My Trauma Made Me Hate Public Spaces
My senior year of high school I was involved in a traumatic situation. I don’t want to get into detail, but we were in lockdown for two hours hiding in my classroom, and I didn’t realize how deeply it affected me until a few days ago. A few days ago something similar happened at a university near my home, and suddenly I can’t relax. Today, I was walking through my University’s library when I heard someone drop a book, and I couldn’t breathe normally or stop shaking for many minutes. This made me realize how deeply my traumatic experience truly affected me, and ever since this traumatic event I haven’t been able to feel relaxed or safe in any public gathering. I just want to enjoy public spaces again.
@mabbeez I'm really sorry to hear that you've been carrying this burden since your senior year. It's understandable that such traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact. It's a positive step that you're recognizing how deeply it has affected you and seeking ways to heal. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional who specializes in trauma to guide you through this process. Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy can be helpful in managing the anxiety and fear you're experiencing in public spaces. Remember that healing takes time, but with the right support, you can work towards feeling safe and relaxed again. Take care!