I think I'm traumatized?

Question

One day when I was walking home from school... I'm 14 by the way... anyways... I was 2 blocks away from my house. There was a big dog around a couple of boys... I guess one of them is the owner... and then I tried not to look so scared when I saw the dog.... then it looked at me... and suddenly started to chase me for no reason. I was running so fast, started screaming... it was like a horror movie lol. Then I fell and scraped my knee and elbow badly. It happened on a tuesday so I stayed home until monday cause I was really hurt.

Now I'm so scared to even walk that way back home or to school.... I'm already scared of dogs and I think because of that day, it's gotten worse... while I was walking home from school on monday... I was terrified... everytime I hear a dog bark I would get scared and start looking around... getting ready to run... And when I was a cat running "didn't notice it at first" I was about to run from it and I'm not even scared of cats.

I keep having these terrible dreams about dogs... I don't even want to be around any dogs and I'm now I'm just so scared to even walk outside by myself...
what should I do? :(

Answer 1

You don't need therapy, you just need to talk to someone that you know well about what's bothering you. I've had a similar experience, and yes, I think I was slightly traumatised and at first I kept it to myself, even though I was constantly reminded about it and thought about it almost all the time, thinking about it kept me awake at night and when I slept I did dream about it. Eventually I was so emotional all the time I had to talk to someone about how I was feeling, I chose my mum, when I told her that I couldn't get over what had happened it was hard to tell her but when I did I felt relieved and she gave me the support that I needed. The fact is, you have to get on with your life, you'll only be traumatised if you make yourself think that you are, so pick yourself up and move on, chances are that something like that will never happen to you again.

Answer 2

You need some type of therapy. Honestly, dogs are the best creatures out there. (Yes, better than humans.) I get mad when I see someone afriad of a dog, yes, it might sound mean of me, but come on! It's a dog, not a bear. Probably why I'm like this is because I've had a dog since I was 3 years old. Dogs have always been a part of my life. You really should spend time with someone's dog. Maybe start out with a small dog, like a Pomeranian or a Pug. If size doesn't matter, spend some time with a Golden Retriever or Lab. I'm just trying to think of some freakishly friendly dog breeds for you to be around. =]

Answer 3

If your fear of dogs is making you afraid of going outside, it may be more than regular fear. You may have a phobia of dogs. If you are phobic you really need to see a therapist and go through a desensitization process. You really do need to be proactive about overcoming your fear. Dogs are here to stay. You will not be able to lead your life and avoid dogs. If you think you can build the courage to expose yourself to a dog start with a small puppy. Do not get a dog if you are this afraid. Visit with a friend's dog, or find someone that has a puppy that you can have positive experiences with. If you can't find a puppy start with a calm, well behaved dog. Good luck!

Answer 4

Learn about what to do when confronted by a aggressive or pushy dog. No offense, but running and screaming is the worst thing you could have done. In fact, it can cause a dog that was just running up to see you, to chase you down and even bite. You acted like prey does, but when you know better you do better. By learning about dog behavior and posturing, and how to judge if a dog is dangerous, you will be more empowered with the knowledge. If another woman said to me she was traumatized by a purse snatcher, I would tell her to get some self defense training to overcome her fear for the same reason. If you learn what to do if this happens again it may help you confront and overcome your fear. Life is too short and there are too many dogs to live in fear!!

Answer 5

Firstly I'd be willing to bet a ton of money that the dog wasn't chasing you to hurt you. I've never *ever* seen a dog just randomly go after a person for no reason with the intention to hurt. More likely the dog was excited to see someone and was just running over to say hello.

I agree, you should probably go see a therapist or something. Cause this sort of irrational fear should probably be addressed.

Also, don't take this the wrong way but you really stayed home for five days because of some scrapes? ;)

Answer 6

A lot of people have a fear of dogs. It might help you to volunteer at the local pound. Dogs are really good animals and known to be mans and woman's best friend. Dog spelled backwards is God. A dog, like horse senses fear, if you start out slowly I think you could overcome your fear.

I have had dogs all my life. I hope you get over your fear, but it is understandable. If not get yourself a cat and love it. Being a cat lover is a good thing too!

Answer 7

Go to a therapist, get help, whatever. You need it.

Honestly, people like you annoy me. It's people like you who perpetuate the negative perception of dogs (that they're "vicious" and "unpredictable"), which makes it difficult for owners of well behaved dogs (ie: the vast majority of dogs).

Dogs aren't gonna randomly attack you. It doesn't happen. I've never seen a dog randomly attack a human (other dogs sometimes, but not humans). The few attacks I've seen and heard about, the human provoked.

So, the dog chased you? Did he hurt you? Did he actually *try* to hurt you, or was he just chasing you (note: there are MANY reasons he could have been chasing you). Obviously he was well mannered around the 2 boys, so... ?

Another thing is that dogs sense fear and respond to it. Some dogs will become aggressive, some dogs will become playful to try to ease the person's fear ("don't me afraid of me!"). You being afraid of dogs (and especially running and screaming) is just going to make dogs drawn to you and pay attention to you. If you aren't fearful, they'll detect that, and they won't bother you whatsoever. If a dog chases you, don't run... stand there, stare them down, and stomp your foot. They'll stop... even if they're just trying to play (which this dog probably was), they'll stop.

Anyway, you being afraid of dogs is just giving you more reason to be afraid of dogs. There's no reason to be afraid of dogs (I've grown up with dogs and am around several dogs EVERY DAY, and I've never been attacked by a dog). Your fear is irrational. Therefore, dogs aren't to blame... YOU'RE to blame (even if involuntarily)

Answer 8

First of all, when you see a dog don't run. He will chase you for the fun if you do, even if he doesn't want to hurt you.
Second, there is no reason to be afraid of dogs. When you understand this, sure you may still be afraid and avoid them, but you won't be terrified.
Last but not least, your dreams and fear of dogs definitely represents some subconscious fear or problem that lies underneath, not the animals themselves. You must find out what is causing this lack of self-consciousness or resentment of some person or situation. Once you solve your inner problems and anxieties, the fear will go away too.

Answer 9

You need to seek some type of therapy. That much fear of EVERY dog isn't healthy. I would understand the fear of dogs like the one that chased you. But not all dogs are going to chase you or hurt you. get some therapy, it'll make your life much better.

Answer 10

honestly, i think the only way to break it is to actually spend time with a dog. maybe start with a little one and work your way up :) they're not all bad, that one should have been on a leash or fenced in the yard!! I think if you don't really grow up around them, it's easier to be afriad of them...and they can sense when you are tense..