Weird mental states

[Lisamarieaxo]

@Lisamarieaxo - I've been feeling what you've described for a long while now and haven't been sure how to term it or even describe it. I'm sorry you're also dealing with something similar. I have been thinking I need structure as well, along with a job. I think a job would provide a great deal of the structure I need, but I think personal interaction when I can manage it might help as well. I don't feel quite human many days. It's very disconcerting, frustrating and discouraging. I hope you can find some relief for yourself and have better days ahead. VB

Thank you dear. It does help so much when others have had this same experience. It ACTUALLY KEEPS ME GOING. So I can not thank you enough for validating me and giving me hope. If you are making it maybe I can too. I return to this thread to help myself. Thank you

 

[Lisamarieaxo]

@Lisamarieaxo, I know where you are. I have been there. Your brain will heal and there will be a day when you aren’t feeling this.

When you face a life or death situation, as you have, your brain filters out things that are not important to your survival, like the glass of water. There’s a theory that the brain is getting you ready to pass painlessly into death. One element of PTSD is reliving your trauma.

I remember feeling like I couldn’t move fast enough, they I didn’t understand what was being said, I couldn’t figure out how to make decisions. I couldn’t even make a sandwich if there were any distractions. Then there was the anxiety, I couldn’t stand still, but I was too anxious to go anywhere. I had vivid images of suiciding. I had flashbacks when I tried to work out, and nothing else made me comfortable.

Looking back, I know that a lot of that was reliving my trauma. It isn’t comfortable to go through, but these thoughts are caused by the trauma. These aren’t thoughts your brain would have if you had not gone through the trauma. In other words, you are not crazy. This is a phase in your healing. It sucks and it’s uncomfortable, but it’s like going through a surgery that will ultimately help you live better- understand that you will be in pain for a while, but that it won’t last forever.

Meds can help.

@Lisamarieaxo - keep reaching out.
You will get through this.

Hugs,
IQC

Hello! I was re reading this as it helps me in those weird moments. Can you tell me how you healed? My trauma was so very long ago.. my first year of life and most of my childhood. Nothing since adulthood.. or nothing since last 10 years except a lot of losses. ?

 

[IceQueencop]

Hello @Lisamarieaxo - I am not healed, my trauma was chronic and adult, so different, but bodies and brains only have limited reactions.
The book #posttraumaticgrowth helped me to think behind post traumatic stress and PTSD. I will say I tried reading other similar themed books, but this is the one that gave me hope.
Exercise helps clear the weird mental states and calms the brain and body. Meditation and visual imagery help too. My dog gets the Mohawk thing going when she gets worked up, and I imagine that’s what’s happening with my nerves and that deep cleansing breaths, like ocean waves can help me calm down when I imagine the sound of the waves crashing and cleansing the beach and my brain as they retreat back into the ocean.
Pick an image that resonates with you, a happy place you can go to whenever you need it.
I hope that makes sense. I totally get needing to hear from others that what you are going through is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation.
Hugs,
IQC