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Land Of The Living Dead

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shimmerz

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I had a day yesterday. It wasn't like every other day. With my new supports my world is opening up and people are helping me to live life again. I didn't realize that I was living a life that had secluded me so much. So much so that I didn't listen to radio or watch tv, didn't go to stores, barely left my house, I have no idea who political figures are, actors, actresses etc. So as I have been frozen in time, of course, life goes on around me. And really it was a simple task. My SO gave me a bank card to take some money out of. Holy crap! Did this experience ever slap me in the face as to how 'dead' I have actually been.

I won't get into the details as it is a long story, but simply speaking it felt like I did not belong anymore. That I had literally been in a coffin (which I made for myself) and had woken up and tried to function in a world that is very different than it was almost 10 years ago. What a creepy feeling! I could not cope. I got lost (long story) and that is a trigger for me as I get so disoriented so easily, I melted down because I couldn't find an ATM that wasn't going to charge a fee and it wasn't my card, I was late getting the money there while people were waiting for me, I didn't think to ask whether checking or savings, I made probably 10 phone calls asking simple questions that I would have at one time thought through prior to my 'little excursion'. When I reached my destination I swear I felt like I was going to faint. Tears streaming down my eyes - no crying just tears. I felt like a freaking 5 year old given way too much responsibility!

People reminded me that I have improved so much and that even 3 months ago I could not have gone through that without parking my car and passing out somewhere, but I have to tell you that didn't help much. Passing out is easy I have now learned. Feeling how this feels, the idea that me, a woman who lived a very responsible and adult life needs to be 'led' everywhere I go step by step as I melt down and panic and tear up and get overwhelmed and confused. OMG. I feel like this is a trauma in and of itself.

What the he** is wrong with me?????? It is so daunting knowing that I will be attempting to 'step out' again. I have to tell you, I am not certain it is what I want but it is definitely what I have worked towards. I just didn't realize it would feel this way. I thought I would feel victory! Hell no! I feel like a young child and this feels like a totally foreign world, where everything has changed. It feels like I am waking after being dead for 10 years. Horrifying. I wish I could just take in what everyone says I should be feeling - victory. I think I just feel such grief for so many years lost. Shock at how much time I have lost. Panic at how I will survive in this world. Worry that I really don't want to survive in this world because it will just be so much easier to stay in this coffin I have made for myself. I am not religious but God help me. This is so hard.
 
It's not easy. One of the symptoms of PTSD is just what you're talking about. I myself spent almost the whole weekend locked in my room because I was scared people would see me if I went outside. I do get out when I have to, and once I'm out I generally feel alot better. But damn is it hard to open that door. It's just so much easier to stay inside and avoid the world, which can be terrifying, especially if you aren't used to it. Things change so fast that it's really easy to get behind on all the new technology unless you're right on top of it all the time. I'm lucky in that I have friends who do, that explain how all these newfangled gadgets work.

And despite the troubles you had, you should be proud of yourself for stepping out of that coffin. It's hard to come back to life in a world so different, so downright alien. :hug:
 
You didn't pass out. You went out.. You wrote this post about it. Nothing is "wrong" with you. It is right...You are taking small steps to healing, and it is very scary and hurts for lots of reasons.
When I reached my destination I swear I felt like I was going to faint. Tears streaming down my eyes - no crying just tears. I felt like a freaking 5 year old given way too much responsibility!
I understand this.
(((shimmerz)))
 
@HopeforNow thank you. Your kindness is so appreciated. Hugs are so welcome and hugs right back to you.

Today was another one of those days but I will keep trying to step out and hopefully be able to find a balance along the way.
 
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