[cptsdwhoa]

Well, I've decided to go no contact to minimal contact with most of my family and a couple of friends for a month. Things were getting totally out of hand and I SERIOUSLY need some distance. I'll see how this month goes. Of course, due to self hatred and criticism, I feel like I'm in the wrong and must apologize to everyone immediately for daring to take care of myself. This may be a difficult month.

Does anyone have any advice on how to not isolate oneself during a period like this? My family and friends are pretty much the only people I socialize with, but I seriously need distance from them. I've joined some online groups and I post here. I also take walks around town so I don't just sit in my apartment all the time.

Thanks all.

[SorryShaped]

Find new people?

[cptsdwhoa]

And no sooner than I just explained to my brother that I needed distance and couldn't be reached by phone (I also told his female friend this), here she is texting me and cussing and going off, and here he is calling. I told him that if he needed me he should email (through jpay he's in prison) or write. I just had to tell her that he will have to deal. I told him the situation and he said he understood and would give me space. Okay...so then...WHY WON'T HE RESPECT THAT BOUNDARY?!

I'm on the bring of tears, and I'm so frustrated. It's like my grandmother and brother can't function without me. I understand he's in prison, but I need space too. It's cruel to say, but I didn't put him in there. He's shown that he's not truly concerned about my well-being since he has no regard for my health and safety. I understand that she's aging and just had surgery in June, but there are others in this family who need to step up!!!

I just literally had to turn off my phone. I'm just going to keep it off until late tomorrow or later if I have to! I want to cry so bad right now. I was having such a nice day.

[cptsdwhoa]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

Find new people?

Yeah. Absolutely necessary. I'm learning how to make friends. Healthy friends.

[cptsdwhoa]

I just sent my brother an email really pouring my heart out. I got some good advice from a friend about how to deal with this family. I just hope he understands, but I can't help it if he doesn't. I have to let go of the codependency I fall into. It's a little nerve wracking how honest I was in that email, but I'm glad I can finally say it. Recovery is a bumpy road.

[SorryShaped]

Block them

[cptsdwhoa]

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

Block them

That's something I've never thought about before. Wow, I guess I honestly could do that. I'm still working through my learned helplessness issues. So, it's difficult to remember that I'm not a kid with no escape or voice.

Wow, block them...whoa. I'll remember that. It may come to that.