Socializing How With Ptsd?

[InHell11]

So I don't know how to avoid negative topics to try to find support for problems like what I have to face to survive, so yeah i want help with that so I can give surviving as a 23 year old bum a chance

 

[Ricanoland]

Socializing is horrible for me. I force myself into crowed places, testing myself. I don't go places when I know the day will be rough for me. Its really a guessing game for me, but sometimes its worth guessing yes. For a while I won't talk on Facebook then I will force myself to speak to many people, after that I will push myself to hang out with one of the them. Its really depends on what is going on in my life. I wish I could give you helpful tools but at 20 years old myself, I am new at this game.

 

[Shellbell]

I am finding socializing very difficult. I pretty much avoid everyone except one friend who really understands the PTSD. Noisy, crowded places are completely out for me these days. My anxiety is pretty bad and I'm still learning how to manage that.

My T is concerned I am withdrawing too much and has suggested socializing in small steps - like meeting people for coffee in a non-noisy, non-busy place and building it when I can from there.

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

One problem (of several) with socializing for me is nightfall. The hyper vigilance of parking in a safe place, then, getting back to the car. The tension of it takes the supposed relaxation of socializing gets replaced with muscle tension. And, since I'm a smoker... I'm more willing to put effort in during summer when nightfall doesn't come so quickly.

 

[maddog]

I too find it ever increasingly difficult to socialise and have to work hard and constantly to avoid complete social isolation. My T has encouraged me to work with a formula of context, person and timing, ie, ensuring that the context or situation is relatively non-threatening (usually quiet places with few people and lots of fresh air and space), choosing my social contact wisely (safe, supportive and non-judgmental people) and keeping the contacts relatively brief so that I am able to leave before becoming exhausted and overwhelmed. In this way, I can maximise my chances of it being a positive experience and therefore one I am more likely to repeat.

It's really difficult. I too currently have only one friend and my T who I am willing to catch up with, everything else is a struggle, but sadly, a necessary one.

Maddog

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

a formula of context, person and timing, ie, ensuring that the context or situation is relatively non-threatening (usually quiet places with few people and lots of fresh air and space), choosing my social contact wisely (safe, supportive and non-judgmental people) and keeping the contacts relatively brief

That's a great formula to keep in mind. I'm going to keep that near my car keys!

 

[Violet03]

I have never been comfortable socializing, but it has gotten terrifying since developing my PTSD. At this point I wish I didn't have to go anywhere or see anyone. What makes this incredibly hard is I have a teenage daughter who needs socialization. I am constantly pushed past my comfort level.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Idk how to socialize. I let people come to me. I never reach out or make any sort of first move. Extreme fear of rejection here. Ugh.

 

[TxGypsy]

About the only 'socializing' I do is with other folks that understand what makes me twitch. I ride with the Patriot Guard(mostly motorcyclists that stand a flag line and ride escort at veterans funerals). I first started doing this as a way to honor veterans, but ended up getting so much more out of it. Most of the other riders are veterans and very understanding of my PTSD symptoms. It is very soothing to be around others that actually, really do understand.

Other than that I mostly avoid people and hang out with my mini-schnauzer.

 

[Sues]

I have trust issues. So I don't trust new people I meet. I have trouble opening up to people because of it. I have 2 close friends and I do feel comfortable with them. They are long time friends, so that's why I am comfortable. It's hard to socialize in any form when I'm afraid for my safety. I can't even tell anyone where I live, and I don't want to. (My ex was abusive and I'm hiding from him) I will always wonder if my ex sent someone to friend me to find out about me. I never want to have a relationship with another man because of what happened in my past. So that is very limiting, and not something that I want to explain to anyone. So I also feel like I can't socialize. It basically sucks.

 

[DharmaGirl]

It is hard for me to socialize too, so I pick things where I am doing something. Things like the dog park, going to the farmers market, going to yard sales. That way there are distractions.

 

[Violet03]

That is pretty much the only way I am comfortable being in public. If I am in control of my surroundings, such as by things you mentioned monster, I am usually ok. Otherwise, if it involves just being in a room with a bunch of people that I may have to talk to I have major anxiety. I hate those kind of social gatherings.