Comfort In Secrecy / Compartmentalization

[Mozeki]

Some of the best healing that has helped is beautiful scenery ie camping, fishing and being away from the rat race whenever possible. That includes being around people who are not suffocating, overtly nosy or talk a mile a minute (all dynamics that are draining, stressful or unnerving). What better way to integrate than to connect with nature? I'm in the gradual process of putting together a small outdoor group for people with ptsd (or w/out) that appreciate the peace and peace of mind that comes from getting back to basics and connecting with the great outdoors :)

 

[Mozeki]

When I feel too boxed in, suffocated or stressed out in general (see pic), it's time to head for the lake or go camping. I have a good friend who's schizophrenic so he too, understands the need to seek out nature for a much needed change of pace. Humor or being around people who can lake you laugh is so vital to those who struggle and humanity in general. We're in Washington state which only has a few good months of weather. A true Washingtonian (or someone with ptsd) isn't going to let weather deter them :)

 

[Mozeki]

When someone really grates on your nerves or is clueless to that affect, I've been known to post this picture *lol*

 

[Mozeki]

Click on thumbnail to see the (appropriate) caption beneath that roll of toilet paper. Ouch! *lol*

 

[Unala]

I try to keep my work and personal lives totally separate. To many times I have been the victim of gossip and lies told by people at work. As soon as they learn something abut a co-worker the bitchiness starts - they are like this to everyone and I totally hate it. Rumors abound and it is very unsettling and hurtful to whether the gossip is about me or someone else, and it has become a major trigger for me.

Unfortunately this has made me isolated at work, as if you don't join in the toxic behavior then there is "something wrong with you" and you get excluded from everything. Not unhappy to be excluded from the bitchiness, but it would have been nice to be able to have some kind of social connection with my co-workers, you know like being able to have lunch with someone and not end up with rumors about it starting!

Unfortunately, due to symptom severity in the past, most of my friends have drifted away (I also did nothing to maintain the relationships) - the people that I still have contact with live interstate. This severely limits the engagement that I get to have with other people. I have been trying to meet new people, but it is really hard as I now keep myself under a very tight rein, and am too careful about what I say. I think this is because that is what I need to do at work to protect myself, and I am not well enough to be able to relax and be more open in a social setting.