i was attacked and raped by 4 men when I was 15, I was affected so badly, that even though I tried to have a normal life, everything became so difficult that I had a breakdown, since then I married had 2 children who are 20 and 21, plus a grandchild, I just cannot pluck up the courage to go outside, get on a bus, or even get interested in the garden. I rely solely on my husband to take me out in his car. Over the last 5 years, I manage to go to charity shops, if I think I am going to throw a wobbly, I just talk to the ladies who work there, going to Tescos once a week is the highlight of my life. Im also Bipolar, and under psychiatric treatment, I love the comfort of my home, but my husband went away for over a week, and I felt like I was going to go completely mad, even though his friend popped by every other day to see if I was ok. I am 52 years old now, Ive been on a weird merrygoround that never stops, how can I get some help, I have osteoarthiritis, and other ailments, help!
2007-01-10 14:02:40 · 5 answers · asked by rainey 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
i'm sorry to hear that.
my prayers are with you , i hope some day you have the courage to live your life the way you want it to be.
2007-01-10 14:13:10 · answer #1 · answered by ~muffun~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear of this fear that has immobilized you. The beginning of it is easy to see, and you have clearly had a struggle. Maybe part of this whole confused choas is the feeling that you do not have power over your own situation. But, you do! In fact, you have more power than you realize. For instance, here I am a total stranger, but you have the power to keep me sitting here writing to you now!
Remember, we cannot change the past. The only thing we have full control over is the present, and to some degree, the future. You were violated horribly in the past, but it is time for the violation to stop now. You deserve to be happy.
As an adult, you get to decide what you are going to allow into your life, your heart, your mind, your eyes, your ears and what is going to matter to you and what is not. You survived the horrific experience you had as a teen, so I know you have strength. You may have forgotten you have it, but it is there inside you. You may need to get very stern about just what you are going to tolerate from fear. You may have to get strict with this fear, face it down and triumph over it.
It would be such a relief for you to be able to start taking charge of your life and beginning to find ways to take some control.
I am glad you are seeing a dr. Maybe you could discuss with your dr some ways you can start taking control of your life.
I am not a dr and so can only make suggestions as an anonymous friend, but here are my ideas for whatever they are worth: take self-defense classes, exercise classes, start writing or drawing, etc. Work on getting healthy and strong. Decide how you want your day to be and then make it be that way. Do whatever it will take to make you feel you have more control over what is happening to you. Only you know the answer to that so just ask yourself, "what would make me feel more in control of my life?" And remember, small steps...it's too overwhelming to make tons of major changes. Just make small strides. If you keep a journal of what you are doing, you will have a written record of the positive track you have gotten on.
I personally really like having some time to myself. It's my chance to reflect, organize my thoughts, do something I enjoy or just sit and be still if I wish. It's not so scary to be alone some of the time. I love my family dearly, but I like some alone time too. Do you have any things you like to do just by yourself?
I believe you have the ability to get off the merry-go-round. You mention that you talk to the sales ladies when you start feeling shaky. That is good! That is an excellent coping strategy! And you could probably come up with even more coping skills if you are motivated to.
I wish you all the luck in the world, dear. I think you will overcome this fear and put it in its place. Best wishes!
2007-01-10 22:24:24 · answer #2 · answered by lifeisagift 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like it may be panic disorder with agorophobia. Which you may like to know, is pretty simple to treat. I have had problems with this as well. I am just guessing this is it because typically those with this problem have a "safe" person they will go out of the house with. they fear going out in public and panicking and losing control. They would then be embarassed and have to run out of a store or back home or whatever.
I think it is good that you recognize that your problem may be due to your history of being attacked. My guess based on this limited amount of info is that it definitely could be related. The known way to solve this problem is to see a psychotherapist who is experienced in panic. You say you are under psychiatric care but I'm assuming this is just medication management. A good therapist (which can be hard to find, but keep trying) can help you with all of this. Do it for yourself and find one tomorrow. Like I said, panic is relatively easily treated. Good luck!
2007-01-10 22:17:26 · answer #3 · answered by prettyinpunkk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you seeing a counselor to discuss how you are feeling? I suggest that is a good place to start.
2007-01-10 22:43:10 · answer #4 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PTSD sounds about right
2007-01-10 22:17:41 · answer #5 · answered by Roland O 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋