Life Changes Triggering PTSD
I have PTSD because of a history of abuse. Anytime there's change I have a panic attack. I just graduated college and I'm going to move to a new city where I don't know anyone. I'm scared I won't be able to find work or a place to live. I feel intense pressure to "make it" on my own because I've never had anyone I could rely on to help me if things didn't work out, and that causes crippling panic. I'm using grounding, breathing exercises, meditation, and medicine, but the attacks hit me while I'm asleep. I wish I could convince myself that everything will be okay.
@philosophicalMango6745 Try approaching voluntarily and standing your ground in the face of your particular anxiety-provoking situations. First, identify them -- that would be the darkest part of the forest, so to speak -- and then venture yourself out there ( your nervous system responds differently by approaching things consciously instead of embracing a catastrophe ). If you worry about the prospect of a job, make yourself a future goal-oriented plan that renders you equanimity, and try to attend to it as fast as possible. Do you think that would help?
Yes, it does provide some help. Identifying the core issues/beliefs that cause anxiety and then journaling helps me process it. I didn't think about the body responding differently to consciously approaching an issue, but that is true. Embracing chaos or suppressing it makes it worse. I should try a goal-oriented plan. I tend to feel like my life (environment, employment, housing, etc) is out of my control. Maybe with a plan I can look back and see where things worked out.
New changes are so scary! Especially when there are so many unknowns as there are in your situation. The anxiety and panic is valid. For the panic at night, I keep “meditation” music on all night long and that usually helps me stay asleep all night. I personally use an app called insight timer. My favorite ones are the piano songs or the nature soundscapes. Best of luck!
@philosophicalMango6745
im the same way. On medication to help me cope
