Hi everybody - this is my first post on this forum but I have a few questions that I can't seem to find any answers to.
I experienced trauma two and a half years ago while studying abroad. At the time, I was determined to stick it out and finish the program. However, after overwhelming feelings of loneliness, isolation, and after seeing my attacker again on the street near where I lived, I made the decision to return home. Once I got home and established a routine, everything pretty much returned to normal. I was still afraid to be by myself out at night, but over time, that fear lessened. I even went back to the city of my attack, at the urging of the police, and helped identify the attacker, who is now in jail.
Ten days ago, I arrived back in Europe (different city, same general region) for a graduate program. I assumed that I was over what had happened because I had been back, I had faced the guy, etc. However, it has hit me like a blow in the stomach - the same feelings of isolation, misery, fear, anxiety - and I'm not sure what to do. I spoke to the school psychologist, and all she said was that it sounded like PTSD and that I was very brave for coming back. Not entirely helpful.
I have been debating this in my mind nonstop for the past ten days, and also speaking to some family and friends about it. One of my friends has expressed the opinion that if I don't stay, I'll never get over it. I tend to feel like it might be better to withdraw from the program, return home to a safe environment, and deal with it there. I'm afraid that I won't be able to focus on my schoolwork, something I am already noticing, and I don't want to spend the year living in constant fear.
I would really appreciate any advice. I am really leaning towards withdrawing from the program and returning home. Thanks for any help.
I experienced trauma two and a half years ago while studying abroad. At the time, I was determined to stick it out and finish the program. However, after overwhelming feelings of loneliness, isolation, and after seeing my attacker again on the street near where I lived, I made the decision to return home. Once I got home and established a routine, everything pretty much returned to normal. I was still afraid to be by myself out at night, but over time, that fear lessened. I even went back to the city of my attack, at the urging of the police, and helped identify the attacker, who is now in jail.
Ten days ago, I arrived back in Europe (different city, same general region) for a graduate program. I assumed that I was over what had happened because I had been back, I had faced the guy, etc. However, it has hit me like a blow in the stomach - the same feelings of isolation, misery, fear, anxiety - and I'm not sure what to do. I spoke to the school psychologist, and all she said was that it sounded like PTSD and that I was very brave for coming back. Not entirely helpful.
I have been debating this in my mind nonstop for the past ten days, and also speaking to some family and friends about it. One of my friends has expressed the opinion that if I don't stay, I'll never get over it. I tend to feel like it might be better to withdraw from the program, return home to a safe environment, and deal with it there. I'm afraid that I won't be able to focus on my schoolwork, something I am already noticing, and I don't want to spend the year living in constant fear.
I would really appreciate any advice. I am really leaning towards withdrawing from the program and returning home. Thanks for any help.