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Peace of mind has been shattered

nuancedream

Veteran

I have not been posting lately because my job has me working in overdrive and we're preparing to reach settlement on a house as well as packing up the condo. Last night, we were planning on seeing Pacific Northwest Ballet as a date night treat, but it was canceled due to a COVID outbreak. After a short walk and some dessert, we were heading home and had entered a tunnel when a mentally ill woman jumped on our car and was screaming at us. I was driving. I'm condensing the incident a lot but she bashed in the windshield with a skateboard and glass fragments fell over the driver's side seat. I was terrified and angry to the point where I wanted to hurt her severely. I have never been in a situation where my and my husband's safety was so threatened and help didn't come promptly. The woman stole some petty cash from me but she stole something more precious, my peace of mind and empathy for others in distress. I doubt I will ever drive in a tunnel again or visit downtown Seattle for pleasure or entertainment any time soon. Psychic wounds can be as painful,
if not more so, than physical wounds and my healing will be a prolonged process but I am a fighter.

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31 replies

Latest reply was from merwoman

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm so sorry to hear about this happening to you. It sounds terrifying and of course will take time to recover from. I really encourage you to seek out a mental health professional who specializes in trauma and can help you process this. There is so much new information and technique available to help victims move through their trauma instead of getting stuck there. (((Hugs)))

nuancedream

Veteran

Khris, thank you for reaching out. I have a mental health professional who I have been working with for treatment of anxiety. I was able to call her last night and she was able to alleviate some of the acute terror I was experiencing at that moment.

kkards

Veteran

Oh I’m so sorry this happened to you. Sending healing thoughts and hugs to you

cat2

Veteran

Did you file a police report?

Sal

Veteran

That’s a terrifying event - how frightening. I would be angry too - she was putting everyone at risk.

I am pleased you have someone to help you with this.

nuancedream

Veteran

cat2, I filed a police report and the suspect was booked into jail on a charge of malicious mischief. Plus, she resisted arrest because three officers were needed to subdue her. Whether she remains there or has been released is unknown.

Sal, the suspect is obviously a very troubled person and needs mental health services but her actions should be addressed by the criminal justice system.

JAileen

Veteran

Oh, what a frightening event! I would have been terrified and also furious. Your reactions are very understandable. Talking to your professional ought to help a lot. I don’t have one, but I had something scary happen to me at Christmas time and I talked for a long time with a friend who really helped me. I was frightened by a customer at the thrift store where I volunteer. Talking about it really helped. I haven’t volunteered since then, though.

Anonymous

What a completely terrifying experience. I hope you and your husband didn't suffer any physical injuries, because the psychological ones are bad enough. You might inquire about victims' services offered by your city. We have this service in mine, and they were of great help to me and a family member in the aftermath of a home invasion. Please take care of yourself and feel better soon.

rachylou

Veteran

Omg. She attacked a moving car? That is some… some Mad Max terror. Ohmigosh, nuancedream. I am so sorry. Wow.

Bijou

Veteran

Andrea, I am so sorry that you had this horrible experience. I am glad that you both made it home safely. Homelessness and substance abuse is an issue faced in my City too, especially in the downtown city precinct. It is frightening, because when I first started working in the city it was a rare occurrence to see homeless people on the street but now it is so normalised and the crime level is unfortunately high. I and many others avoid going into the city for this reason as it is no longer a safe and happy place to visit.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I still don’t know what to say. Am so sorry this happened. It’s good you know resources to work with to heal. Still can’t imagine this happening—how bizarre. Take care of yourselves & each other!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

That sounds so scary! I’m glad you are ok and it wasn’t worse, but totally understand the emotional trauma. I’m glad you’re getting help for that.

Mental health care is sadly terribly lacking in this country, particularly for those without means and resources. It sounds like that woman is in desperate need of treatment. Most mental illness does not lead to violent behavior, but when it does, I believe a combination of criminal and medical actions needs to be taken.

catherine

Veteran

Wow. That sounds so scary. What a world. I hope you can find some peace.

Bonnie

Veteran

What a terrible experience. You've gotten some good advice about seeking help dealing with the fear and anger that such a terrifying incident brings. It seems like these incidents are increasing even in my suburban area. We are surrounded by natural areas and homeless people along with mentally ill people are camped in there. They come into our neighborhoods and lots of vandalism, thefts, angry people yelling at strangers for no reason, a naked woman yelling and pushing a cart down the center of the main road, and other incidents have caused me to worry and become wary.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm sorry this happened, Nuancedream. A very scary experience that leaves one awfully invaded, angry, anxious, shaken-up and very rattled. Your emotional trauma is understandable, and I sympathize.

Glad you're feeling supported, and hope that you and hubs can comfort each other. Wishing you strength, peace in your heart, and a happy house move. Take care, and much love. xo

kellygirl

Veteran

What a terrifying experience. I can imagine the range of emotions you must have and be going through. I can sort of relate--I was recently side swiped by a driver in my neighborhood - who didn't stop and sped off--and although my passenger wasn't hurt it made me angry and vengeful. I hope that you are able to move past this in time and not let it prevent you from enjoying your city. Hugs to you!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I am so sorry that this has happened to you.l was attacked by a complete stranger in the street years ago.l was tense everytimesomeone walked up behind me for at least six months afterwards but it does get better.l do hope that you feel able to put this behind you in time but l completely get how you must be feeling at the moment.Wishing you all the best.

Echo

Veteran

nuancedream, this is such a horrible thing to have happen. While I haven't experienced something like it, I can easily see how traumatizing it could be. I hope you continue to reach out to people who can help you process this and that you are able to recover your sense of security. But that will be a process and won't happen overnight. I hope the move might be able to take your mind off this, if only for a little while, and perhaps the change in location can help you overcome the immediate anger and trauma.

Kate

Veteran

I am so sorry this happened to you and your husband, nuancedream. What a frightening experience. Your terror and anger are totally understandable. I'm glad you were able to reach out to your mental health professional and she was able to help you. Wishing you strength and calm and a happy house move.

ChristelJ

Veteran

I'm so sorry, how horrifying. I was violently mugged once and felt violated and shaken, and I really feel for you having to go through that sort of aftermath.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Damn, I’m so sorry.
Seattle, unfortunately isn’t the same.

nuancedream

Veteran

Annagybe, downtown Seattle is just not a safe and pleasant place to visit anymore.

RobinF

Veteran

Wow, that sounds terrifying! Hopefully that woman can get the help she needs! Take care of yourself!

Helena

Veteran

ND I am so so sorry you had to experience this. My God, that is just a shocking event. I wish I had something helpful to say ... I am glad you have some support (both DH and the professional you've been working with). Please take good care of yourself as you heal from this horrible incident xoxo

Anonymous

That's horrible It sounds like she may have been on some pretty powerful drugs too. So sorry you had to go through that but glad you have someone to talk to!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, no!! This is horrible. How frightening and upsetting for you! I'm so, so sorry. I'd have been terrified, too. A tunnel is a scary place to begin with -- there is that feeling of being underground, unable to escape, away from the eyes of those who might offer help or support. I hope you are able to take some time to rest and recuperate.

These problems are all so interconnected, right? Inequality, homelessness, mental health crises, addictions, a sense of alienation compounded by the pandemic, city designs that create spaces where such things can occur more easily . . . the list goes on and on.

cat2

Veteran

I am glad to hear she was charged, as that is key to getting her to answer for her actions. I hope you are feeling a bit less shaken.

Star (Lise)

Veteran

What a scary event. I hope you are feeling somewhat better. It will take time.

judy

Veteran

What a difficult thing to go through. I do hope your recovery from this is going well.

In a video I was watching, the speaker had visited Seattle from Paris recently and remarked that leaving the Seattle Art Museum one evening had been like walking into "an outdoor insane asylum".

I have a son who has severe mental health issues. Medications have made it possible for him to be high functioning. No longer a "danger to himself or others" as they say in the field. How different would it be for many of these folks on the street if the outreach was more active? I remember a time when anyone lying on the street would be picked up by the police and taken somewhere to get help. With the closing down of the state hospitals, I think under Reagan, all that changed in the US.

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