Hi Linarra,

I’ve been through these things too. It’s trauma adding to anxiety, lack of focus, closed off experience from friends and family (withdrawal), depression, fears, loneliness and more.

What helped me was sitting with the pain. Your brain is trying to escape from it OR freak out about it. You need self-compassion as you reparent yourself. It seems too like you are needing a deeper connection than your friends are giving you. It’s okay to be introverted or shy or awkward at the same time. We all worry what others think of  us. 🙂

Functioning when you’re in pain is hard. I know. I’ve been there. I just turned my life around recently and started functioning and receiving again. I’ve been healing my inner child and figuring out how to be a normal person. But what is normal?

I just did a 180 and can face everything again. That tells me it could help you too.

I’m sending a virtual hug your way.  You’re not alone in this thing.

What is something kind you can say to yourself right now as you go through?

What is something you can be grateful for?

How can you positively reframe your negative thoughts? I.E “I’m not enough” versus “I’ve always been enough.”

What childhood beliefs stemming from severe trauma can you challenge? See above.

Write a letter to your inner child.

Do things that bring you joy. Be your own best friend. For me, I love going to Barnes and Nobles and writing in their cafe and reading Sailor Moon manga. It’s simple and kinda silly the latter part of it but it helps with self care and helps me focus.

I would recommend therapy and a psych eval. See if you can find a support group in person or on facebook. Facebook support groups are awesome. There are self help inspirational ones too. I recommend The Soulsisterhood.

It sounds like you have PTSD too. That’s your anxiety lurking and lack of functioning skills. This is due to the trauma.

I’m glad you came to this forum and am proud of you for self-advocating. That’s the first step in any healing journey.

Thank yourself for getting to this point. You survived a lot.

You are not “less than” for suffering or having struggles. People equate their circumstances with their worth. Your worth is innate. You just have to see it.

You can turn around this life. You can start today just by showing yourself some kindness.

I can’t work right now either but I do a lot of self help writing and volunteer work. I’m on disability for bipolar and have a learning disability as well as add and ptsd and all the stuff you listed. I know what it’s like for disabilities to pile up on each other. You don’t have to be like everyone else to find your happiness.

Meditation is a great way to process trauma as you sit with your feelings. There are many guided ones online or apps. Here’s my favorite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZEdkZsaUQ8

Sending love and light your way.

You’ve got this!