Fear Of Social Environments?

[Orsino]

I'm due to start University soon, but one thing is bothering me more than the lack of knowing people there. Ever since I started struggling with PTSD the worst bit for me is dealing with social situations, especially since I had a flashback in front of some ex family friends and well, we never did see them again. Its left me scared of being around new people or those I don't know particularly well just in case it happens again. My lecturers, like during college, have all been informed but it doesn't make it any easier to cope with the worry. Does anyone else have this problem?

 

[Martin Taylor]

Family parties, crowds, and such make me stressed. I just try to focus on something safe or neutral and try not to talk too much. Otherwise I babble. Not much help, I know, but the best I can do right now. How bad are your flashbacks? Mine are pretty internal, so no one sees them - I just get upset on the inside. They probably just think I'm intense or nervous or something.

 

[Jacquie]

Different kinds of people affect me differently. I'm actually ok with the smart people (they arent so IN YOUR FACE and ego based) but the ord-narry peepool, I avoid like the plague. They're hard work and I am too honest right now and might just say what I mean (which they wont like)

I think you might be safer at uni (among intelligent people who have the brains to 'get it') than on the street or in a nightclub, supermarket or bar.

At uni you should be able to say "F**k that just spun me out!" and they are more likely to respond appropriately. You wont have to explain yourself to death so much.

Hugz and go at it ;) Find a 'little' niche group of high flying nuts and enjoy it.

 

[Martin Taylor]

Good answer. Wish I could say that in the office!

 

[BlueKitty]

Definitely have been there.
I've had some flashback/anger outburst out of nowhere around other people, and that really ruined social relationships for me. Not to mention those people who were present or involved during the rage/flashback, but just being around people in general too.

Living in the dorms, especially if you end up with a bunch of first year students.. can be very challenging. Try to see if you can find an RA that you can trust (if you can) and talk to, that could help. Also, staying in touch with counseling staff at student health services at your school can also help.

I am more or less high functioning on the surface, as long as I am in control of myself, on track routine.
For me, it's like taking an exam. I observe and study people's behavior and interaction in social situations to gain the spectrum of normality. Then, when I am in social situation, I recall what I've studied and act it out.

In a way, it is like creating an avatar of me to be shown to others.
I would imagine that this requires near complete detachment from self, but I have no idea how to be emotional or feel anything, so... it works fine for me, it looks like I am 'normal', when I am coping well, having myself well tamed.

I would not recommend doing it though.. I had been trying to feel something (other than bouts of frustration, anger, depression etc) for quite some time now and I am yet to succeed..

Good luck with school, keep us posted how things go!

 

[Orsino]

Thanks for the tips, I'll keep those in mind. Hopefully I won't be staying in the dorms too often as the University is in my home town so im able to keep some familiarity. My enrollment is next week, I also have a meeting with the counselling staff at student services to sort out a plan for me or something so I'll just see how that goes.

 

[anthony yoder]

Yea I think everyone has this issue to an extent these days. What we need, ah I dont know exactly but I know prayer with people I feel truly care helps. Anything with people you feel truly care is the answer. No one should be forced to be in social places they dont feel right or accepted, but it happens. So walk away. I have learned I need to just walk away sometimes, not even say goodbye.

I am not here to fit in with everyone, jah no call me to that, but yea its probobly healthy and may even be god moving you out of a group you need to be free of. Then again, ah I dont know, get some tuff freinds that can woop everyones butt if they mess with you, then go out and speak what you feel. Hope you can break free.

Jesus Christ promised that he that he would set free and you would be free indeed, and I struggle still, but believe he is true to his word, just we have to do some searching and footwork for any results. love is there for all with the savior. just putting in a word. I dont wanna debate religion, no thank you.

One love.

<Edited for paragraphing, spelling and capitalization of the first letter of each sentence. By Amethist>

 

[fox reder]

Im new to this blog, new to all of this in general. I'm actually at a dinner party with friends and its difficult. I'm sitting on the couch and keeping to myself. Today was hard, shopping in a crowded place and lost my cool. Irritated to the Max and almost on the verge of an attack. Any advice on making this day more comfortable? I brought my ptsd workbook just in case, its kind of like a Bible. Just having it around helps but I don't want to just bust it out with company around :(