Stories
Privacy
Download
See Alike in...
Alike App
Browser
705d
I spent 3 years homeless. It's been almost fifteen years since I left the homeless life and graduated into the miracle that is my apartment. Yet I still have mornings where I wake up "in the shelter". I hear the other women getting up around me, hear the sinks running, see the bunks around me, and see those awful pink walls. Eventually I realize that I can't remember how I wound up back in the shelter. My brain slowly starts to see reality and begins comparing it to memories of everywhere I've ever slept to figure out where I really am. I find this thoroughly distressing -- perhaps the most distressing symptom of my PTSD. I'm on meds for it and am fully compliant, but I still wake up "in the shelter" several times a year. Suggestions for reducing the frequency and severity of my problem?
2
5
Share
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
advertisement
684d
What helps me most is using strong sensations for your senses. I use really cold water or ice, lemons or limes, strong essential oils. And various textures
0
703d
These are flashbacks. Anything you can do to ground and calm yourself is the best way to come down.
1
It sucks. I have that same experience, but with jail. Usually, I just sit up, take some deep breaths, and watch tv. Cuz I'm scared to go back to sleep at that point.
Hi I don't know the struggle of homelessness but I do know what it's like to wake up feeling like you're "still there" it's awful but I find the most helpful part is to wake up with "keys" around me. Things that show I'm not where I think I am. Pictures close by my bed side of family or my partner and I. I have these stuffed animals I've gotten really into since getting my life back on track and I keep one by scented in my perfume and febreeze. I find smells and pictures help pull me out of the weird half awake half asleep panic I get thinking and feeling like I never left the terrible place I was. We maybe experiencing two separate things from how your describing it and yours maybe worse. But I just wanted to share what's helped for me. Just have mementos around in bed on the nightstand. Anything that can tell your brain it's not there anymore. Best of luck and I hope this maybe even in the tiniest way helpful
No advice. I'm just here to say I'm sorry you're experiencing this.
☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision
Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.
Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences
Write your question here...
Download Alike for the full experience
Copy Link
Copied
Discover your Alikeness™ with people who are on the same journey, gain wisdom and get emotional relief in a secure & anonymous space.
4.7 Ratings
Scan code or click below download the app
Bupropion
night sweats
paranoid
Valium
sertraline
palpitations
Anxiety (Including GAD)
Depression
Alike health
Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences
Related Questions