Question About Flashbacks And PTSD

[Angelwings]

I have PTSD, and I have flashbacks (childhood sexual abuse). They have become less frequent in the past few weeks, and I'm wondering, do you always have flashbacks if you have PTSD? Do they ever really go away?

 

[cherryblossom]

I have PTSD and also have flashbacks. In my experience, sometimes the flashbacks are more frequent than other times. Personally, the flashbacks make me more depressed and anxious, which increases the flashbacks, and on goes the cycle until eventually (I don't know why), they become less frequent again.

I don't think that everyone who has PTSD has flashbacks, as far as I know it is just one of my critera used to diagnose PTSD.

I also believe that until I deal fully with the trauma, I will continue to have flashbacks. Maybe, even if I get to the stage of healing, where things are much better for me, I may still get flashbacks. But hopefully, then, those flashbacks won't be as distressing, and more like 'normal' memories, than traumatic memories.

This is just my opinion, maybe someone will have some more definate answers for you.

regards

 

[brokenchild]

I agree with cherry. Flashbacks are one criteria that can be used to diagnose. Mine also go through periods of being less frequent and sometimes when I remember them, they don't seem like flashbacks, just normal memories. Hopefully one day they will stop being flashbacks and start being just "normal" memories.

 

[Angelwings]

So, how long does it take before they stop? Should it be months or weeks or years? Anyone have any idea?

 

[Firenze]

I agree. Flashbacks are part of the diagnosis. However, I've noticed lately that mine haven't gone away, but I feel calmer about them. I don't feel so awful/panicked/out of control when I remember things. Maybe I'm starting to accept them? I don't know. I think I'll always remember the things that have happened, but maybe I won't feel so terrible when I think of them.

 

[cherryblossom]

So, how long does it take before they stop? Should it be months or weeks or years? Anyone have any idea?

I would imagine this depends on how much work you have done on your trauma. And how well managed your PTSD is. This will be different for everyone, and there is no way of saying when (or if) they will stop.

 

[Moonshadow]

I have flashbacks. The severity waxes and wains, but they're always there, to some extent. Some days, they're not as obtrusive, and I can easily distract myself. Other days, I have to focus very hard to stay in the present.

Sometimes, something will trigger a certain flashback, and it will pervade my mind for days or weeks.

I've given up hope that they will go away. I try to distract myself and ignore them. Often, easier said than done.

 

[kitkat]

My Flashbacks are as bad as they have ever been. I have alot of triggers and get so scared that I panic and shake and cry in fear. I'm sorry I couldn't give you any good advice on this but I want you to know we all are going through the same things and that your not alone. I hope it gets better for you.

 

[maher_nyc]

any doctor's answers ?

 

[saratoga808]

Flashbacks? Its been 18 months and is still so strange. I thought I was the only one. How does the mind block things out? I tell myself that God hold's some things back until I can deal with a little more.

 

[2quilt]

I just quit an antidepressant and so I am in withdrawal and every time I take a nap or sleep at night I wake screaming from violent and sexual abuse flashbacks and nightmares. Meds made them once a month occurances, but now it's all day long, all night long. The abuse began more than 40 years ago, so I may never get over them.

 

[gibraltar]

For 10 years I suffered with the pain and fear of flashbacks and nightmares with the residual affects the nightmares would have on my days acting as triggers for further flashbacks. Yes there would be good days to act as buoys to cling to when the fear returned. Today I am free of fear and actually have full-time employment working with others who are not aware of this aspect of myself. Through (finally!) the right medication and support from a therapist was I able to walk throught the fire. I take a med that allows you to be nightmare free. (Prazocin) The best to you as you continue to heal.