My story, does anyone relate?

Hey everybody. I'm new to this subreddit but decided to try my luck here. Basically to keep things concise, I suffered a cocktail of really bad autoimmune issues for almost 5 years (between 24 to 28 years old), so bad that I had to drop out of school and couldn't work. I came to the end of my rope, so to speak, and ended up doing a ten day fast as a last resort, and I was actually way better afterwards. I followed that fast with numerous other fasts between 2-7 days, and in a matter of two or three months I was fully healed physically and able to go back to work and get my life in order. However, as infinitely thankful as I am for this miracle of healing, I find myself now, a couple years later, feeling so isolated and alienated from most other people. Most people seem to shrug my story off, apart from my mother and my best friend, both of whom have been very supportive and actually willing to listen. I'm still very healthy and haven't had any flareups at all, which is amazing in itself, but I find myself becoming more and more distant from most other people. I just can't relate to them. I'm afraid I might be dealing with some form of PTSD or similar. It seems a bit absurd as I haven't been in combat or an accident or anything like that, but when I read the literature about PTSD and its effects I think "yep, that's me". Anyway, I know this sub isn't strictly related to this kind of thing, but as my story is so deeply connected to the healing powers of fasting I thought I'd give it a shot. Does anybody here relate to this? Anybody been through similar experiences or know where I should look? Honestly I just feel so alone, I feel like people think I'm insane when I try to tell them my experiences so I don't really share it anymore in real life. Any feedback is hugely appreciated. Thanks!

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I have also experienced this disconnection while fasting. You get to a point where you have nothing to say. My conclusion is we are all on a journey that being life the experience and some aren’t ready to hear what you have to say. I love the connection to nature and all during fasts no words at all, just breathe I hope this helps

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I’ve seen testimonies of people having sort of “emotional release” during dry fasts. Some others were talking about how dry fasts can help mental health (e.g. relieve depression). It might help PTSD but it can only be confirmed by experimentation.

Other than that, I think dry fast could help normalizing oxytocin levels which might help with relations with people around you. I’m not sure it will will change the differences between you and them but you might be more relaxed.

Ps: not sure I answered a question you asked.

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Hey Tobryn, I can relate to your story. I currently have two super not fun autoimmune issues and am at my last resort - dry fasting. I hope to heal just like you! I’m really happy you could pull out of that 5 year hole. I would be infinitely thankful too - I get that.

My mother and my housemate are very supportive. Everyone else seems to think I’m just ‘trying another thing’ that is some ‘hippie’ thing that ultimately won’t work. My doctors just ignore any alternative methods I try and push the drugs. It’s frustrating. So, I imagine my experience on the other side of this is going to be a little like yours!

Speaking for myself, I already have trauma cranking from previous experiences in my life. I’ve been through accidents and fires but also other things that caused trauma but wouldn’t obviously be labeled that way. My experience of having debilitating diseases was traumatic. Is traumatic. Many friends don’t understand the pain I’m experiencing at all. So I feel isolated. It’s lead to not being able to work. With no income, my future is more uncertain than it was before. The unknown is scary. Feeling misunderstood and isolated is difficult.

So, I can imagine that potentially you have some trauma bubbling along beneath the surface too. I will write here what was recommended for me - it might be useful for you.

A pal of mine who’s a professional in mental health of many years recommended seeking some trauma therapy which I’ll be engaging in in a few months. I’m looking forward to it. There’s a documentary I watched online called ‘The Wisdom of Trauma’ with Gabor Mate that was helpful. And the therapy I’m engaging in is something called TRTP - The Richards Trauma Process. My friend recommended to get this TRTP delivered by a mental health professional so that if anything super heavy pops up they’ll be able to support you well.

My best wishes to you.