Isolation and ptsd . how to cope when it's both a trigger and coping method

[Taylor M]

Okay, I hope I put this is the correct part of this forum.

I went through an emotionally abusive relationship where I was isolated and controlled for 3 years (among other things) and isolation is both a trigger for me and a way I try to cope. I'm wondering how to handle this? When I start to isolate for an extended period of time, it's really effects me (like tonight). It triggers me, with what I went through (not having control over being able to go out and being isolated inside all day for nearly 3 years.) It's become something I'm familiar with and way to cope with the PTSD, but like I've said, it's a trigger. What are some things that could help? I have issues with trust after what I've gone through and also difficultly feeling close to other people and overall just feel like other's don't understand what I've gone through and all.

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

I totally understand what you're talking about. I enjoy the quiet but silence is triggering for me. I think there is a difference between isolating and quiet and silence. Isolating is exactly that. A kind of hiding out almost. Having quiet is to still have sounds even if it's nature or soft music but there just isn't loud traffic or shouting for example. And then there is silence. Which is no sound. And for me it's way too close to isolating and it's triggering to me.

What I like to do is sit in the quiet. And if I start to notice myself feeling anxious or triggered in some way I put on some music or I need to leave the room and go be near someone. Either that or go outside. But I can't sit in silence for too long. It's just too triggering for me.

 

[tired of the fight]

I understand as well. The quiet and silence can be a catch 22 . I get the isolation trigger and yet a way to try and cope. I can't stand the silence. I joined today and have read a lot and am learning a more things about PTSD and myself. I've got to learn some more coping techniques for triggers and the ever nagging anxious feeling.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

Just wanted you to know that I experience this too and one source of my trauma comes from a 3 year relationship with a sociopath where I was isolated and in fear all of the time.

Sorry for your pain. I know it's difficult especially if you were once a vibrant extrovert like I was.

 

[Taylor M]

These last few months I've been busy with school and it has helped push me to get out of my apartment more often, which has lessened my PTSD due to it forcing me to get out of my apartment. Though this semester will be ending in about a month and a week and will have 2-3 weeks before I have a Jterm.

Next summer I won't be doing class and wondering how should I prepare for that and make sure I leave my apartment more and not isolate?

 

[InsideAWord]

Homegirl, you have no idea how much I get where you're coming from. Loveable isolation combined with agoraphobia is a bitch.

I would say that I was both afraid of being alone yet afraid of strangers for a month after my trauma. I was wrongfully arrested and held in a jail cell for 4 days with violent offenders. Since then, my case has been dropped because... well, I didn't do anything. Anyways, it was really hard on my family because I kept calling my mother, my sister, and my future brother in law. When I didn't have school or work, I was sitting on someone's couch just wasting away in front of the television because I was too afraid to be alone yet I was too afraid of being out in public, so I had to find some awkward medium that still didn't feel quite safe to me, but it was the best I could muster.

Now, I just always give myself little tasks to do. I have task lists everywhere. I just don't like to be alone without something to keep my hands and mind occupied.