Every Time I See A Red Jeep Grand Cherokee . . .

[WTHdoIdoNOW]

Unfortunately, there are a lot of red Jeep Grand Cherokee's on the road. But it's the vehicle my ex used to drive, and every time I see one I have a panic attack (heart pounds, dizziness, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, etc). Which really sucks because I'm usually driving at the time and a few times I've been scared that I'd drive right off the road.

Even though I know this anxiety is part of the complex PTSD, it doesn't make it any easier to deal with or handle. I've tried to "desensitize" myself by looking at pictures of red jeeps online and reminding myself that it's not the jeep itself that hurt me.

The stupid thing is that he doesn't even drive the jeep anymore; now he has a 2 door red car that looks completely different. But I still react to the stupid red Jeep Grand Cherokees. it makes me so mad!

I feel like I should be beyond this in my healing process, bt my therapist says there's no time table on how long I'll be triggered by certain things. Still, it would be nice to know that there will come a time when I won't react like this. Because it totally SUCKS!

 

[VDWngr1355]

I have the same problem. My ex's car is a black Expedition. And any large black car that looks like it from a decent starts increasing my stress levels and blurred vision. Although, it has gotten better with time but it is still hard.

 

[janej32]

Same thing here. Any car that slightly resembled my ex's made my heart race. Over the past few months it hasn't been as bad though. I hope it gets better for you!

 

[AngelaMarie]

My bio-mom from hell drove a white cherokee. I am so very thankful I live in Europe now and never have to see that vehicle!!!!

 

[Airplane789]

I can relate to 'bio-mom from hell.' I had been saying 'family' and 'parents' but I don't feel related to them and we haven't had contact in years.

Yesterday I discovered that I am allergic to one particular lesson in college algebra. As soon as the professor wrote 'irrational numbers' on the board, I felt like someone was choking me and that I couldn't breathe, and my senses were blurred. I know why. When I was taught this about 10 years ago, I was in danger at home because of 'bio-mom from hell.'

Unfortunately the class is required and spending endless hours looking at the lessons is necessary. Will this get easier in time? How?

Thanks everyone.

Emma

 

[AngelaMarie]

Emma, I don't know if it will get easier or not. We are all different. I wish you the very best of luck and strength!!