I need advice please...

[Debbie87]

Is it normal for someone with ptsd and anxiety to back off from the people they love and show more attention to social media 'friends'?

 

[Deleted member 34328]

Yes! Absolutely.

Ptsd makes us pull inward. A protective shield.

People on media (forum) are safer since here, we get it, but you also have a great measure of anonymity. You control what you say and who you say it to.

No looks or important personal space invaded.

That is a very interesting observation. A good thing to think about.

 

[Debbie87]

Yes! Absolutely.

Ptsd makes us pull inward. A protective shield.

People on media (forum) are safe...

Thank you, a friend of mine who has ptsd, I know my friend cares about me but shuts me out sometimes. I can send a direct message and nothing back. Even if I've done something nice. It's just difficult sometimes. I'm going through my own stuff myself, I recently had emdr to try and recover repressed memories.

Any other advice on how to handle this would be appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 34328]

Sounds rough. You might want to browse through some of the "supporters" threads. There may be lots of ideas on how to reach out as well as get support yourself. Others with similar experience would be happy to help out. Support you.

What your friend is doing sounds completely consistent to me.

 

[Justmehere]

Perhaps try asking your friend, without blaming or shaming, but with non-judgemental curiosity, why they pull back sometimes.

Otherwise, I'd suggest broadening your network of support and friendship. Then if one person can't step in at the moment, there are others who might be able to do so.

 

[Fadeaway]

Social media requires less emotional effort and energy. Relationships are stressful even if it is good stress. Good stress can be just as overwhelming as negative stress. When you care about someone you are emotionally involved in what goes on in their life and with PTSD and when we are over stressed due to other things we tend tend to avoid stress in general, not just bad stress.

There is usually less stress involved with social media friends. It is evidence your friend cares more about you than them.

I would just let them know you understand so they don't feel guilty, tell them you are there for them if they need you and leave it at that.

 

[St.Maybe]

I think it is normal, but when you're dealing with people who care for you and your feelings, even if they're struggling with issues related to ptsd-- it's also normal for them to show empathy even if they find it difficult to directly change those behaviors.

I know I have a big issue with staying in contact with my loved ones when I'm struggling or disconnecting/isolating. Gentle (ultra gentle) reminders that I'm cared for and that it's hurtful or troubling not to hear back tend to help me reconnect with folks.

 

[Joan]

absolutely yes!

 

[Debbie87]

Thank you everyone who replied, I really appreciate you all taking the time to. I understand better now and what you are saying makes sense. I'm hoping to see the friend soon and talk to them in person and I might just clarify to them that I there if them need me and that I can understand in a way I didn't before.

 

[Butterflies2023]

You are awesome. I wished my friend could have been there fir me in the same way. PTSD - I am over stimulated by people quickly. Social media is great support from time to time. Like today! Truly though - people quickly overstimulate me. I find for past five years that hiking and connecting with nature has helped keep me balanced even though my friends and family may feel I don't reach out to them enough they have come to understand - I think they are reading more about it. Reading about PTSD - several books - helped a great deal.