[ThisWayOut]

I watched a bit of the interview with Hannah Anderson in the Today Show this morning (the girl who was kidnapped by a family friend)... It triggered me quite a bit, but not for the obvious reasons. I saw a familiarity and fear in her face when they brought out the riders that alerted the police to where she was being held... The reported said that they had wanted to come and give her a hug. In that instant the poor girl's face fell for a second, and I saw terror creep into her eyes. She was awkward with the hugs from the women, but looked like she was trying so hard to maintain composure when the guys got near her... I know they were trying to be supportive, but I think it's important to know that many trauma survivors (especially so soon after) are NOT comfortable with physical touch... I wish there was a trauma-consciousness training for the world (but maybe especially the media and first responders).
I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but... yeah. just needed to say that.

[Beachboxer]

Oh - I SO AGREE with you!! People need to ASK PERMISSION to hug or enter someone's personal space. For me - especially men. Sometimes I am fine - I am a very loving friend and do hug friends often.. but NEVER in a million YEARS would I do it without asking, "Would you like a hug?" and WAITING for their REPLY!! Since this cPTSD of mine crept up..or was diagnosed.. I can look back now and see how these aversions and 'symptoms' were slowly showing themselves before I ever had my first 'breakdown'. I am Grateful today because I am able to jump forward into healing with both feet. (TODAY) and accept that it isn't like that everyday..and that is ok. The positive days will come again.