Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

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Anxiety Disorders
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Isolation Frustration

Full_of_hope
Full_of_hope

Hi everyone, I'm new to the group.


Does anyone else feel like they're getting too comfortable with Covid Isolation? I'm really stuck in "park on the sofa" mode. Just before Covid lockdown, I lost my two closest friends (one died from heart problems, the other in an accident) I also moved across town where I don't know anyone. I don't know if anyone can relate, but I don't make friends easily. I live alone, unless you count my dog. With the new variant going around and our local hospitals packed, I'm afraid to go out and about right now. Problem is, I can't really picture life outside my house anymore. I'm fristrated, and scared. Anyone relate? or does anyone have some tips for taking baby steps back into the land of the living once I feel safe to do so?

Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
yup, I've lived alone now for 10 years, no roommate, because my PTSD startle response makes it tiresome for me. so when the covid-19 lockdown came, I was schooled. It wasn't too much, though, because thankfully I wasn't isolated here on DS PTSD at all.
Full_of_hope
Full_of_hope
Maybe I should stop feeling guilty about it then? at least for now? When it first hit I was thrilled! I needed time to 'just be'. Thanks for your response.
arfie
arfie
hello full of hope. welcome to ds.

getting too comfortable with isolation was and remains my greatest fear of covid. i have such an intense drive to isolate and proven herstory of doing that i was on intimate terms with the concept of social distancing before covid made it a household phrase. in my pre-covid psychotherapy sessions, nobody ever said, "social distancing" like it was a good thing. i was utterly blown away when the marshal laws demanded i throw all that psychotherapy out the window.

oh, for the love of balance. . .

you already hit on one of the baby steps i take to return to the land of the living with a sense of confidence and safety. feeling guilty about where i am in my healing journey has yet to help a thing. stay full of hope. trust that you will know when the time is right for the next step.
Full_of_hope
Full_of_hope
Thank you, arphie. I'm so grateful I found this site! Feeling lonely is another constant companion. It can be crushing sometimes. I'm so grateful to be able to connect with other human beings, even if it's via posting. I'm making the choice to release the guilt and shame today.
rose07042k
rose07042k
If I go out I wear my mask and hands out of my fast. But I don't go out a lot. I go out with only those who know me because I am very sickly.
Full_of_hope
Full_of_hope
Roseo7042k, I was doing that until this new outbreak. I hope to enjoy this time in the 'desert' of life until I feel safe going out again. You're braver than I am!
rose07042k
rose07042k
Not brave but having faith and not fear. I have paused again and staying home abit since my doctor warn me and nurse spoke to me because I am taking chemo meds. And COvid increased
Full_of_hope
Full_of_hope
roseo7042k, Faith is even better! I have faith too, but at the same time I don't want to be presumptuous. Sounds like you're very cautious too. I just miss the little bites of social life I used to have. I'm finding some ways to connect online for now, and I'm meeting great people like you! I'm so sorry to hear you're on chemo meds. Hugs and prayers.
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