How do i deal with halloween when i have ptsd?

[Jessica Marie]

None of my Trauma Anniversaries fall on this day, but I have extreme paranoia especially at night (because that is when all of my childhood and teen trauma happened).
My biggest symptoms from my PTSD is anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and night terrors.

I am new here, but I'm in college and have a draft of a paper due tomorrow. I have not been able to focus because of my anxiety and paranoia... now as the night goes on it is just getting worse. I don't know what to do. I feel helpless. But I DO NOT want to let this bring me down.. but it seems like it always does.

Please tell me I'm not alone.

HELP.

 

[Ronin]

Not alone.

Okay, what parts of this paper can you do? Think of it smaller, not as one big paper, but sections you know where to start - or at least have a remotest of an idea what should go there.

Is there anywhere calm enough / safe enough you could sit and focus well?

This is manageable, and if it won't be now, you'll do it later. :)

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

Welcome, (((Jessica Marie)))
You are SO NOT ALONE!!! We ALL have a personal knowledge of horror in one way or another! Here, you will be SURROUNDED with support and understanding!

Can you light a scented candle, and put on your favorite music, and maybe even get up and dance around the room...I know it may sound corny, but if you keep as many of your senses busy, it helps dissipate the anxiety...

About the paper, can you start by first writing down the points you want to make...even just a word that makes you remember the point you want to make...maybe set a timer for 15 minutes....turn on some dance music,
"Uptown Funk" has great dance potential...
Then write for a few minutes. The idea is to cut the night up into manageable pieces.

I am just brainstorming here...I hope that you don't sleep in the dark. (I don't and I turn 60 in a few day) I used to do what I called the
"Disco Dork" to perk up my surroundings. There wasn't anyone around so I danced all over the place! (Celebrate the fact that you are in college...that's REALLY BIG!!!

Sharing things can help get your swirling thoughts out of your head. We are listening, and you can even chat! (I am chat phobic, but some people like it)

Sending you BLESSINGS, and a HUGE, GIANT WELCOME!!! Compassion, caring, and understanding are plentiful here!

I hope to "see" you around!:hug:

AKJ
<Moderator edit to remove image. You can read more about this, here: Administrative - Posting Images: When Its Ok, And When It's Not.

 

[Joan]

Yes as others have said you are not alone. I hate Halloween...the anticipation of a knock on the door, the creepiness of people hidden behind masks, etc.

I am so sorry that you are facing this and still trying to get a paper done. Are there things that help you at times with anxiety? music, warm bath, coloring, writing??

I agree with what others have said about breaking it down into small bits and pieces.

Take sweet care of yourself. Do something that comforts you. We can do this and make it through this frightening night.

 

[Jessica Marie]

Not alone.

Okay, what parts of this paper can you do? Think of it smaller, not as one big paper, but sect...

I have a very good idea of what I want/need to discuss in this paper... the problem is forming the thoughts/words that make sense and go together logically.
My safest place..for me.. is always at home..surrounded by my two dogs and cats..and my husband who will be home from work soon.

My problem is during these moments, hours, even days of overwhelming anxiety it's so hard to focus on anything else. It's like I'm trapped in my own mind and trapped in the anxiety.

 

[Jessica Marie]

Welcome, (((Jessica Marie)))
You are SO NOT ALONE!!! We ALL a perso...

Thank you so much

 

[Ronin]

It's like I'm trapped in my own mind and trapped in the anxiety.

You have words, though. Even words to share about the anxiety.

Maybe think of it as less a trap, as you're already on your way out with verbalizing?

 

[Jessica Marie]

You have words, though. Even words to share about the anxiety.

Maybe think of it as less a trap, as you'r...

I feel like it's easier to write about how I'm feeling than an essay for my American Literature class...lol... I'm not being graded here or worried about it effecting my GPA.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

No ideas, just wanted to let you know you aren't alone in being fearful at holloween. I'm with you! :hug:

 

[Ronin]

I feel like it's easier to write about how I'm feeling than an essay for my American Literature class...lol...

Maybe write about how you're feeling about American literature, just include more reasoning as to why, why would you feel different if only those authors changed XYZ in their work, or published it later with different lens, or if they learned to write for students like you, which in turn can turn into comparative essay on contempory literature as contrasted to what you're studying.... things like that. Start with that feeling, use it for the task. :)

 

[Jessica Marie]

Maybe write about how you're feeling about American literature, just include more reasoning as to why, why...

A great idea! Unfortunately it's a very specific type of paper based on a certain author and piece of literature, so I don't have that much room to be so creative.

 

[Gs172003]

What I did? Left lol went for a walk til it was over.