Poll Do You Have New, Unexpected Phobias With PTSD?

[Happy Head]

I am grateful that I did not develop any phobias... and lucky too I guess

 

[kimberley dawn]

Other (please explain)

I was hit bad with ptsd in 97/98 and one strange thing happened: I LOST my phobias for spiders, rats, mice and snakes! After years in therapy I managed my everyday life again and staid away from my triggers and my phobias for all but snakes came back....

I'm hit with this ptsd again now and couldn't care less if a spider, rat or whatever came on my lap. Think I'd just be pleased to squeeze the life outa them...

 

[cat]

I had no phobias before my trauma but developed several about 3yrs ago when my ptsd was at its worse.Some of them make sense to me now that I've explored them in therapy.

• My own feet -trauma related, i had bare feet when i was assaulted- unable to look at my own feet, always wore socks or if in company shoes as well.
• Meat - this has been a major one, from talking about it, smelling it, seeing it even in pictures or on tv to eating it. over the last year i've gradually exposed myself to it by reading cookery books & making myself look at it. I can now eat bacon providing its cooked to a crisp.
• Cycling - I've just ordered a new bike hoping that without the memories attached to my old one i'll be able to enjoy it again
• Showering - created panic & fear of drowning.

I am working my way through them with exposure therapy, its worked well for my feet & showering but i have more work to do on cycling & meat.

 

[TheLost]

I developed a "phobia" of police and police cars. I have recurring nightmares of trying to dial 999 but either someone snatches the phone away or I just cant get through. I recently refused to get into a police car after I pushed a policeman into the bushes. Seeing a police officer in the street starts me shaking and I recently had to ask them not to come to my door again when they were making enquiries about some vandalism. I cannot stand having to speak to them, see them or their cars. During my EMDR police cars seem to be part of my memories but I dont know why. I dont know why I have such an irrational and acute reaction to them. Maybe the EMDR will bring up some memories to solve this?

 

[Lucille]

driving, bugs, things that go bump in the night, fear of going out to restaurants or clubs at night :(

just a heightened sense of fear overall though too... like I can't watch scary movies anymore because the adrenaline rush is too much for me

 

[healingangel90]

There are so many, but here are some:
- I am now too scared of watching scary movies, even though I used to love them.
- I'm really scared of 3D movies, which I also used to love. I hate things popping out at me.
- I like the dark, but I tend to be a little paranoid whenever I see or hear something in the dark.
- I am very anxious when I'm driving somewhere I haven't driven before, but only when there are others in the car.
- I have a fear of water - even the 3 foot deep kiddie rides at amusement parks.
- I can't wash my face completely in the shower. Always have to leave soap off of my eyes so I can constantly open them when I need to.

 

[yomama]

Driving under those big construction cranes... never bothered me before but now all I think of is them falling.

 

[kimberley dawn]

I know I answered before but I get things messed up in my head due to my head's not working correctly with my ptsd and a bit of the language thing.. :O_o:

One really annoying, in aftermath, and terribly energy stealing thing is: I see things only in black or white, ie right or wrong. And if it's wrong and nobody cares, be sure I do!!! Take it on me to fix it 'cause it gives me even more sleep deprivation, and golly-ho do I get in trouble.....

And I loose any sence of taking care of my economics.......

 

[Sandstone]

One has got better
That's the spider one . I was watching a big hairy job walking across the wall, lost track of it and was next aware of it as it walked up my leg. Realised I wasn't scared and can now pick them up in cupped hands.
One has stayed the same
I hate tunnels that pass under water. It's just not natural is it?
But one has got much worse
Linked to the still birth of my first child, I'm phobic of bed pans. Not much of a problem for most, but I work in hospital administation and often have meetings in clinical areas. It's now extending to almost any container in medical use. like those cardboard basins. I can manage them so long as I have a clear view of where they are.
Last time I saw a bed pan face to face I had hysterics. Now I have an escape plan that involves running to hide behind the photocopiers, and I hate to imagine the reactions if I ever put it into practice!

 

[Anna]

Yes. I have a phobia against people. I am scared of people I do not know. I worry and am paranoid that they are evil and may hurt me or my family.

 

[Elphaba]

I am nervous of a lot more things. For example, I don't like tall buildings, or tunnells (that one is understandable), or crowds, or concert halls.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I freak out and hyperventilate in water. I have nightmares about drowning.

None of my trauma was water related.

That doesn't stop me from going faaar out in the ocean. It always freaks my family out. Last time I was so far out that I was swimming with dolphins! WOOT! Most people pay big bucks to do that, and I got to do it for free, despite my fear. Take THAT, stupid phobia!!!