They made me take off my shoes

I know this sounds really silly, but even the act of taking off my shoes publicly felt like I was undressing in front of the airport security people. Then they had to frisk me because the snap on my jeans made their wand beep. I had to stand spread eagle while the security woman moved the wand all over my body. I felt totally out of control, vulnerable and frightened the whole time I was at the airport.

After saying all of this, I realize and realized then that I was over-reacting internally. The anxiety did show on the outside, but I didn't make a run for the door or faint or anything. I was just kinda frozen. When it was over and I could board the plane I was out of my body and walking in fuzz. I felt disoriented and lost and invaded as though I had been raped or molested. I know this is a throw back to childhood molestation and rape. I just wonder if everyone else was as uncomfortable with the process of protecting our country as I was. I think the military guy they frisked ahead of me was incredibly angry. It showed all over his face. Me? Was I angry? I think I was more frightened than anything. I knew it would be that way and had intended not to fly. Events so happened that I had to take the airlines back home. I did catch a ride down to my destination... so at least I didn't have to go through it twice!

Forgive me for writing about this all over the board. I just can't stop :6

Intimacy: "into me see."

I hate that feeling of being disconnected from my body. It makes me feel so helpless.
Zen

<font color=blue>that I would be good even if I did nothing, that I would be good even if I got the thumbs down, that I would be good if I got and stayed sick, that I would be good even if I gained 10 pounds-- Alanis Morissette

Thanks Zen
I did get to talk to my therapist about this today. He commended me on doing well at keeping my triggers in check. He also confirmed that this is a necessary thing to protect our country and my compliance was the proper thing to do. Doesn't mean I'll be flying anytime soon, but at least I know I handled it as well as possible.

Intimacy: "into me see."

I love it when my T pats me on my back. It is nice to have him to check if my reactions to things is in the "normal" rang.
Zen

<font color=blue>that I would be good even if I did nothing, that I would be good even if I got the thumbs down, that I would be good if I got and stayed sick, that I would be good even if I gained 10 pounds-- Alanis Morissette

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{WILLOw}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
why dont you like them shown publicy¿
its not bad *takes shoes off * {sniffs}
ppppppppwwwwehhhhhhhh well
for me yes but not for you you
probly have the best feet
*dunks shoe on*
anyway you got better feet then me
anybody can tell that hehe

I dunno dias. It wasn't so much the shoes, but the idea that they had the power and could tell me I had to take an item of clothing off and I had to do it or get in big trouble. It really really really scared me.

AWWWW
sorry to hear that well i would just refuse i dont really like my shoes off either! but i do when i ge home from school

Can I offer some feedback on your advice, Dias?

You cannot refuse to take off your shoes in an airport. You will get arrested. Encouraging someone to behave in such a way that they will get arrested is bad advice.

Also, Willow's post is about a serious anxiety concern of hers. I don't think, Dias, that you or I, since we do not have any experience in clinical anxiety or post-traumatic stress, should respond with light humor when these members are looking for serious help. For Willow, this situation is not about her shoes. It is about feeling helpless. The only appropriate responses to her post is support for the anxiety about feeling helpless. Not about the practice of taking off one's shoes or how your feet smell.

Dias, I think this is happening to you a lot. If it bothers you when people jump on you about your posts, then please PM me before you post anything you are unsure about, and I can privately let you know if I think it is appropriate.

ps. Dias - if you DO have direct experience in clinical post-traumatic stress or anxiety or depression, I suggest THAT is what you post in these forums, okay? But if not, please stick to the General and Plants/Hobbies/etc forums.

We are ALL going to be a-ok!

i didn't take any offense.

I'm glad, Willow. Sorry Dias. Willow didn't, but please, still be careful, ok?

We are ALL going to be a-ok!

(((((((((GROUPHUG)))))))))))))
Thanks for watching out for me LMo. I appreciate that so so much. (HUGS)

AHHHH ts alright lmo
im ya freind and i didnt know you couldnt sorry

Hi there
Earlier this month when I went to board my mom on the plane, I too was asked to take my shoes off and I was only seeing her off for handicap reasons, I felt really weird but hey, it is something we have to do, but it was so funny my leather tevas were all soaking wet from the tialend of the hurricane, the parking lot was like a pool and the big plus they stunk, so I said "sure, here's my sandals if you can handle the stink", even their stone faces started to laugh. Poor mom, just got these shoes for diabetics, they took the 2 inner soles out and inspected them, what an ordeal to get them back on her feet
There is more to this story but too long, and it would get off the topic here. But I felt weird too, almost like being taken away to some interrogation or something.
Take care,
"darkeyes"

PS It is great to see you again, got to go give mom her insulin, bye

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

I guess we are beginning to see what people in other countries that are less safe have to endure. Makes me want to move somewhere remote...

Sorry to hear about your mother's diabetes darkeyes... it sounds serious. I'm glad you understand a little of how it felt to me to be commanded to remove my shoes and be frisked and all. I'm over it now, but haven't flown since.

I don't care for flying, the last time I did was 3-4 years ago, got caught in a terrible storm , overheads popped open even the men were screaming, I siad to my husband "never again" you can jam your frequent flyers miles you rack up from your business travels, (US Air turned out to be US Scare) I prefer going "mobile", I drove myself down and back, I like that I can stop when I want and I am still the "pilot", ha! ha!
Take care now,
"darkeyes" with dark circles too, ha!ha!

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

AMEN to that!