[MsSunflower]

So I'm going to be volunteering and am going to my first meeting with the other volunteers tomorrow. The 'community centre' is actually a town house unit which I found out is not just in my old neighbourhood but right next to where I used to live. I have a lot of bad memories about things that happened when I lived there (I was 13/14 and I'm 29 now). It really didn't hit me until I looked up the directions and saw the image on Google maps. I was surprised how seeing a place could bring back all the memories and now I'm very anxious about going. I don't know why but I'm afraid and I feel silly about it.

[Raindropvampire]

Don't feel silly. I feel the same way about a particular house. The place wasn't bad it was the people and what they did but the memories are tied to where it happened. I just try to remind myself those people are no longer there and it's just a place and a place can't hurt me.

Good luck on getting past your fears.

[MickeyCheeky]

It is NOT silly, MsSunflower! I completely agree with the wise Raindropvampire! It is perfectly normal that old places would bring back memories, both good and bad! Just give it a try and see how it goes! Hopefully you'll be able to fight those bad memories! Let us know how your experience goes! You're stronger than you think you are! THAT'S A PROMISE! Wish you the best of luck BOTH in your healing and in your life! Sending many safe, warm hugs to you, MsSunflower!

[MsSunflower]

Thanks to both of you for the kind words and encouragement. I'm definitely going to make myself go and hopefully it'll be okay. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[Miss P]

(((Hugs))) wishing you same as above have, and hopefully, you can make new friends n you have great new opportunities ahead x

[Kbaker17]

You got this! Like someone previously said in a reply, that it is just a house and no one is there to hurt you again. Just be prepared that you may have some dreams occurring soon that you might not like. I know when I pass a place that I had a lot of trauma happen at, I have a dream that night that really messes with me. Hopefully this does not happen to you ! Hope all goes well!

[MsSunflower]

Thanks everyone So I decided to use one of my in case of emergency sedatives. I just didn't want to get so overwhelmed that I would dissociate through the whole meeting. I handled it okay and tried to just focus on the conversation while there. I just kept telling my myself what you told me 'it's just a house, nobody can hurt me'. I'm very grateful for this forum and to all of you to have someone to talk this stuff through with.