Needing A Break From Friends

[BlueOcean]

Does anyone else experience this??

I have a good friend who has helped me tremendously with my recovery from CPTSD. They too have spent many years recovering and have been a good guide for me.

But, there are times when I feel I need to just be alone for several days. My mind and emotions can't handle talking to them. During these times I feel I need a 'break' from friendships and need to just focus on myself and my day to day stuff instead. I'm happy and enjoy my time to myself.

Then, when I do talk to them again they always tell me how much they miss talking to me, but honestly I feel no emotion about it. I don't miss them at all.

I'm really trying to understand what is going on with me.

 

[Leah123]

Well... to me it doesn't sound like there's anything going on with you, unless there's something more you're distressed about that you haven't mentioned.

Needing alone time is just a natural part of being human. How much and how often varies a little from person to person I suppose, but I don't find it at all odd to want several days to yourself. If you couldn't stand being by yourself ever, that would concern me.

Being comfortable while alone is important, and something a lot of people struggle with or feel insecure about, so if you're comfortable with it, that's good!

 

[Ladyghosthunter]

There are many times that being alone is healthy for you to get your own thoughts straightened out in your head. Maybe you wanted to write that journal you've always wanted to do or clean the house or do something CONSTRUCTIVE for yourself. Maybe you just need what I call a "time out" from people in general. Unfortunately, that isn't happening but I will make it happen soon because my whole life does NOT revolve around people wanting me to be around people. No one seems to understand that I just don't want to be around people all the time, that I need to be alone to do my own thing.
I know where you're coming from. I do.

 

[BlueOcean]

@Leah123 Thank you for your support! Loved your point about needing time alone is natural:) I guess spending time alone is still something new. I've been so used to being wrapped up with other people that to not be with people, feels weird.

@Ladyghosthunter Thanks for your support :) I am able to do constructive things like cleaning out my apartment of things I don't use or want any more. Feels great to get rid of unnecessary things.

 

[KwanYingirl]

My friends are very supportive of my journey even though they don't understand having flashbacks and dissociating. I, too, like to be alone this is just who I am. I don't need to be around people constantly. I think it is perfectly natural to enjoy your alone time. Those of us with PTSD benefit from quiet time to help relax and not be overstimulated.[DOUBLEPOST=1402606926,1402606858][/DOUBLEPOST]My friends are very supportive of my journey even though they don't understand having flashbacks and dissociating. I, too, like to be alone this is just who I am. I don't need to be around people constantly. I think it is perfectly natural to enjoy your alone time. Those of us with PTSD benefit from quiet time to help relax and not be overstimulated.

 

[BlueOcean]

@KwanYingirl Thank you :)
You are very lucky to have such amazing friends!

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I don't think there is anything wrong with you. I do, however, think there may be an issue with the friend who cannot stand to be "out of touch" for a few days. (Am I the only one who thinks this is weird?) I have friends I'm close to, but we all lead separate lives, and as such it just isn't possible to check in with everyone every day, or even every other day. Sometimes its as little as once a week or so, and sometimes, even longer periods of time elapse between contact. Sometimes one of us will apologize for being out of contact, but it is understood that we get sidetracked with life and its not an indication of how we feel about each other. I would never say to a friend "I've missed you so much!" after only a few days apart. Again, that just seems weird and a bit too clingy to me.

 

[BlueOcean]

@Solara I agree :) I wasn't sure if they were being clingy.
They have helped me through a lot of dark periods in my life and continue to be supportive in my healing, so clingy is a trait I have to just deal with. It's minor thing. They're never upset with me.