Panic When Someone Doesn't Text Back

[Deleted member 38644]

I thought it was just me until @Junie-pie said something. I panic when someone doesn't respond to my text. I text back repeatedly in panic thinking I did something wrong to them or Im scared I'm getting on their nerves.

 

[turtlemoon]

I do not panic over texts, but do constantly fret over whether or not I am a burden on people, or if I have done something to make my partner mad, etc etc.

I think it comes from the same place... I assume your PTSD stems from abuse? Mine does.

I am pretty sure it is a self worth thing. Our abusers did their best to convince us that we are somehow inherantly wrong, broken, awful, and otherwise worthless. That we just exist to fail and mess things up... or we convince ourselves that we do while struggling to keep it together dealing with all our symptoms.

I would suggest talking with your friends, or instead of apologizing for long texts directly, just thank them for listening. You do not need to apologize for being a person.

And with texts... don't forget how many things can distract someone from responding back. Work, family, errands, another call, or just plain forgetfullness. If the person you are texting is someone who cares about you they will get back when they can.

 

[Deleted member 38644]

Yes domestic among others

I do not panic over texts, but do constantly fret over whether or not I am a burden on people, or if...

 

[turtlemoon]

Oh geeze... the alert came up, and I instently felt a flash of anxiety when I saw my post had been quoted, hoping I had said the right thing. Over here shaking my head and laughing at myself. Stupid PTSD is stupid.

Really sorry to hear that. :/ Mine was childhood abuse, and 6 months ago I was assaulted. Some other stuff too, but those are the big ones.

 

[Overcoming]

Yeah, I usually start to worry that I'm burdening others if I don't hear back. And sometimes the content of the message is benign, like an everyday conversation, nothing super deep. I imagine them being annoyed that I sent yet another text. In reality, I usually don't text back to back or anything, and sometimes go a couple of days before sending anything else. Yes, I do think it stems from my HX of abuse. Like, how could anyone simply like me or be my friend for who I am, when I hardly like me. You're not alone.

 

[Esterio]

I thought it was just me until @Junie-pie said something. I panic when someone...

hi Lauren I feel the same way, it happens lots. I would like to think there is a good reason but I don't know what that would be. yesterday i was in a text conversation with a long time friend and he asked me how i am doing. So I told him and never heard anything back. I'm not sure how to deal with that. Do I need walls in some places. I think that goes against healing we need to open up not close in.
thanks for the post Lauren
Peace and Be Safe