It was towards the end of my shift in the shelter.
I was tired.
I saw Calvin across the dining room, putting something in the microwave.
I knew he had mail that had arrived for him earlier in the day.
I grabbed his mail and headed his way.
When I got up behind Calvin, I said his name and was completely caught off guard by what happened next.
Calvin spun around and cocked his fist back ready to punch me.
Fortunately, he hesitated.
Sheepishly, Calvin looked at the ground and brought his arm down.
Not sure what else to do, I held out his mail and muttered something about the mail being slow.
That was the closest I’ve come to being punched.
And it was my fault.
PTSD and space
A study compared the personal space needs of veterans with PTSD compared with non-veterans without PTSD.
The differences are dramatic, especially the need for space BEHIND them.
The non-PTSD individuals only needed about 1 foot of space behind them.
The vets with PTSD needed about 7 ½ feet behind them.
While the researchers studied veterans with PTSD, I’m confident that the results would be similar for any individual with PTSD caused by violence—like many chronically homeless individuals.
What do you do with this information?
When you are approaching someone who may have PTSD do not approach them from behind if at all possible.
You risk triggering the “trauma startle response” which can cause “reactive aggression,” which is not good for you.
If the room you are in does not allow you to approach from the front, make sure you say their name (or “hello”) long before you are 7 ½ feet from them.
Have a fantastic week!
Peace,
Ryan
Citation: Bogovic, A, Mihanovic, M., Jokic-Begic, N. & Svagelj. A. (2014) , Personal Space of War Veterans with PTSD – Some Characteristics and Comparison with Healthy Individuals. Environment and Behavior, 46(8), 929-945.