Flashbacks In Ebbs And Flows?

[unique]

Hi, I'm sort of new here. Just an update: I posted back in December last year about an impending crisis and since then I have been hospitalized three times and diagnosed with a co-morbid of bipolar disorder and the existing complex PTSD.

Does anybody else's PTSD/C-PTSD flashbacks come in flows and ebbs? I can have a couple of months where my flashbacks reduce to about once a day, if I'm lucky every two days or so. Then I also get periods of a couple of months where I have to put up with flashbacks a few times a day, usually triggered off by encountering something physical from my trauma/s. In conjunction with the increase in flashbacks comes more dissociation episodes, probably my brain trying to protect me. When I get the increase in flashbacks it physically exhausts me so I end up in bed/napping on the sofa most of the time.

So, anyone else get this?
Thanksies =) x

 

[Angelwings]

I do. I'm currently going through night number 5 of no sleep and flashbacks. I had flashbacks last night, of and on, all night and then today, and I've been dissociating. I'd like to sleep, heck, I'd like to sleep through life and possibly skip all of this PTSD crap. My body is exhausted, my muscles are aching and I have to act like it's all okay so that I don't upset my son. Ah life.

 

[jasonh9]

My flashbacks are over my mother dying from cancer. Yes the flashbacks come like waves to me as well. I watch myself crying on the couch all the time or when I go run in the backyard.

I really don't know what to tell you other than you're not alone in how things come and go like waves. Sometimes lots of them then other times few but its a constant presence in my mind.

 

[anticfox]

I too have ebbs and flows. I've been trying to bring constancy in any area that I can: exercise, healthy food, sleep and positive social interaction. I know all that is a tall order and can't necessarily be done at once but I've also noticed that any time I can get a hold of any of the virtuous stuff it can build on itself and create stability. Hang in there!

 

[unique]

Thanks everyone, I don't feel so confused about it now. The first time the flashbacks started to die down I thought I was better and didn't have to worry about them anymore but it has been over 7 years and it still goes to and fro. I have more knowledge about the way my relapses go so during my stable periods I get rid of any dangerous items in prep for the harder months.
x

 

[WendyA]

There are times when they aren't as bad or if I am distracted enough, but it seems that they have a way of storing up during those times because afterwards or after a "break" they seem to come on and worse. I almost don't want to have any good times anymore or breaks because the crash is huge.

 

[Angelwings]

Ah, the ever ebbing and flowing of flashbacks....I'm currently in a flowing stage, as I stated above, but there are times when they are not as present. Just. Not. Now.