How do you come out of isolation?

[hereinsd09]

Hello All - I was hoping you have some advice,
I've been isolating myself for three years now and Im not sure how to stop. I go to work and put on a happy face, I have lots of "work friends", but I come home alone and isolate. I have destroyed every relationship in my life over the past few years through angry outbursts and various crazy PTSD behaviors. Im back on meds now and starting therapy again so I hope that helps. I just find friends and socializing to be totally overwhelming. Dating and getting romantic with someone is out of the question right now. Most times I just want to be left alone. How do I come out of isolation and rebuild a healthy social network?

 

[piratelady]

I am currently trying to build a life for myself outside of work. I am in the very early stages of this goal. What I did to start, is I looked for things I truly enjoyed doing on my own or pre-PTSD, then I looked for opportunities to use those things to get back out there. For example: I used to enjoy church before my abuser got me to stop going. I have found a new church and will try going there and maybe meeting new people.

I also enjoy running - there is a local running group that runs together, but also has gatherings like BBQ's, Christmas Parties, stuff like that. I think it would be an opportunity to use something I enjoy to get back into the world.

So, maybe look at the things you enjoy and see if you can use them as a stepping stone to creating a balance in your life?

 

[angel2write]

I think having a relationship is basically about sharing yourself. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with a therapist and on this forum is a good place to start. Once you get more comfortable being "you" and being open about what's going on with you, you may feel more interested in relationships with other people.

Meanwhile, I think it's great you're able to have work friends and manage in the work place! A lot of people on here aren't even capable of that when they first start.

 

[hereinsd09]

Thanks for the advice .... I guess you are right superficial work friends are better than nothing at all

 

[celia]

Try Bikram Yoga...I heard its a huge medicine for mind body and soul and have experienced that in doing this I was able to start my healing process of a break up with my sufferer. I also read that it helps PTSD symptoms. Try a Bikram Yoga class. I wish the best for you