Intrusive Memories/flashbacks

[LightAngel]

Anybody have this? I get an intrusive memory, which only lasts for about 2-3 seconds, but it acts like a flashback. I am suddenly transported into a previous time during the traumatic part of my life. Then it's gone. It always causes me anxiety, no matter what the memory is. Very often it's completely 'harmless' memories, driving down the road, sitting in a chair at home, but accompanied by the awful feelings I had at the time.

I try not to push the memory away anymore, just trying to let me flow through me, feel it and then let it go. But I have no idea how to categorize it.

 

[hodge]

I get that a lot, too. I also have nightmares most nights which cause lots of problems in my functioning.

You categorized it as well as I think we all have the language to do so at this point -- they're intrusive thoughts. I see them as a step down in severity from flashbacks, as you're not actually going through it again with such intensity, as in like a virtual reality kind of experience, but are remembering it with still a lot of intensity, which is also very difficult to overcome.

 

[ladee]

I do the same thing.. sometimes just silly stuff, or a memory that is not connected to anything in particular. It feels like it's driving us mad at times... like we can't even just set for a few minutes without PTSD rearing it's ugly head so that we don't have a moments peace....
Trying to not fight it is good... let it run it's course. You can always try some meditative breathing if you get really anxious... learn some grounding techniques.... it does help... hope you are feeling better soon, and thanks for sharing...

 

[Deleted member 33052]

From what I've been reading, these are considered to be flashbacks. I believe they are the result of your subconscious mind's efforts to rid your body of the traumatic memories. I think you're doing a great job by not trying to shove them back down. You didn't mention if you're in therapy. It sounds like you're ready...

 

[LightAngel]

From what I've been reading, these are considered to be flashbacks. I believe they are the result...

Thank you! I am in therapy currently, but I haven't talked to my T yet about it. He has only recently started talking to about me having PTSD, and it actually took me quite a bit of running through PTSD symptom lists to understand and realize a lot of what I have been doing. I have denial cranked up to 50 out of 10, and I am in constant flight mode. So a lot of dealing (recently) has been to try and stop and face the storm.

 

[Deleted member 33052]

Thank you! I am in therapy currently, but I haven't talked to my T yet about it. He has only recentl...

Boy, we understand about being in constant survival mode! Regarding therapy, when you and your therapist are ready to start working on the PTSD, try to think of the work as your chance to finally escape this prison. Every session is one step closer to freedom! :)

 

[Ruinedforever]

Anybody have this? I get an intrusive memory, which only lasts for about 2-3 seconds, but it acts like a flashback....

It's good that you have started to let the memory run its course, and then letting it go! In theory it sounds easy. Letting it go is the hard part.