Psychological and emotional effects
A bed bug infestation can cause anxiety for weeks or months, depending on the person and the severity of the infestation.
Shame and embarrassment are also common among bed bug sufferers, mostly because of social stigma against bed bugs and other insects. It is a misconception that bedbugs are the result of poor housekeeping, and it is extremely rare for someone to transport bed bugs on the clothing that they’re wearing. Education about bed bugs among sufferers, friends, family, employers and property owners can help alleviate this stress.
Nervousness, jumpiness and experiencing phantom itching and sensations are also common.
There are several ways to cope with the stress of a bed bug infestation. Seeing a doctor is a sensible step in the process.
More in this section:
- Bed bug bites
- Disease transmission
- Insomnia and sleeplessness
- Psychological and emotional effects
- Babies, children and pets