Anonymous asked this question on 2/3/2000:

I married a childhood boyfriend several years ago (separated for 1 year now) I thought I knew him but didn't. He put me thru hell, watching every move I made, following me(for no reason I might add)and when he'd ask me a question and I answered he'd say "no you did this or that" driving me to almost insanity. Now when I see a car like his or someone who looks like him it almost scares me to death. I panic in every sense of the word, sometimes crying, wanting to find some place to hide. I don't want the people I know thinking I'm crazy or I can't handle this but I can't! I'm always looking over my shoulder & afraid I'm going to have a breakdown in public. I don't know what's wrong or how to get help without someone putting me away. What's wrong with me???

Cntrygrl gave this response on 2/4/2000:

It sounds to me as if you're suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When you've been through something traumatic, your mind tends to remember that event if you see something that reminds you of what happened. I know, I also suffer from this!! My best advice I can give, coming from my own experiences, is to seek therapy! It can do a world of good. You can also buy many, many books on this, which will help you also!! You're NOT crazy; you're just going through something right now that, believe me, most people have no idea about and because of that, they do not understand how it can affect someone!! It may be stressful for you through therapy, and I can't tell you that you will forget, because you NEVER will, but you CAN overcome this fear!! NO ONE should have to walk outside and be afraid, and constantly look over their shoulder!! You need to try to rebuild your self-confidence and your strength!! The self-help books are a tremendous help, even just as a start!! I hope this helps! Please let me know how you are doing!

The average rating for this answer is 4.

Anonymous rated this answer a 4.

Thank you for the support and understanding. I've always been very strong mentally but this is taking it's toll. Any books to recommend? Also, should I tell someone what I'm going thru?