Can't Get His Face Out Of My Head

[Shan-Nav01]

Wasn't sure where the best place to post this is, as it's kinda anxiety and kinda flashback!

Yesterday while eating lunch in a pub someone walked past and something about them instantly reminded me of the guy who raped me. And now I can't get his face out of my head, it's as if it's just chilling there taunting me. I feel like I'm on the edge of a panic attack, just not quite 'over the edge' into one.

Nothing seams to be working to help me get back to 'normal'. My usual grounding techniques aren't working, and I'm currently T-less so haven't got that sort of support to go to. :/

Any thoughts/suggests would be hugely appreciated right now!

 

[bluelicorice]

Sorry this is happening to you right now. I hope you're feeling a bit better now, since I notice this was posted yesterday. This happens to me a fair bit, and I'm not sure I can really be helpful. Most grounding techniques don't help me, but there is one I do which does help a fair bit. I name all the objects around me. I will simply walk around the room and say, "bookshelf, chair, table, computer, bird cage", etc. Another thing I do occasionally, which still sounds very silly to me but was recommended by a Catholic nun I know, is to spend 5 minutes reciting that everyone and everything loves me. So for instance, "The table loves me, my friend loves me, the tree outside loves me, the chair loves me, my dog loves me", etc. Apparently its a Buddhist technique and although I still think its silly it has worked for me sometimes. Anyhow, I really do hope you are feeling better today.

 

[Shan-Nav01]

Thanks, I felt better after sleeping, but was then told I have 2 weeks to find somewhere else to live. So surprisingly now not feeling quite so great but for different reasons!

I like the Buddhist techniques, it feels silly but I think it might help in the future!

 

[bluelicorice]

Oh no, having to move on short notice is the worst feeling! I was in that position not long ago myself and it was so stressful. Take care, and I hope you find a good place soon!

 

[Shan-Nav01]

Thanks! There's a couple of people that have said in the past that they have spare rooms etc if I ever needed it, but I feel like such a failure asking them!

 

[bluelicorice]

Ugh yeah, I totally get feeling like a failure or like you're imposing on someone else. :( I'm glad you have those people who have offered though; I really hope it all works out for you!