PTSD at WDW (kinda long and rambly) About This Page:

[RoonieRooToo]

So, I haven't really thought about this until I had an attack today. I have PTSD that is a result of my first husbands death. It was violent and bad. Anyway, I would say that my PTSD does not affect me 99% of the time. I have an incident maybe once a year now but it always shakes me on the now rare occasions that I end up with it affecting me.

What sets it off is gunshot or sharp/loud sounds or if I lose track of DH especially in a crowd, to where I'm not sure where he is and then I get into a thought pattern that he is in danger or hurt and I don't know where he is.

Today I had one of those attacks due to an unexpected visit from our lawn guy coupled with my DH forgetting to call and tell me what his schedule was for the day on staying late in the office and I'm still sensitive from my disastrous last weekend of being stuck on the side of a highway in Austin with a dead car.

I can almost always calm myself down and get out of the panic state and get my thoughts under control within maybe 30 to 60 minutes. But I realized that I need a plan for if I have an attack in the park. I never had one in our previous trips but I was lucky and nothing triggered it. Odds are low that I'll have one but after the unexpected freakout today, I put on my list that I need a plan and now I'm stuck not knowing what on earth that plan should be.

I know what I need, a way to remove myself from the crowds so I can bring my thoughts back into line. Really that is all I need. I'm not worried about it happening in a ride queue since there is no reason DH and I would not be in the queue together so I'm more concerned about just general out and about in the park.

I think I need to map out "safe places" in each park that I can go and know that I can go if I have an attack. If I have that, I will feel safe just knowing that I have a specific place I'm supposed to be if I feel scared and that little fact will most likely prevent me from having an attack, if that makes any sense at all.

Can y'all help me think of quiet, low crowd places I can go in each park that DH and I can designate as my "safe places"

Have I said how much PTSD sucks?

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by RoonieRooToo

I realized that I need a plan for if I have an attack in the park.

I know what I need, a way to remove myself from the crowds so I can bring my thoughts back into line. Really that is all I need. I'm not worried about it happening in a ride queue since there is no reason DH and I would not be in the queue together so I'm more concerned about just general out and about in the park.

I think I need to map out "safe places" in each park that I can go and know that I can go if I have an attack. If I have that, I will feel safe just knowing that I have a specific place I'm supposed to be if I feel scared and that little fact will most likely prevent me from having an attack, if that makes any sense at all.

Can y'all help me think of quiet, low crowd places I can go in each park that DH and I can designate as my "safe places"

Have I said how much PTSD sucks?

Hi there! I am so sorry to hear about your first DH and the PTSD.

I think your idea of mapping "safe places" is a good one. The crowds can get overwhelming for anyone! First off, I might suggest visiting during a slow period if that is possible. Then use the tips and strategies for avoiding general crowds that are in the PassPorter Guides.

I think that the first aid stations might be quiet for you, but there are plenty of other quiet places.

Many of the attractions themselves are relaxing. One of my favorite quiet places is the "shore scene" as you get off Norway in World Showcase. There is a bench and it is always calm. I just sit there while everyone else files through the movie. It is SO relaxing!

[TinkerBellK]

All parks have a First Aid station where you can have a sit dark place to lay down. There is also a nurse there (i think) or someone anyway, in case you feel you need more help, she can help you get to a hospital or something (I have PTSD as well, so I know these things get out of control). But in general, you can lay down there and even take a little nap if that helps you calm down! They are on the park maps.

[revral]

I'm so sorry you have to deal with PTSD. Been there, done that and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I always find riding the train around the park (MK at DW, DL at DLR) soothing/calming. Although it doesn't necessarily get you away from the crowds. Something about the motion and the sounds just soothes me. I've been known to use the bathroom as an escape from crowds when there seems to be no other way to escape them. Not the nicest or most pleasant way to escape crowds but you do get your own place with a door that locks. Good luck.

[tkm1005]

Ok someone will have to help me out with the names of these locations, but there are a few places, like the tables and chairs just down from the ice cream parlor on Main Street in MK (on your way to tomorrowland) that are often empty and a good place to just sit and relax. Epcot also has the little seating areas off the beaten path around the World Showcase that are relaxing. You could also walk over to the beach area in front of the Yacht and Beach Club (a little far, but away from the crowds). I'm not sure about Hollywood Studios - maybe by the water next to the Dinosaur with the icecream?

The first aid station may be your best bet if you and your DH ever do get separated and then try to find a quiet place to recover.

[RoonieRooToo]

I didn't even think of the first aid stations. Okay, we are going to put those as the 2nd meeting spot.

I really like the train idea. That would be a good spot for me since it would stop me from moving around and even if the train has people, they aren't hopping/running around and that is part of what makes a different. Kids don't bother me, just adults hopping around. I could be in a room with a billion kids wigging out and that wouldn't trigger anything. Hahahaha.

Animal Kingdom, I think I'll just plan on ducking into the Discovery Trails. DH and I will each have our cells so I can call him and tell him "I'm freaked and this is where I am" so trails will work.

World Showcase, I'm going to make sure I have a map with the gardens so I can pop into those.

Disney Studios I'm really not sure about. That one always feels more chaotic to me. I can't think of anywhere off the beaten path there.

[skateycat]

i would really suggest the first aid stations. they have quiet areas with beds that you can lie down on. there are 2 rn's on duty at all times that the park is opened. there is immediate access to paramedics if needed. i think if you go in and explain you want to just lie down for a few moments, or just to rest or chill or just to get out of the crowds. have a great time and i think you are wise to plan something out! so sorry you have this in the back of your mind. that the trip will go without any problems!

[taylan1]

Passporter's Open Mouse book has a list for each park of quiet areas to go to. I wrote these down myself in case we needed them for our DS to relax if he had anxiety or a meltdown. I agree with others that the first aid/babycenters are great for getting away from all the noise and masses of people. Even if you don't have a panic attack you might want to check all the quiet areas out just to sit and relax and enjoy. Have a great trip!

[wm49rs]

At Disney Studios there is a small cafe called the Writer's Stop. It's very close to Star Tours. I've never known it to be anything but a quiet refuge from the teeming masses outside. Hope this helps.

[RoonieRooToo]

Wm49rs, I will put that on my list. Thank you!

[Tonichelle]

no tips really, but I would think twice about seeing Fantasmic... there's a loud canon shot that comes seemingly out of no where (pitchblack dark, and even though I know it's coming every time I FLIP) there's also a battle scene with guns... just be aware!

[PamelaK]

My DBF also suffers from PTSD. DD and I have "mapped out" safe places for him too. Although his places are the arcades. I will add these quiet spots to our list too, in case he just wants to sit andrelax a moment or two. Thanks for asking the q.