PTSD and security point searches

[Thisweirdone]

Nc for this one.
I wondered if anyone else has had similar as everyone I have ever spoken to about this seems to find it very odd and I know my own family are finding it frustrating.

I am a survivor of rape and sexual assault. I have had some therapy and treatment for PTSD over the years and it has helped in many respects.

The trouble is, I cannot stand being touched in any way by people I don't know well. It can be awkward in public, for example if someone touches my shoulder to get my attention or someone leans in for a hug on introduction. The biggest problem is at security checkpoints where body searches are conducted. We are due to fly next week and I'm considering saying I can't go.

I have triggered alarms at airport security several times over the years for no obvious reason and have been pulled aside for some very intrusive and distressing searches. These have triggered panic attacks. On occasion staff have been very good and patient with me, others less so. I haven't really then been able to enjoy holidays because I just feel so dirty and re-traumatised because I have been searched. Yes they state it's by consent but they know you can't say no, not really.

I have tried several things like asking for a private search, trying to distract myself, but it's difficult when things that usually help my anxiety, like listening to music or having a fiddle gadget in my pocket, all have to be handed in for scanning. It's at the point where my partner now has to take our son through separately as I've had panic attacks in his presence and I don't want to distress him or pass my issues on to him. His birth was very traumatic for me because of my history.

Last time I flew, I followed all advice given by a kind officer to get through security without being stopped, nothing in pockets, nothing shiny etc. but the new style body scanners still picked up an issue...in my genital area!!! It was horrendous and when I questioned it at time I was simply told that the machines are sensitive, I was to be searched or I couldn't fly and they would have to consider calling the police.

Just wondered if any other survivors can relate and had any advice? I really don't think I can fly next week. I know I'm going to get stopped and it will be horrible. I can't look forward to the trip.

You could book assistance - worth a conversation with the airport beforehand regarding how they would manage this, but not as easy on the way back.

I have cPTSD from a traumatic childhood and control is big issue for me. I also have bipolar. Flying is a nightmare. Manchester airport is awful. I found Athens great. I still fly because medical appointments give me the same issue with asymmetrical power so I have to accept living with it all the time.

I think your issue with having an issue with being touched is harder. If you plan to go, I would definitely approach both airports - UK and abroad and ask for their specialist assistance team. In the UK wear a sunflower lanyard too.

Until my illness got so bad I was hospitalised and sectioned, I didn’t realise how it could feel. Someone who hasn’t suffered does not know the physical pressure that builds up inside. It is torturous. Do whatever you can to make your life feel liveable. I’m so sorry this happened to you. Well done for keeping going.

That sounds really tough and upsetting for you, and must make going abroad such hard work for you. Im just wondering if you're still in therapy or can contact your old therapist? Would a letter of support from them be helpful if they'd provide one? It doesnt have to go into loads of detail but its could explain you've had/have ptsd so searches can be very traumatic and anxiety provoking; it could request things that would help eg going somewhere private, sex of officer conducting the search. It might be easier to hand that over rather than trying to explain, and if its on 'official' headed paper by someone with a title it might carry more weight. Might something like that help?

Thankyou that's very kind of you. I am sorry also for your experiences and that you have been so unwell you have had to go into hospital. The physical pressure you describe sums it up so perfectly. It sounds as though you are doing really well

That's actually a really good idea, thankyou

Book special assistance.

you can also get cards that will explain this.

special assistance can take you through either separate lane or go via a crew security station which is much more private and where the staff have much more time.

I have problems with body searches as I am disabled and parts of my body are significantly painful to the touch.

i have a pre printed card that I carry that I give to the security people.