Long road, long struggle to get housing has been over for a month. It took… 608 days from becoming on the streets homeless (not even crashing couches) But I moved into my apartment on February 1st with help from a housing org!
Now what?
I literally feel feral, idk how to connect with people, lost most social skills from the sheer dehumanization and I dont leave my apartment much because I’m afraid ill lose it or won’t be able to come back or some neurotic shit i cant help but to think.
I guess what im asking is; Formally unhoused loves of hexbear, what steps did you take to help get you back to “normal” social functioning/out of survival mode?
picture is my gfs lovely orange baby named Athena
Congratulations on getting an apartment!
In regards to your question, I don’t think you ever go back to normal. Going through something traumatic stays with you. I think it’s now about discovering/becoming the person that persevered through everything you’ve faced. To help get out of survival mode I think it helps to start with the small things you need to do. For example showering, making your bed, putting laundry away. The first few months will barely feel real and you’ll get regular flashbacks/dreams that you’re back on the street, but they will slowly become less frequent over the years