ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response.
Okay, but what does that actually mean?
Put simply, it’s sounds or sights that blend and create physical experiences, often referred to as “tingles”. It’s that thrill down your spine, a warming of your body, a tickle at your ear, that is inspired by visuals or sounds. It bleeds into your senses, and “triggers” a physical response, of sorts.
It’s usually fairly relaxing, once you can figure out if you’re sensitive to the practice, and then what, precisely, “triggers” you. Thankfully, there are plenty of youtube videos out there to help you figure it out.
I figured it out because my mom mentioned it one day and wasn’t sure what it was. She then suggested I try it, because I was having sleep troubles, and eventually, I did. Up above is the first video I found that “worked” for me, and sometimes I will go back to it. I have found others down the line.
ASMR comes in plenty of varieties, from the one above that is “roleplay” ASMR which is kind of a guided ASMR experience where you are put in the place of a character, and are experiencing these things as said character. They can be as self-indulgent as the Game of Thrones one above, or something as simple as being a client in a barbershop.
There are also ones that don’t bother with any roleplay aspect, and simply get right to the point of testing triggers, usually with positive affirmations laced in. See below for an example.Â
Why do I think ASMR can help?
Many of us with thanatophobia struggle most of all with sleep. Anything that helps with sleep can, therefore, be of use. The roleplay ones in particular can also be seen as a sort of “Guided meditation”, as they put you into the mind of another character. You can continue with that daydream after the ASMR video has ended, and follow those thoughts, and that story, into sleep.
The other variety will hopefully relax you, and put you into a good mood, so you that the thoughts don’t strike you.
