TW: it feels like I'm drowning

Trauma can be exceptionally paralysing @creative_writer and it often takes it's both physically and emotionally. I used to feel it for hours after any triggers but now can cope a lot better. It is though something you have to find out ways to cope for yourself and put in place things you can do to help in that coping. I cuddle my fur babies before anything else - they give me that anchor to stay afloat with. For others it is walking or music etc. The more we work through strategies to cope and then make them part of our everyday routines, the easier they are to call on when most needed. It is a re-learning and re-establishment of positive patterns, behaviour and thinking - none of which is easy to do and can often take a long time ...but it is possible. I know when I was in a similar position to you I could not even hope that I could be in the place I am now - but over time it has gotten a whole lot better and I am able to cope so much more. There will always be hard times, unexpected triggers, memories and pain but you also strike me as a very balanced and insightful person that can work through all that in your own time. Uni alone is a major stress so give yourself credit for continuing on despite all you are dealing with. Take each week as it comes - do what you can and re-asses as you go. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help or changing the timeframe to complete uni - in the end you will come out with the same result ...graduating - and that does not have to be done all at once and Now. I have faith in you and will hold onto that hope that you can get through everything and come out the other side feeling a sense of achievement and increased confidence in yourself.

Feeling so paralysed, nothing feels real enough. It’s like there is nothing to look forward to. It feels like a hopeless and helpless place to be in. I don’t even know why I’m still here.

@creative_writer

sounds like you are having a bad day and its good that you are communicating on SANE today. Will you be safe today?

Thank you for letting us know you're safe @creative_writer

Perhaps a day in bed is what your body needs? I try and listen to my body now when it's telling me to slow down and rest. We all need different things at different times and there's no shame in that 💝

Society has a lot to answer for doesn't it @creative_writer 😄 Some days I'm so exhausted I just need to rest, so I do and then I feel better the following day.. Sometimes I have to sit with feelings too and wait until they pass, cause they always do... but that's just me. You know what you need so I say allow yourself to rest if you need it.