I have difficulty with being in places - particularly in crowds - when there is only one way of getting in and out. My eye is constantly on that exit while at the same time I'm apprehensive of the behaviour of the other people.

My PTSD is related to several repeated types of incidents. One such incident I was attacked by a customer in my workplace. I don't remember the attack so much as being cornered and watching him advance on me knowing he was going to hurt me.

Thus ever since I am terrified to have my back against a wall. I am constantly planning out my escape should a situation turn badly.

[Skeezyks]

I have lived with fear most of my life. And, as I'm now aging, it is becoming more pronounced. For the most part, I just stay at home nowadays. However, yesterday my spouse & I had to go to a Social Security office (U.S.) in our city. Well, first we got seriously lost, which didn't exactly help the anxiety factor. But then, we had to sit in the crowded waiting room. (There was an armed security guard on duty.) By the time we were called in for our appointment, I was pretty-much a wreck. Fortunately my spouse handled our part of the meeting. I was floating in hyperspace... I always wear a baseball-type cap when I'm out-&-about. I keep the visor pulled low in front to shield my eyes. It helps...

[Mrs. Mania]

I noticed myself doing this recently. I can hardly sit through a movie at a theater. I watch the red exit signs more than the movie and constantly look over my shoulder at the people behind me. The darkness is a lot of the issue also I think. I've been pretty creative on excuses not see movies in the theater, but I know it frustrates my husband that I NEVER want to go.

[Pierro]

Originally Posted by Mrs. Mania

I noticed myself doing this recently. I can hardly sit through a movie at a theater. I watch the red exit signs more than the movie and constantly look over my shoulder at the people behind me. The darkness is a lot of the issue also I think. I've been pretty creative on excuses not see movies in the theater, but I know it frustrates my husband that I NEVER want to go.

Hello Mrs. Mania, it's just too much for you to sit through a movie which maybe at least 1 1/2 hours! Of course it is. Why put yourself through that. In the darkness everything comes to the fore, and if you are afraid of the dark this is a stress trigger that you do not need. When you take light out of the equation all of our other sences are heightened.If you really have to go sit at the back of the theatre, that way there will be nobody behind you. Perhaps you and your husband can do something together that is not as stressful for you. Best wishes

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[Open Eyes]

Hypervigilance is part of the PTSD package, unfortunately. There is a sensitivity that many who struggle with PTSD battle with and it's not a choice, and unfortunately people who don't struggle notoriously fail to understand that and consistently provide comments and advice that are very unsupportive. It's nice to have a place to be around others who can relate.

[Ocean5]

Haven't been here in awhile.

Originally Posted by Open Eyes

There is a sensitivity that many who struggle with PTSD battle with and it's not a choice

Couldn't agree more. Always looking for the exits. And I always try to be near an exit.

[bddouglas]

I never go to the movies anymore. When I go out to eat (which isn't often) my son makes sure that I am seated against a wall where I can see an exit and escape route. When I go to the grocery store I go like 7am, before everyone gets out and about.

I am always looking over my shoulder, though I can't see very well yet. Hopefully, these cataract surgeries help and don't cause the corneal dystrophy to worsen.

I have learned coping skills such as staying to the edge of a crowd. I usually have someone with me to help me escape what I may perceive as a bad or dangerous situation. It was so much easier when I was a child and I thought I could cover my eyes and my perceived danger would be gone, "If I can't see you, you can't see me."