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PTSD? I use the term loosely, but that's what it feels like...
This may be a weird question, but bear with me. I'm having trouble, here.
I'm 22, and I have a boyfriend around my age. He's wonderful to me (except when we bicker, which we do because we're both scorpios, stubborn, and opinionated). I got out of an addictive/emotionally abusive relationship with much difficulty and struggle, and I thought I was okay.
The other day, I drove past my ex's subdivision and I felt really panicked, and my throat kinda closed and every time I tried to breathe, I squeaked. I was on my way to meet my current boyfriend at his mall job so we could go shopping after his shift, and I felt so exhausted when I got out of the car, it was all I could do not to just collapse.
I'm a very strong person in a lot of ways - to react this way to something I thought was ancient history is very unusual for me. Another thing is that when my current guy and I fight, instead of handling it calmly and talking it out like I so pride myself on being able to do, I seem to feel like I'm drowning and just terrified.
Is this something I could get counseling for? Is this normal? I don't even know, but it's bothering me.
...:(
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A single panic attack (and that is most likely what it was) absolutely doesn't stretch out to PTSD. Throw the labels out the door for now: You had a single anxiety/panic attack, and that's a pretty far cry from a disorder or syndrome.
Panic attacks are normal. Fucking unpleasant, but almost everyone will have one at some point or another in their lives, so, normal.
But 'normal' doesn't mean good. Yeast infections are normal too, but you still get 'em treated ;)
Counselling is a very good idea if you feel your life, or an important part of your life, is spinning out of control and you are experiencing too much fear to handle. Learning how to handle panic and talking through your anxieties will only help you in the long, and in the short, run.
I also pride myself on being quite calm in conflicts, but when I've begun to panic it's pretty much impossible to stay calm. With counselling and practice I've become much better at knowing my limits and even dealing with it when they've been crossed...
So do go and talk out your problems with a pro, but go into it looking at it as more of 'tune-up' sessions, rather than a crisis or major medical issue.
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