Move Increasing Symptoms?

[Chosen]

I moved to Indianapolis 3 weeks ago from Wisconsin. Since I've been here, I've had increased symptoms, realizations, and memories from the earliest trauma. I was not expecting this since I thought I had mostly resolved it and that a change in location would be good for me. But now I'm wondering.

--Does a change in location make me feel safe enough to remember and to feel what happened when I was younger?

Has anyone experienced that? I can't find information on it. I feel like I'm going crazy now! I hadn't had to deal with this for over a year, so it's really annoying and frustrating.

 

[Leah Morgan]

Sending my best wishes I hope your symptoms easy soon.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Maybe the symptom spike is just because you're stressed? Overflowing stress cup?

:hug:

 

[Dana1010]

I remember when I attempted to relocate once years ago. I felt like I was going crazy too. It was like a review of my entire life was forced on me out of nowhere. I spent more time on the hotel room bed in fetal position than I did looking for a job. I ran out of money and went home.

It sucks that you're experiencing this. It's been my great white hope to to leave town and relocate where no one knows me, get away from all the bad memories. Do you have a job? Maybe you should try staying busy. Have you met anyone? Maybe you should try a meditation group. Do you have a therapist there yet?

 

[Eternum]

Wow @Noah I am echoing your situation here. I had no problems for 5 years and then I move and BAM. That's exactly why I signed up today.

It sounds like your instincts are good about why it's happening.

I'm going to quote what @WillyKat pointed out in my intro thread:

PTSD is like Coyote the Trickster or Loki. You get to thinking you've made progress when you haven't. The train tunnel you've painted on the canyon wall has a real train in it coming right at you.

On the other hand, sometimes crashing can be a good sign. I'm inclined to think the latter. In your case, like with me about three years ago, it could mean you're ready to deal with things, round 2, that you may not have been ready before.

 

[Chosen]

thank you everyone. It helps to know I'm not going crazy at least!

 

[Go Hungry]

Yes, the move can do that. Moving is just a stressful thing, and in my experience, any added stress can aggravate my symptoms. It's not that moving is bad per se, actually it can be alot of fun.. but even a beneficial stress can set it off. I remember that preparing for my wedding had me tied in knots on some days, even though it was something I looked forward to.

So no, you aren't going crazy.. You're experiencing a completely natural response for anyone, much less somebody with our illness. :hug:

 

[shimmerz]

Moving is super stressful Noah. I totally get it, having moved cross country last week. I found the 'moving part' to be the most stressful. It can get confusing sometimes because for me, once I get to where I am supposed to be I am okay, but I find I decompress when I arrive, making me feel like I am all screwed up because I have arrived. If that makes any sense.

 

[riverbrook]

I moved to Indianapolis 3 weeks ago from Wisconsin. Since I've been here, I've had increased symptoms, real...

Noah. I hope you feel better.

I just joined MY PTSD. I have the four different PTSD events in my life. I didn't know what PTSD was when the symptoms began. Wow. I was really scared. When I tried to move to another state, some of the symptoms faded. But I was lonelier than ever. This didn't work too long.

I was kidnapped for two days at knife point. Three years later I was in a 8.5 earthquake and following 40 ft Tsunami. Five years later I was stalked. Just a little later someone attempted to kill me.

I live in Maryland. What would I expect?

I can tell you dogs and cats provide huge relief from PTSD. Besides being very cute, and wonderful and playful. They also allowed me to focus on something other than the tears, flashbacks, and hypervigellence.

I will add something for PTSD folks. This one is real.

I did not know I had hypervigelnce. I spelled it wrong. Wheres my spell check. I can't survive without a spell check.

I was very hypervigelant. (Spelling). I saw small things after I was kidnapped as perceived threat.

I got in alot of trouble.

PTSD seems to be that emotional pain that people love to hate.

They didn't get what PTSD was. They were not supportive.

But I realized today. I just got insurance. I'm going to see a counselor about my hypervigelance.

It's embarassing. Hypervigallence has been the worst symptom for me, besides insomnia, and flashbacks.