The driving one is so relatable 😕
I laugh as a defensive mechanism - like it stops me from crying or feeling something I don't want to feel. Though often, I don't even know what the laughing is hiding.
Most likely - I have this as well
It’s really easy to burn yourself out when our internal dynamics are like this, so just be aware of this with all your decisions and try not agree to things you’ll later regret. Easier said than done of course!
I’m the same. I think it’s a common trauma response, based on undervaluing ourselves, lacking assertiveness, people pleasing, and fear of conflict so we give in and don’t stand up for ourselves (in this case, not charging what we’re worth).
“The nervous system also doesn’t exist for them” - bang on.
Yup I have this pretty bad, enough to avoid leaving the house unless entirely necessary. When I leave, I can get super derealized and have a vague sense of danger/lack of safety/being exposed, even though I'm not scared of anything in particular happening. I'm just desparate to reretreat to my safe space.
I just wanted to say that you described my current situation perfectly, and I feel for you because this is so painful and seems like this cycle will never end.
Emotional neglect takes over every single part of you and ruins your life - yet is invisible and there was no event. And then you gaslight yourself as to whether anything even happened to you and you're convinced you're just crazy.
What does a typical session look like? And how does it compare to other modalities you’ve tried?
I’m terrified of eye contact as well, especially with authority figures, or when I think they’re reading me and seeing inside me. I think it’s due to toxic shame.
Yes I smile and laugh frequently in inappropriate situations or randomly - my therapist pointed out that it’s likely because I don’t know what I’m feeling so my natural reaction is just to smile/laugh. It’s uncomfortable to say the least 😕
Exactly the same for me and it bothers me a lot.
I especially relate to making all the decisions about my future as a teenager, there was practically no guidance. Which led to regretting many decisions which I should not have been making… it’s painful.
I’m 21 and have this same issue with people older than me, I feel for you
Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement, with a lot of pushing, email has been sent!
I have agoraphobia and PTSD. Very often they’re linked, I believe too.
Agoraphobia as a symptom of PTSD
ptsd