Hi There-
I am a new member who is dealing with a pretty debilitating symptom of PTSD- chronic shaking. I have also noticed that whenever I have to smile at someone, I experience facial tics (like my face/body is telling me not to smile like it's not safe or something).
I have dealt with lots of abuse throughout childhood and am trying to break the cycle, but because of these symptoms, which make me seem 'weird'; 'antisocial'; 'angry' etc it is impossible to make a good first impression at job interviews/keep jobs. I really need the money but my absolute terror/hostility of people I've learned from a lifetime of trauma makes working with anyone so hard. I don't dislike people but I am afraid of them, and that fear tends to isolate me, because it is so physically obvious. It also attracts bullies/controllling people, furthering the fear.
I bring up money because I have a pattern of not working, being financially dependent on different family members who become abusive once I accept their 'help'.
This shaking happens all day, every day (not just panic attacks). I can lie in bed for hours, or be in school shaking for hours. I seriously do not know how I do it. I can go weeks without getting a break from it. This started when I was 20 (lots of trauma that year), and I am 24 now.
I am just as concerned if not more about my locking jaw. Even when I like someone and want to smile, I usually have an angry flat expression and especially as a woman, this leads to social/work/financial problems. People avoid me because they likely think I'm very very angry (at them even- since I can't seem to smile due to a very locked jaw).
I am wondering if people who struggle with these symptoms have overcome them and been able to go from 'unable' to work to 'able' to work. Somatic therapy was suggested to me. I'm on the fence- some days I wonder if ANYTHING will work- I've tried a lot of things (pills, CBT, DBT, neurofeedback, exercise, meditation, diet)- nothing. I've heard it's benefits are short term too. ? I can't live with these symptoms and have a life.
Has anyone had any success with that somatic therapy? If not, what did work for you? Or did you have to live your whole life with a locked, clenched, shaking body?
Any advice about managing the physical symptoms would be great!
Thanks.
I am a new member who is dealing with a pretty debilitating symptom of PTSD- chronic shaking. I have also noticed that whenever I have to smile at someone, I experience facial tics (like my face/body is telling me not to smile like it's not safe or something).
I have dealt with lots of abuse throughout childhood and am trying to break the cycle, but because of these symptoms, which make me seem 'weird'; 'antisocial'; 'angry' etc it is impossible to make a good first impression at job interviews/keep jobs. I really need the money but my absolute terror/hostility of people I've learned from a lifetime of trauma makes working with anyone so hard. I don't dislike people but I am afraid of them, and that fear tends to isolate me, because it is so physically obvious. It also attracts bullies/controllling people, furthering the fear.
I bring up money because I have a pattern of not working, being financially dependent on different family members who become abusive once I accept their 'help'.
This shaking happens all day, every day (not just panic attacks). I can lie in bed for hours, or be in school shaking for hours. I seriously do not know how I do it. I can go weeks without getting a break from it. This started when I was 20 (lots of trauma that year), and I am 24 now.
I am just as concerned if not more about my locking jaw. Even when I like someone and want to smile, I usually have an angry flat expression and especially as a woman, this leads to social/work/financial problems. People avoid me because they likely think I'm very very angry (at them even- since I can't seem to smile due to a very locked jaw).
I am wondering if people who struggle with these symptoms have overcome them and been able to go from 'unable' to work to 'able' to work. Somatic therapy was suggested to me. I'm on the fence- some days I wonder if ANYTHING will work- I've tried a lot of things (pills, CBT, DBT, neurofeedback, exercise, meditation, diet)- nothing. I've heard it's benefits are short term too. ? I can't live with these symptoms and have a life.
Has anyone had any success with that somatic therapy? If not, what did work for you? Or did you have to live your whole life with a locked, clenched, shaking body?
Any advice about managing the physical symptoms would be great!
Thanks.
