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1353681 tn?1387083733

Feel trapped by new situations or people

Anyone else with PTSD ever feel this? I decline new places to go with friends sometimes, and even avoid dating because I feel like I'm trapped, either physically or metaphorically. I feel that others want to take over, boss me etc even though I know not everyone wants to do that. I feel I can't speak up in new places, traveling etc or I'll be seen as a *****. I went through severe abuse growing up so I'm sure that's part of the root. Any tips of feeling ok with new people or places?
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SORRY MAN. IM 60 AND I WAS IN THE ARMY FROM 1977 TO 1984. I WAS IN THE AIR CALVARY. NEVER SEEN ANY WARTIME OR CONFLICTS. BUT MY COMPANY WENT TO PANAMA SOUTH AMER IN 1978. WE TRAINED IN THE JUNGLE WITH THE SPECIAL FORCES. I SEEN A BUDDY DIE FROM FALLING INTO A HOME OF ARMY ANTS. WENT INTO SHOCK. THE BROUGHT HIM BACK. THEN ONE NIGHT I WAS IN MY HAMMOCK, AND FELT BREATHING ON MY FACE. PULLED UP MY FLASHLIGHT, AND A PANTHER WAS BREATHING IN MY FACE ABOUT 2 FEET AWAY. SOMEHOW I SCARED HIM OFF. TO THE POINT. I FEEL LIKE THAT ALOT, THEY SAY IM BIPOLAR. YOU SAY THINGS THAT I GO THROUGH WITH PEOPLE. I WENT ON MEDICINE AND IT HELPED. IT HAPPENS VERY LITTLE ANYMORE. HOPE U GET RELIEF..
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Thank you for your reply. *hugg* I'm so sorry you went through such tragic experiences in Panama. That is really tough seeing those things. My condolences for your buddy as well, I hope he is in peace. Thank you for your service friend. it sounds like you also have symptoms of PTSD too. It really sucks, b/c it is taking away parts of my life. :( I don't date because what guy is going to want a woman with anxiety over little things? Or a woman who has to say no to many social events due to the PTSD and this feeling of being trapped, or I also get heart palpitations. I just want to LIVE for once, like all my friends are doing. They are getting married, having kids, and I don't even date at all. It makes me so sad, b/c life is going by and FEAR is stopping me. It is from years of abuse growing up into my 20's... mainly psychological abuse and my self esteem has gone to near zero. Were there any mantras you used to not be nervous with new people or places, or was it meds that mainly calmed you?
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