I messed up the poll first time I posted this. You should be able to vote now if you wish. :)
I only answered re the trauma/abuse part, I realise I missed out the psychosis part. I technically don't have psychosis, though get close to it at times, so I should have made an 'Other' option. Sadly you can't edit polls.
Personal space sensitivity has always been a challenge for me, and sometimes it's worse than others, sometimes I'm relaxed, and sometimes I'm... not. I'm getting better with it, very slowly, as it's very deeply embedded, first from the early trauma stuff, and then the later bullying etcetera.
I answered very protective both to trauma and psychosis. But I think it's a lot more related to the trauma. That said, I'm sometimes desperate for physical contact, and, have recently accepted four hugs from professionals, when I have refused them for a year.
I put: 'Very protective, and I don't have a trauma/abuse history'.
It's something I've been thinking about lately, because I don't know why I'm protective of my personal space. I was 'bullied' at school, but it was only verbal stuff, nothing physical, and I don't think that's related in any way. I think it's just anxiety, but I don't know why at all.
I'm comfortable with my family, but besides that I'm very protective, I'm not happy with physical contact with most people and I won't initiate hugs or anything. I 'flinch' occasionally if people come towards me during an argument, and again I have no idea why. And I panic sometimes when our instructor is in front of me at training asking me to do something.
At school one of my teachers used to move the chairs further away when he asked me to sit down, so I could have some 'personal space', which was helpful.
Most of the time I'm OK with people being close by, as long as they're not over my shoulder literally... well if it's my parents I immediately get defensive.
People in my stuff, however, scares the living sh*t out of me, and usually i'm not even hiding anything. Do not get in my things without my explicit permission thank you very much. I don't go through your purse/room/bag/backpack/whatever, don't paw through mine.
Physically, emotionally, both? Sorry, what is personal space?
I hate people getting close to me physically in that i'm not a very huggy person although i will hug and don't feel bad doing it, it's just i'm quite restrained in any emotional expression. I don't think this is due to needing my personal space but more that i dislike extreme outwardly shows of affection....i just don't get it and it seems a bit pathetic to me... Emotionally I hate people getting anywhere near me....again is this personal space though?
Can I have a definition of personal space?
Or is that just plain lame to ask for?
"Very protective, and I do have a trauma/abuse history"
"Very protective, and I do experience psychosis symptoms"
For the first one, pretty obvious, I am very protective of my personal space, especially when I'm in a bad state, and I do have a history of being abused & traumatized.
For the second one, I do not have a diagnosis of psychosis, but I do experience some psychosis symptoms, but I only experience delusions & paranoia/suspicion, no hallucinations though.
No experience of abuse, but I am very protective of my personal space. I'd much rather be alone than around people. Always have been even before I developed my psychosis symptoms.
Some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money.
They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with.
Some men just want to watch the world burn.
Very protective, and I do have a trauma/abuse history
Very protective, and I do experience psychosis symptoms
Both these options fir for me. I have a history of trauma and I do have psychosis symptoms. I am very protective of personal space around almost everyone. I only very occasionally freak out around my girlfriend, but everyone puts me absolutely on edge if they come too close.
Personal space is an issue for me. I find it worse if someone gets close behind me if that make sense. mind you weird thing is although i am very sensitive about my personal space im not very good at judgong other peoples...
I feel uncomfortable when people sit, stand too close to me. Especially if they are in a position of authority to me like a teacher or something. Even people I know well.
Like even if my boyfriends mum sits right next to me on the sofa I have to move after a few minutes. But I don't totally freak out, I just feel a bit uncomfortable.
But I am ok with hugs from friends as long as they move back out of my space afterwards.
It depends for me really. I mean sometimes I can be really huggy and stuff but other times I can't bear touching other people and actually feel physically ill if they touch me. This tends to happen at gigs which is very annoying as I like to be in the thick of it and yeh. I guess I am like over sensative to touch and things too which could play a part.
The world is just illusion always trying to change me.
You will find wonder wherever you can, and spread joy whenever you are able.
I felt emotions of gentleness and pleasure, that had long appeared dead, divide within me. - Frankenstein.
