Did I Have A Flashback And How Can I Reset?

[cinnamon_girl]

I am a victim of domestic violence for 10 years. I have been out of that relationship for 4 years now. My new husband and I were in a bit of a tiff and he was too close to me raising his voice. That made me feel like I was back in my first marriage again. I started acting and saying things that I would have said and done back then. And I couldn't stop crying about 10 minutes following this incident and that was 5 days ago now.

I am having extreme anxiety, my senses are all heightened and I continue to react in the old behavior, just as I had 5 night s ago. I have been in therapy, but have recently discontinued it, I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and ptsd. I am on an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety med. I just want to feel like myself again, but I just have a lot of dislike for my husband now, he makes me nervous. I want this to stop..... Was this a flashback or disoccation ? I have never had this happen this vividly or have these feelings continue for so long. HELP!!!

 

[Justmehere]

It may have been a flashback. Only a professional can really diagnose the symptoms you are experiencing. t sounds like this argument with your husband really triggered you and that you are possibly having a lot of hyervigalence and other possible symptoms of PTSD. I would strongly suggest talking to your prescribing doctor about how you are doing and consider going back to therapy.

You could also contact your local Safehouse/Women's shelter - they often have support groups for women who have survived domestic violence in the past, including those who are not in any danger anymore.

 

[Healing Reins]

I don't know if this will help, but it might help to remember that your husband now is nothing like you previous husband.. (I'm actually not sure of that. I'm just assuming that) But for me I will sometimes have a flashback and I will think the person in the same room with me is my rapist...when really they aren't any where close to being my rapist.

I think Justmehere said it well, you could definitely go to a safehouse/women's shelter and find support groups! :]

I think for the time being it is important to ground yourself when you start to feel yourself getting anxious. What works for me is deep breathing. I take four deep breaths so for one breath i would breathe in for four seconds, hold for four. let out for four seconds. That seems to calm me down.

Maybe you could talk to your husband about what you are feeling ?

 

[NovemberStar]

Welcome to the forums….

Have you ever had or are currently having therapy due address the abuse form your previous marriage? I'd encourage you to see a professional because you are describing some pretty awful anxiety issues. Have you been diagnosed with PTSD, or do you think you might have it due to what happened the other day?

 

[Meadowsweet]

There can be an dissociation in a flashback. It sounds like a flashback to me.

I don't know the best way to reset in a relationship. Did your therapist give you any grounding or helpful exercises to help? Or, is it possible to return to therapy?

@NovemberStar, the poster has stated that they have been in therapy and have recently stopped, and that they have been diagnosed with PTSD in the original post.