Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.

10,133 Members
27,620 Posts
0 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Is it normal?

hopingtobecomeabutterfly
hopingtobecomeabutterfly

Is it normal to grow up a clingy adult after a traumatic childhood? I just want to try to understand why I feel alone and like I'm craving comfort,  but everyone that I know is unable to give me love & comfort. In fact I'll probably feel worse after talking to one if them than I did before. I just feel so pathetic when I can't explain why I am not okay with being home alone. 


patti22
patti22
"Normal" or not...for a looooong time. I was just like that.

My ex husband had his good and bad points, but a brick wall was FAR more supportive. If I wanted comfort...he walked away. I was told that I was a "black hole" enough times to believe it.


***Turns out that when I started getting real, actual, genuine support....I'm not a black hole at all. Just saying.***
patti22
patti22
https://www.pexels.com/photo/bloom-blooming-blossom-blur-462118/
Envelope7
Envelope7
I can confirm that you are definitely not alone in this! I also find it difficult to be home alone, without comfort etc. It's strange, because I can't pinpoint exactly what the discomfort i'm feeling is, I just know that it is there!

I do believe, however, that the empty/longing feeling, and need for comfort/company, is part of something like PTSD and in that sense is completely normal, and symptomatic of the condition. Therefore, with the right help, hopefully (me and you both!) will be able to conquer the obstacles and demons which are making you (and me) feel in such a way!

I hope that helps, a little?
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
Yes, indeed. I was raised a codependent in a very dysfunctional family and ended up twice divorced before I figured out how to live independently and be happy.
arfie
arfie
I believe I'm on the other side of the co-dependency coin, also from a traumatic childhood. Same cause, different reaction. In the bonding sense, I'm the unavailable one who attracts the clingy ones so that together we can ? ? ? Do we know what we do with our dizzy little co-dependent waltz? I don't. Works in progress. . .

Don't know that I'd call it, "Normal," but it isn't uncommon. You are most definitely not alone. Healing hopes for all. No exceptions.
Onlythelonely
Onlythelonely
Yes, a lot of us struggle with this. When you are raised in an emotionally healthy family, you are given the affirmation, comfort and support to not only go out into the world, but also to love yourself. But when you are raised in dysfunctional, codependent, abusive or emotionally unhealthy home you aren't given those things.

It took me several years but I think I am well on my way to overcoming this. I didn't want to end up a sad, lonely old lady so I started devouring self help books and listening to New Life radio call in program with Dr. Steve Arterburn. He answers callers questions, offers advice and suggests resources. I have read a dozen or more books that he suggested. Some of my favorites are "Take Your Life Back" by Dr. David Stoop and Happy Women Live Better by Valorie Burton.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • 85nchamroeun

    Hello- I’m new to the group

    Posted by: 85nchamroeun
    Last Reply: notalone00
    7
    Hello- I am new to the group 
  • GreenEyes727

    Jay Shetty Podcasts

    Posted by: GreenEyes727
    Last Reply: GreenEyes727
    4
    Jay's podcasts are really good.  I watch them on YouTube for free.  Today, I watched his video about motivation.  In fact, I've been watching a few videos on this subject.  Jay gave us an assignment to complete the following sentence:  I am stuck because?  I don't describe myself as stuck, but to finish the sentence, I would say that I am stuck because I am tired.  When I have energy, I do...