Fear of Change and PTSD

Have any of you developed a fear of change related to PTSD?

That is a huge problem for me.

I thought it was just anxiety but my psych mentioned that it was a symptom of PTSD and when I think about it it does make sense. I am always waiting for something bad to happen and always afraid of being helpless again. But that still doesn't help me get over it. In fact it's getting worse.

I thought of trying EMDR but I would have to change therapists and I just don't think I can stand going over all the old history with someone new. I'm very depressed also and this doesn't seem like a good time to stir things up. And that would be a change...and that's what I am afraid of!

I've worked on my own and with a therapist that used REBT but I am very discouraged.

Edited to add I also have a lot of shame about being treated for PTSD as I know a lot of people have had worse experiences than me. But I think I was biologically vulnerable and it just effected me way out of proportion to what actually happened. And it has just snowballed out of control.

Welcome to Psych Central!

Yes, change is a big problem for me too, good or bad.

Anxiety and depression are part of PTSD too.

With PTSD we tend to try and keep everything the same but a good therapist will be able to help you manage changes in a better way.

Depending on where the problem originally came from, it can take a while, but well worth working on.

Take care.

Hi there and welcome!

PTSD is difficult to manage for sure...change and anxious thoughts being the main culprits for me. Spur of the moment things for me are no good as well...usually.

I think it has to do with the hypervigilence we need to feel we're maintaining at a high level. How can we be as hypervigilent as we need to be with lots of change? We can't predict as we feel we should for safety, etc.

I so understand. I don't have answers, except that I ask myself alot of questions internally to try to help calm the panic that can occur.

Again, welcome.

KD

Change is very hard for me - it upsets the "core" of my being. When change happens even in time for an event to happen it upsets me. It makes my envirnoment feel unsafe and rocky.

Please do not compare your trauma to anyone elses. It is all relative to the person. When you start comparing - you head down a slippery slope that's hard to climb back up.

Take care, freewill

Hi Bird,

You know, sometimes it does get worse before it gets better. I am afraid, but I have decided that the only way past this... is through it.. and that helps me hang in there.

I also wanted to tell you that I can relate to what you say about change. Fear of and distress about change includes being suspicious of other's motives and a feeling of not being safe. I can end up feeling like I need the world to STOP a minute and let me adjust, please!! Or, that the floor has dropped out from beneath my feet, like in the amusement park ride the Rotor. Anxiety just skyrockets!

I also have issues with shame and feeling deserving; both interfere with my talking in session and then I start worrying about the therapist leaving me because I'm not talking enough... oh boy! And I can sometimes convince myself that what happened to me was just 'the way things were done then'.. but it isn't about that, it is about our feelings about it. We are the 'owners of our truth' as my psychologist puts it.

I tried REBT a few years back and it wasn't helpful to me. I was just more CBT to me. Loved the psychologist but not his preferred method of treatment.

I am currently in psychodynamic therapy with a psychologist and I like her although I'm still getting used to her (and she to me) She's kind and I trust her. She uses guided imagery as a treatment form and it is really very interesting and empowering and produces some amazing results.

The one thing I have committed to, and it isn't always easy , is that when I feel like not going, or like quitting therapy---that is the time to go and hang in there (and tell her that I am thinking about that).

I hope you find what works well for you and makes you feel better! Please tell your therapist everything you said in your post; he/she needs to hear this.

Wishing you the best.

ECHOES

Good posting. Good thought to remember. We are all different and experience things differently.