Socializing And People = Draining

[Deleted member 31998]

No matter how much I try, even one on one time is exhausting. My alone time is what I cherish the most. Thoughts?

 

[Panda Bear]

Welcome to being an introvert with PTSD.

It sucks, it can be draining and so exhausting at times. It's best served when you know your limits and can read/best judge how your body is currently functioning. And then make sure you listen.

My home is my refuge, I used to feel bad for not being able to handle frequent social interaction, but now I understand my body and can better gauge my time. So, I can be around people and still rest when needed.

 

[Ronin]

Go to events that are most like what you'd do on your own, and focus on the parts that are calming you, even with people around, not about those people?

It might be still draining, but survivable, doing your own thing and focusing on doing your stuff.

 

[illusionist]

I've learned what kind of people I actually enjoy interacting with and tend to stick with them. I love my own space with nature, but equally enjoy short doses of people.

 

[Seasounds]

As an introvert, I live with this challenge, as well. The other posts in this thread have been what have helped me.

Since PTSD causes anxiety-that came from living in the world, while encountering other people and things, it totally makes since that many people with PTSD, like myself, seek harbor by themselves. Since I do also long for peaceful connections and community, I have, bit by bit, explored ways of connecting to my 'inner safety' while being around other people. This has helped me form a few friends, and has increased my happiness.
(And engaging others and the world is always a challenge.)

 

[Toronto guy]

I can relate... I am most comfortable in my own company and value it. Protect it, even. But I also long to be able to connect on social levels without feeling so drained -- I find that hard to reconcile, the desire to be more present socially and the reaction it provokes.

 

[Notsowild]

I'm an introvert with PTSD. I would rather be alone and not face the world. But then if I'm alone too much I get clostraphobic and need to get out. It's a catch 22 for me. I try to balance between the two.

 

[hotrod351]

thats why i ended up being a roofer, work by myself. i was smart enough to get a license, more money, but still worked by myself. always looked at as a really good work out and pays good too. ive had maybe 3 friends in my life, im 65 now, and thats it. wont let people in. been with the same woman for 42 years, thinking she must have PTSD, well at least by now she must. but women are funny, youll never figure out how they think or why they think the way they do. good think i think, at least for me it is.

 

[EveHarrington]

Can you limit your time with others?

I'm ok around people, but tend to avoid party type situations. They are incredibly draining.

 

[The Black Phoenix]

I'm going to echo what everyone else is saying... It's very hard. I have a few core friends who understand my need for private time, and when I ask for it they always respect that and don't get offended when I bow out of events and don't take every offered invitation. I also don't have any friends who are hard-core extroverts. I don't think they would get me. My natural tendancy is to lock myself up the in the house and never leave. I try to counteract that by getting out at least every other day, even if that just means going to the park and people watching.

 

[void]

No matter how much I try, even one on one time is exhausting. My alone time is what I cherish...

I relate with you on this issue.

1. Are you just ....an introvert - or - is there a social skill component?

2. Do you long for socialization but find it exhausting? - or - Do you NOT want the socialization and forcing yourself to do it anyway... is exhausting?

Please clarify why you socialize.

 

[crazytrain]

Same here...I work around people every day for at least ten hours per day...extremely draining for me, but that's just work and what I have to do right now in order to pay my mortgage, albeit a small one...Life happens and I can't seem to control what it throws at me, lol! I do long for one person in my life that I can rely on, but I can't seem to find anyone that is very trustworthy around here, unfortunately...Thank goodness I have one brother with whom I can speak freely with, and be real with...He is my best friend and closest confidante!