Hello I hope everyone is well, my name is Scarlett. Please tell me where to post this if this isn’t the right place…TLDR; where can I go to calm down when I’m stressed out from noise as a transfem in rural Kansas?

I’m having stress problems at home and I was hoping for some advice. There isn’t a part of the home that is quiet when the kids are home, especially when I’m sleeping, and it’s causing stress. I’ve tried noise cancelling headphones but they are not practical and pretty meh. It would probably be better to just stuff paper towels in my ears but it doesn’t help if I physically feel the noise like stomping or banging.

I was hoping to find something I can do if I wanted to go out when I can’t sleep or I can’t calm down. The only things I can think of are nature trails or going for a drive. The problem is that it’s really hot this time of year and driving can be stressful. Drinking isn’t a good option for me, it hurts my stomach and I barely feel it even if I drink a lot, not to mention 750ml of vodka only lasts for two days by myself. I’ve gone for walks in town before but I was harassed by kids on bikes at one point and I worry if I sit at the park or something that something else bad will happen.

For context, I’m in the middle of Kansas and I’m a 25yo transfem over two years into my transition. I’m hesitant to go out but people are generally okay and I kind of pass. I’m autistic so the sounds physically bother me and I get startled and my heart rate runs out of control a lot. I used to work in the auto industry so I thought I’d be okay with the noise but I’ve been a lot more sensitive since starting hormones. The kids are from my partners (not open poly relationship) and I’m not really used to dealing with it. I had a quiet life before moving here, I’m from Colorado. I just wish I had a place to go when I didn’t know what to do with myself. A place where I don’t really have to worry about others is definitely preferable. I’m not just looking for a place to be on my phone I can do that at home.

Thank you for reading :3

Trans rights!