexty disorders. You can also use behavioral therapy as an adjunct treatment with meds. The logic here is: You clearly identified SPECIFIC fears with SPECIFIC incidents, that is a learned response that can be UNLEARNED as well.
>
> I think you should see a doctor, not necessarily a Pdoc if you have a good relationship with your GP. You can be given Paxil and Xanax or Klonopin, and you will at least be able to function. There are no consistantly efficacious OTC meds that will help you much (except perhaps Kava Kava),so don't be afraid (or ashamed) to go see your doc, and do it soon. Don't put it off. In a few weeks, you will be wondering why you waited so long to get some help. Let us know how you do.
>
> PAX
You have got to be kidding! I'm reading these responses in total shock! How can you give someone advise to take medications because she is afraid of mice? I've been afraid of mice all my life and never even thought of going on meds. for that! Next you'll be tellng people who are afraid of heights, to fly,etc., to start taking medications! I can see where behavioral therapy might help, but not the meds. I am currently taking Zoloft and prior to that I was on Ativan and xanax. None of these helped with my fear of mice. I think some people are being very irresponsible when it comes to these meds. and they are being overprescribed in numerous cases. We need to learn to DEAL with things, not just try to cover them up! Not to mention I don't think it will work. Just my opinion.
Petey
Posted by Gracie2 on October 19, 2001, at 23:18:55
In reply to Is there any kind of meds for phobias?, posted by lissy on October 19, 2001, at 9:52:53
First, I would like to say that I used to have the same phobia with spiders. I do not have a professional opinion on the following event and I do wish that Dr. Bob would comment sometimes, but I believe that he has established a role here as editor, moniter and referee, and declines to give medical advice. We must work that out for ourselves.Anyway, although I will always be afraid of spiders, there was an occassion where I over-acted to the extreme. A thousand years ago, when I was still in high school, I saw a spider on the sidewalk and started to scream hysterically. I wasn't doing it for attention - I was utterly terrified. I was also 17 and pregnant, my boyfriend had deserted me, my parents didn't know about my pregnancy and I was afraid of them - my mother has such a violent temper that when I finally did tell her, in the parking lot at the doctor's office, she grabbed a fistful of my hair and slammed my head into the car door.
So I think that I was transferring my fear and rejection and pain to this tangible object, a spider on the sidewalk. This might be something for you to think about.So much for amateur psychology. In a more realistic vein, you must find out how these mice are getting into your house. We never had a problem with mice until I removed the baseboards from the first-floor bathroom, since I was getting ready to lay tile on the floor. There was no obvious opening to the outside, but mice are capable of contorting themselves to fit into such tiny holes, you would have to see it to believe it. You need to inspect the baseboards of your house, including the basement and the second floor, because mice are excellent at climbing wires and cords. When you find any opening, no matter how small, pack it with a very coarse brand of steel wool.
As for getting rid of mice that are already in the house, this is a nasty business. I wouldn't suggest poison, because mice will often die behind the walls where you can't get at them, and then you'll have to put up with the smell of decay. Your other two options are spring-traps and glue traps. I dislike glue traps, because the mouse will still be alive when you find him.(In that case, I think it is more humane to drown him than to simply throw him in the dumpster and let him die slowly.) Spring-traps will sometimes kill the mouse, but not always. If you opt for spring-traps, use peanut butter for bait. The old adage that mice are drawn to cheese is a myth.I hope this helps!
-Gracie
P.S. In case you're wondering where I got this information, my husband used to be a public health inspector. I learned to kill just about anything.
Posted by lissy on October 20, 2001, at 10:19:14
In reply to Mice 101, posted by Gracie2 on October 19, 2001, at 23:18:55
>
> First, I would like to say that I used to have the same phobia with spiders. I do not have a professional opinion on the following event and I do wish that Dr. Bob would comment sometimes, but I believe that he has established a role here as editor, moniter and referee, and declines to give medical advice. We must work that out for ourselves.
>
> Anyway, although I will always be afraid of spiders, there was an occassion where I over-acted to the extreme. A thousand years ago, when I was still in high school, I saw a spider on the sidewalk and started to scream hysterically. I wasn't doing it for attention - I was utterly terrified. I was also 17 and pregnant, my boyfriend had deserted me, my parents didn't know about my pregnancy and I was afraid of them - my mother has such a violent temper that when I finally did tell her, in the parking lot at the doctor's office, she grabbed a fistful of my hair and slammed my head into the car door.
> So I think that I was transferring my fear and rejection and pain to this tangible object, a spider on the sidewalk. This might be something for you to think about.
>
> So much for amateur psychology. In a more realistic vein, you must find out how these mice are getting into your house. We never had a problem with mice until I removed the baseboards from the first-floor bathroom, since I was getting ready to lay tile on the floor. There was no obvious opening to the outside, but mice are capable of contorting themselves to fit into such tiny holes, you would have to see it to believe it. You need to inspect the baseboards of your house, including the basement and the second floor, because mice are excellent at climbing wires and cords. When you find any opening, no matter how small, pack it with a very coarse brand of steel wool.
> As for getting rid of mice that are already in the house, this is a nasty business. I wouldn't suggest poison, because mice will often die behind the walls where you can't get at them, and then you'll have to put up with the smell of decay. Your other two options are spring-traps and glue traps. I dislike glue traps, because the mouse will still be alive when you find him.(In that case, I think it is more humane to drown him than to simply throw him in the dumpster and let him die slowly.) Spring-traps will sometimes kill the mouse, but not always. If you opt for spring-traps, use peanut butter for bait. The old adage that mice are drawn to cheese is a myth.
>
> I hope this helps!
> -Gracie
> P.S. In case you're wondering where I got this information, my husband used to be a public health inspector. I learned to kill just about anything.
Thanks all,
I am more calmer today getting more used to it being here but
we have set traps w/peanut butter. Those were very
useful tips Gracie, we have had them before a couple
years ago and at our old houses but for some
reason this was just so much more traumatic.
I think your right about other stuff going on w/me
that is probably coming out in this. My husband
and I aren't getting along too well. This whole
terrorism and I have a few relatives that fly alot
and I get nervous everytime one gets on a plane.
But lots of marital probs lately so that is probably a
big factor.
Petey, I think the reason we all thought about meds
for me is because I have the O.C.D. so I have
other obsessive probs too that I try to control.
And I have had a few docs put me on the meds before
for the ocd. I don't think anyone would have said
meds if this were my only issue and I didn't have
OCD on top of it and other panic attacks in the past.
Thank you for your help guys.
Posted by petey on October 20, 2001, at 14:12:54
In reply to Re: Mice 101, posted by lissy on October 20, 2001, at 10:19:14
> >
> > First, I would like to say that I used to have the same phobia with spiders. I do not have a professional opinion on the following event and I do wish that Dr. Bob would comment sometimes, but I believe that he has established a role here as editor, moniter and referee, and declines to give medical advice. We must work that out for ourselves.
> >
> > Anyway, although I will always be afraid of spiders, there was an occassion where I over-acted to the extreme. A thousand years ago, when I was still in high school, I saw a spider on the sidewalk and started to scream hysterically. I wasn't doing it for attention - I was utterly terrified. I was also 17 and pregnant, my boyfriend had deserted me, my parents didn't know about my pregnancy and I was afraid of them - my mother has such a violent temper that when I finally did tell her, in the parking lot at the doctor's office, she grabbed a fistful of my hair and slammed my head into the car door.
> > So I think that I was transferring my fear and rejection and pain to this tangible object, a spider on the sidewalk. This might be something for you to think about.
> >
> > So much for amateur psychology. In a more realistic vein, you must find out how these mice are getting into your house. We never had a problem with mice until I removed the baseboards from the first-floor bathroom, since I was getting ready to lay tile on the floor. There was no obvious opening to the outside, but mice are capable of contorting themselves to fit into such tiny holes, you would have to see it to believe it. You need to inspect the baseboards of your house, including the basement and the second floor, because mice are excellent at climbing wires and cords. When you find any opening, no matter how small, pack it with a very coarse brand of steel wool.
> > As for getting rid of mice that are already in the house, this is a nasty business. I wouldn't suggest poison, because mice will often die behind the walls where you can't get at them, and then you'll have to put up with the smell of decay. Your other two options are spring-traps and glue traps. I dislike glue traps, because the mouse will still be alive when you find him.(In that case, I think it is more humane to drown him than to simply throw him in the dumpster and let him die slowly.) Spring-traps will sometimes kill the mouse, but not always. If you opt for spring-traps, use peanut butter for bait. The old adage that mice are drawn to cheese is a myth.
> >
> > I hope this helps!
> > -Gracie
> > P.S. In case you're wondering where I got this information, my husband used to be a public health inspector. I learned to kill just about anything.
> Thanks all,
> I am more calmer today getting more used to it being here but
> we have set traps w/peanut butter. Those were very
> useful tips Gracie, we have had them before a couple
> years ago and at our old houses but for some
> reason this was just so much more traumatic.
> I think your right about other stuff going on w/me
> that is probably coming out in this. My husband
> and I aren't getting along too well. This whole
> terrorism and I have a few relatives that fly alot
> and I get nervous everytime one gets on a plane.
> But lots of marital probs lately so that is probably a
> big factor.
> Petey, I think the reason we all thought about meds
> for me is because I have the O.C.D. so I have
> other obsessive probs too that I try to control.
> And I have had a few docs put me on the meds before
> for the ocd. I don't think anyone would have said
> meds if this were my only issue and I didn't have
> OCD on top of it and other panic attacks in the past.
> Thank you for your help guys.
Sorry! i misunderstood. I went back to the original post and i understand what your saying. Oops!
petey
Posted by susan C on October 20, 2001, at 19:55:51
In reply to Is there any kind of meds for phobias?, posted by lissy on October 19, 2001, at 9:52:53
Dear Lissy,
I am sorry to hear about all your distress, especially since I make silly comments about mice in almost all my posts...
Everyone has great advice, my specific experience was seal up the house; if you have one, you will have more; now is the time of year they come out of the cold, and until they are sealed OUT, keep your food sealed IN. Trap with peanut butter in a spring trap and steel your heart. There is a place for everything in the world and mice in the house is not one of them.
...snakes and spiders surprise me, which I think might be a big part of phobias...my son was very afraid to even go outside for the longest time because of stepping on a slug...and in the NW that is a troublesome thing...
Any way, it is always good to get reassurance, and if that means a trip to the doc, you got my blessing. I am sorry I cannot give any advice about specific meds tho...I think OCD is one thing that is not on my "list" though, at times I think It could be.
Cartoon Character with a cape
susan C
Posted by lissy on October 21, 2001, at 9:11:48
In reply to Re: Mice 101, posted by petey on October 20, 2001, at 14:12:54
> > >
> > > First, I would like to say that I used to have the same phobia with spiders. I do not have a professional opinion on the following event and I do wish that Dr. Bob would comment sometimes, but I believe that he has established a role here as editor, moniter and referee, and declines to give medical advice. We must work that out for ourselves.
> > >
> > > Anyway, although I will always be afraid of spiders, there was an occassion where I over-acted to the extreme. A thousand years ago, when I was still in high school, I saw a spider on the sidewalk and started to scream hysterically. I wasn't doing it for attention - I was utterly terrified. I was also 17 and pregnant, my boyfriend had deserted me, my parents didn't know about my pregnancy and I was afraid of them - my mother has such a violent temper that when I finally did tell her, in the parking lot at the doctor's office, she grabbed a fistful of my hair and slammed my head into the car door.
> > > So I think that I was transferring my fear and rejection and pain to this tangible object, a spider on the sidewalk. This might be something for you to think about.
> > >
> > > So much for amateur psychology. In a more realistic vein, you must find out how these mice are getting into your house. We never had a problem with mice until I removed the baseboards from the first-floor bathroom, since I was getting ready to lay tile on the floor. There was no obvious opening to the outside, but mice are capable of contorting themselves to fit into such tiny holes, you would have to see it to believe it. You need to inspect the baseboards of your house, including the basement and the second floor, because mice are excellent at climbing wires and cords. When you find any opening, no matter how small, pack it with a very coarse brand of steel wool.
> > > As for getting rid of mice that are already in the house, this is a nasty business. I wouldn't suggest poison, because mice will often die behind the walls where you can't get at them, and then you'll have to put up with the smell of decay. Your other two options are spring-traps and glue traps. I dislike glue traps, because the mouse will still be alive when you find him.(In that case, I think it is more humane to drown him than to simply throw him in the dumpster and let him die slowly.) Spring-traps will sometimes kill the mouse, but not always. If you opt for spring-traps, use peanut butter for bait. The old adage that mice are drawn to cheese is a myth.
> > >
> > > I hope this helps!
> > > -Gracie
> > > P.S. In case you're wondering where I got this information, my husband used to be a public health inspector. I learned to kill just about anything.
> > Thanks all,
> > I am more calmer today getting more used to it being here but
> > we have set traps w/peanut butter. Those were very
> > useful tips Gracie, we have had them before a couple
> > years ago and at our old houses but for some
> > reason this was just so much more traumatic.
> > I think your right about other stuff going on w/me
> > that is probably coming out in this. My husband
> > and I aren't getting along too well. This whole
> > terrorism and I have a few relatives that fly alot
> > and I get nervous everytime one gets on a plane.
> > But lots of marital probs lately so that is probably a
> > big factor.
> > Petey, I think the reason we all thought about meds
> > for me is because I have the O.C.D. so I have
> > other obsessive probs too that I try to control.
> > And I have had a few docs put me on the meds before
> > for the ocd. I don't think anyone would have said
> > meds if this were my only issue and I didn't have
> > OCD on top of it and other panic attacks in the past.
> > Thank you for your help guys.
>
>
> Sorry! i misunderstood. I went back to the original post and i understand what your saying. Oops!
> peteyNo problema, you are right though, that you have to
be careful about overprescribing of certain drugs.
If the problem can be taken care of some other way
it should be tried first before making such a commitment
to medication.
Posted by KB on October 21, 2001, at 9:34:44
In reply to Re: Mice 101, posted by lissy on October 21, 2001, at 9:11:48
The best solution for mice that I know of is a cat!!! Mice tend to steer clear of houses where they smell a feline presence, and if a few hang around, the cat will catch and kill them.
Not to mention that a purring cat is a great anxiety-reliever (unless you happen to be afraid of or allergic to cats!)
Posted by Mitch on October 21, 2001, at 12:22:53
In reply to Re: Mice 101, posted by KB on October 21, 2001, at 9:34:44
> The best solution for mice that I know of is a cat!!! Mice tend to steer clear of houses where they smell a feline presence, and if a few hang around, the cat will catch and kill them.
>
> Not to mention that a purring cat is a great anxiety-reliever (unless you happen to be afraid of or allergic to cats!)
I agree wholeheartedly! Let's see:
1) Get a cat (wilder stray ones are actually better for mouse catching-I have lived on a farm with LOTS of cats)!
2) Have some Xanax around just in case you need to take one (taking as needed).
3) Find a good psychologist who does exposure therapy. It's creepy, but is highly successful for simple phobias.
Posted by KB on October 21, 2001, at 14:21:27
In reply to Re: Mice 101, posted by Mitch on October 21, 2001, at 12:22:53
For mousing, I recommend an adult female - kittens may just play with mice and not kill them, and for some reason I've found females to be better hunters.
But if you're going to get a cat. I suggest getting two, because only cats can be very demanding, so if you have two they keep each other busy instead of being in your face all the time.
Posted by susan C on October 21, 2001, at 14:58:15
In reply to Re: Mice 101, posted by KB on October 21, 2001, at 14:21:27
ewwwww!kitty butts
> For mousing, I recommend an adult female - kittens may just play with mice and not kill them, and for some reason I've found females to be better hunters.
>
> But if you're going to get a cat. I suggest getting two, because only cats can be very demanding, so if you have two they keep each other busy instead of being in your face all the time.
Posted by sar on October 22, 2001, at 14:50:39
In reply to Re: Mice 101 » KB, posted by susan C on October 21, 2001, at 14:58:15
i'm late to this thread and think Lissy has received excellent suggestions and there's nothing i can add--
but i just read your post about tranference of life stressors to objects and i'm wondering if you've done any reading on this. has someone written about this? i have a great curiosity in it because since the age of 5, i have had a heart-quaking fear of *dogs.* and everybody loves dogs, or has a dog, or knows a dog. 18 years later, i can gently pet a dog for a few moments as long as there are other people around (i'm afraid the dog will attack me, or at least bite me) but that's it. many times i've been trapped in my house because there's been a dog wandering around outside, so i can't check the mail, go for a walk, etc.
i was bitten by a dog at age 5, but it was really just a nip--no blood. since that time, i've been terrified.
any thoughts?
Posted by Adam on October 23, 2001, at 15:51:58
In reply to Is there any kind of meds for phobias?, posted by lissy on October 19, 2001, at 9:52:53
Hi, Lissy,Speaking from personal experience, the best mousetraps are cats. They can move themselves from room to room, solving many logistical problems; they don't need to have the mice come to them, as they can smell and hear little rodents very well; and they really enjoy their job, so they're highly motivated. As an added bonus, if you feed and scratch them regularly, you've got an instant friend!
As for phobias like this, I have but two words: Behavioral therapy. Get exposed, to the therapy, and the mice, in that order. I sound like a broken record when it comes to this subject, but I'd bet real money it would be helpful for you. Behavioral therapy is at its best when applied to problems like this. It can work forever, and has no side-effects.
Best of luck! And remember, the little mices are more afraid of you than you are of them. I've even been bitten by mice more than a few times (you really have to go well out of your way to get yourself bitten by a mouse, trust me), and I've had worse things happen. Take care.
> Please help me, I feel like such a complete idiot but I am
> have been crying for 2 days and can't make myself go to the
> kitchen or basement all because of a stupid mouse! This is
> so embarassing but I have been diagnosed w/ocd a couple
> years ago but went off the meds because of weight gain and
> tiredness and had been doing okay w/all the other stuff
> like excessive worries and obsessions and had even cut down
> the counting stuff quite a bit. I have always been phobic
> of mice and toads. The toads since I was little I think
> it started because the neighborhood boys used to chase us
> girls w/the toads they catch and even put them down our
> backs so now when I encounter one I actually run away screaming
> How embarassing for a 35 year old woman Huh? My neighbors
> just laugh at me we always joke about it. I can deal w/that
> fear since it is outside. The mouse thing came about
> in my teens when we used to get mice in our house and they
> would even get into our bedrooms upstairs and I could hear them while
> I was trying to sleep and they would go in my closet and
> scratch at the door and crawl into my shoes so ever since I have been
> terrified. We have lived here for 10 years and have only
> had a mouse one other time but caught it w/in the hour.
> My kids saw it in the basement the other day and we haven't been able
> to catch it. My husband also told me he had caught one
> in the kitchen last week. So now that I know that they amble into
> the kitchen too I can't bring myself to go in there. My kids had
> to make themselves breakfast and dinner! I am frozen w/fear I can't wash
> clothes since the washer is in the basement. My husband thinks
> I am just doing this so I don't have to do work but I
> swear that is not it! I have company coming over tomorrow and
> my house is a pit because I haven't been able to clean the downstairs because
> of my fear so between my fear of the mouse and my hubby's yelling at me '
> I can't stop crying! My doctor can't see me til next week, by then hopefully
> the mouse will be gone anyway. So that won't do me much
> good. Of course my other fear is that they say just because you see just
> one that means there are probably more than just one. I can't even sleep cuz I
> think they might come upstairs to our bedrooms like our
> old house. I know I sound crazy but is there any over the counter meds i
> could get to calm me down or some kind of techniques to use to get me through
> ? Should I even bother going to the doctor anyways? There probably
> isn't anything to take just for phobias anyways. Please
> someone respond and try not to laugh at me too much.
Posted by Gracie2 on October 23, 2001, at 18:22:55
In reply to Gracie, posted by sar on October 22, 2001, at 14:50:39
Sar-
I haven't done any reading on the subject that I can remember, just a lot of thinking as, at first, I was mystified by my hysterics. I also knew that I was under a great deal of stress, I was so jumpy and shaken up that my friends (who didn't know about my condition)thought I was on meth. I was just terrified.The only time I've done anything even remotely similiar is when I was doing the laundry one day
and found a condom in my 16-year-old son's pocket.
He's my only child, and I had a great deal of trouble adjusting to the fact that he was growing up; he was my baby. Anyway, I started crying and I couldn't stop - even when my husband pointed out, very reasonably, that I should be thankful my son was using the damn things instead of having unprotected sex. Of course he was right, but the condom was an obvious symbol that my son's childhood was over and I had to accept it;
that's what it really meant to me. I cried until I thought my heart would break.So I think we can easily transfer our feelings to inanimate objects. I've never tried behavioral therapy - maybe it is the way to go. Of course, it would be amusing to see the therapist's face when I told him I was afraid of condoms.
Maybe you can start with puppies and work your way up?
-Gracie
Posted by susan C on October 23, 2001, at 22:06:44
In reply to Sar, posted by Gracie2 on October 23, 2001, at 18:22:55
fear of mice and I am about to talk about 'empty nest' I am off to pyschosocialbabble...see ya there...
caped crusader
susan C>
> Sar-
> I haven't done any reading on the subject that I can remember, just a lot of thinking as, at first, I was mystified by my hysterics. I also knew that I was under a great deal of stress, I was so jumpy and shaken up that my friends (who didn't know about my condition)thought I was on meth. I was just terrified.
>
> The only time I've done anything even remotely similiar is when I was doing the laundry one day
> and found a condom in my 16-year-old son's pocket.
> He's my only child, and I had a great deal of trouble adjusting to the fact that he was growing up; he was my baby. Anyway, I started crying and I couldn't stop - even when my husband pointed out, very reasonably, that I should be thankful my son was using the damn things instead of having unprotected sex. Of course he was right, but the condom was an obvious symbol that my son's childhood was over and I had to accept it;
> that's what it really meant to me. I cried until I thought my heart would break.
>
> So I think we can easily transfer our feelings to inanimate objects. I've never tried behavioral therapy - maybe it is the way to go. Of course, it would be amusing to see the therapist's face when I told him I was afraid of condoms.
>
> Maybe you can start with puppies and work your way up?
>
> -Gracie
Posted by sar on October 23, 2001, at 22:18:29
In reply to Sar, posted by Gracie2 on October 23, 2001, at 18:22:55
Gracie,
i don't know if this will make you feel better or not, but alot of 16 year-old boys carry condoms just in hope...
i'll never forget (age 18) being on a double date, and we stopped at a convenience store...my friend's date reached into his pocket for some change, and out flew a condom...
needless to say, nothing happened.
i've been hanging out with kittens lately.
thanks for your response...
sar
This is the end of the thread.
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