Googley - never apologize for or feel like your feelings aren't "important" enough. They're real and they're important to you. And there's no competition when it comes to trauma. If an event is sufficiently traumatic to you, then it's traumatic.

Can you ever be normal? Well I'm not sure I know what normal is - I've heard it's overrated. But it is possible to learn to manage the PTSD symptoms, and with proper therapy to process the trauma, so that it's no longer as traumatic and doesn't interfere with how you live your life.

It doesn't sound like you're doing therapy with anyone, correct me if I'm wrong, but what has helped me is working with a very good therapist who is a trauma specialist. We've used EMDR very effectively to help me process past traumas, but we still have a ways to go, but I will say I'm coping much better.

As for going out without fear, can you start with small trips, with a friend, like maybe going out for a coffee during the day, or to the grocery store. The more you experience going out as safe, the easier it will be for you to do on your own.

Good luck.

--splitimage