Teenage Rebellion, In My 30's?

[Spiderallis]

I think I'm entering into teenage rebellion. I'm 32 years old. Seems like this might be more of a multiple traumas beginning in childhood type of ptsd problem, but I'm scared. I know I didn't grow when I was numb and shut-down. I've only been working on the PTSD for the past year or so, but it seems to be childhood onset. Did anyone else go through a teenage rebellion phase? How long does it usually last?

I noticed when I decided to stretch the piercings in my ears. I want plugs. People my age are more likely to be taking plugs out and hoping the holes shrink down. Also debating a wild hair style... something not at all age-appropriate that I really like.

Is this healthy? As part of the healing process it seems like a good idea. If I don't get too outrageous, it shouldn't be harmful- right? I'm so darn confused.

 

[71nothing]

I think I'm entering into teenage rebellion.

Me too but at age 41.

I want to go out partying every weekend. I'm pretty pathetic the way I look for others my age to go out with. They are all wanting family time and I'm raring to go at all hours.

I feel like I'm living a part of my life that I was robbed of. Now that I'm healing I have a need to gain this part of my life back. On top of that my husband left me and our five teenage sons about 7 months ago and that also left me with this wild sense of freedom. I also find that I am gaining a level of self-confidence that I've never experienced in my life before.

Anyway, as far as it being healthy or not I'm not sure. I think to a degree it certainly is. I think in my case I take the drinking a bit too far and always regret that part of it. As far as the rest of it I'm enjoying it.

 

[Philippa]

I just had work done on my first tattoo the other day and I'm considering a piercing? I'm 38! I chose not to get any of those things done in my twenties and now I seem to be wanting them all of a sudden? I also experienced more angst in my thirties than I did in my teens? What's up with that?

 

[Privateer]

Heh. I seem to be enjoying a second crack at my youth recently, too. I've been partying more, getting more enthusiastic about all the things I used to enjoy and all sorts.
I think it may be directly linked to the fact that I'm finally back in an exciting, dangerous frontline job after rotting for so long in an ops room. I finally feel like me again.

 

[shadowchaser]

It's normal. My hair color this week is ash blond. I have new tattoos constantly (method of preventing self injury and rebelling I guess) and there are several piercings I've been looking into. Many of us who have had different childhoods are finding them now. I thought it was impressive when my 70 year old aunt got her first ever tattoo. I was proud of her.

 

[Spiderallis]

Awesome. Glad it's not just me- imagine the trouble we could get into together!

I think I got the partying out of my system. That was part of how I missed growing up the first time around. There's a big hazy blur when I try to remember actually being a teenager... Maybe I'll try the geek route this time.

And Shadowchaser, your aunt rocks. That's too cool, you've got good reason to be proud of her.

 

[shadowchaser]

Love my aunt lol.

 

[maddog]

I think that where you have interrupted or disrupted developmental phases in a child/adolescent's life, at some point those phases are going to need to run their course, and whether it's age appropriate or not by conventional standards, when our brain is in that place, then... it's in that place.

I'm far from my teenage years yet, at age 31... still very much tumbling through my early childhood. I might hit adolescence by about age 50!

Maddog

 

[Jlso111187]

I am twenty-five and I am still in the teenage rebellion stage. I get tattooed of peirced as much as I can and as ofton as I can. So I know your thoughts. I have peircings in places most people wouldnt get them.

I keep hoping one day I will grow out of it as I look at tattooing and peircing as a way of self mutalation in which I cant really hurt my self. I do some peircings on my own as I have apprenticed with a licenced peircer. With each stab of the needle it lets a little hurt go and thats why I do it.

 

[Spiderallis]

I wonder if anyone has researched the cross-over between self injury and body modification. Seems like a lot of people redirect into tattoos and piercings during their recovery. Does it help to consider that it'd mess up the design when an urge strikes? Sorry if that's rude to ask, just trying to understand.

For me it's kind of reclaiming ownership of myself. I'm a bit heavy on the depersonalization end of things, customizing reminds me that I'm mine. It's a territorial marking.

 

[Jlso111187]

Spiderallis, I don't really understand your question.

I do them so I don't self harm. Its a way for me to feel as feeling numb all the time is so hard. I do it to make sure I'm still alive.

 

[KP the nut]

I finally feel like me again.

Good for you. It is a good feeling to have. Try and hold onto it.