Hi, this is my first post. I have suspected PTSD but not officially diagnosed, although I am on a waiting list with a mental health organisation to see a psychological therapist.
My episodes of dissociation, panic attacks, or both combined vary each week in intensity and I have no control over it meaning it's affected my time at school in different ways.
Said episodes often make me lose my ability or desire to speak depending on how intense the episode feels which makes it really hard to make it clear to people what's wrong. Because I can't always say anything, people have tried to resort to physical contact as support when I'm not talking which makes me feel worse as I'm sensitive to touch and can be very jumpy because of the trauma I experienced, which can then lead to triggering more intense flashbacks. When I can't talk, I can't make it really clear that I don't want to be touched which frustrates and upsets me. I would tell people straight up when I'm stable that I really don't like being hugged/touched in any way without somebody asking first but I'm still coming to terms that it's likely I have PTSD and I don't want to tell loads of people because 1) It's none of their business and 2) I don't want to seem like I just want attention by constantly stating I potentially have a mental illness.
I don't know what to do to communicate to people in an episode that I don't want to be touched or come across like I'm trying to reject their help, because I do appreciate that they're just trying to help.
It feels like my only option would be to wear something that literally states that I do not want to be touched; which I don't want to do because I'd obviously look a bit stupid. Plus only my mum and girlfriend are aware of my potential mental illness.
My episodes of dissociation, panic attacks, or both combined vary each week in intensity and I have no control over it meaning it's affected my time at school in different ways.
Said episodes often make me lose my ability or desire to speak depending on how intense the episode feels which makes it really hard to make it clear to people what's wrong. Because I can't always say anything, people have tried to resort to physical contact as support when I'm not talking which makes me feel worse as I'm sensitive to touch and can be very jumpy because of the trauma I experienced, which can then lead to triggering more intense flashbacks. When I can't talk, I can't make it really clear that I don't want to be touched which frustrates and upsets me. I would tell people straight up when I'm stable that I really don't like being hugged/touched in any way without somebody asking first but I'm still coming to terms that it's likely I have PTSD and I don't want to tell loads of people because 1) It's none of their business and 2) I don't want to seem like I just want attention by constantly stating I potentially have a mental illness.
I don't know what to do to communicate to people in an episode that I don't want to be touched or come across like I'm trying to reject their help, because I do appreciate that they're just trying to help.
It feels like my only option would be to wear something that literally states that I do not want to be touched; which I don't want to do because I'd obviously look a bit stupid. Plus only my mum and girlfriend are aware of my potential mental illness.
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