Having Flashbacks While Reading Threads In Forum.

[Muncher72]

How much PTSD Forum is healthy for me? I am not sure how to recognize when I've pushed myself too far.
As I read other thread postings, I find myself having flashbacks of past traumatic events, sometimes little ones, sometimes big ones. At times I have to turn off my computer and go take a break due to the flood of emotions that over come me. Anyone with some solid experience and recommendations?

 

[Nicolette]

Anthony answered your question in your Ask An Editor Post........

Also... there is such a thing as too much being online daily, absolutely. Small doses is my recommendation... not long hauls on here. If you are writing about your trauma, then you should be walking away feeling like crap, ie. it is a type of trauma therapy. You should then feel relief after the fact, days, week, basically if you fall over, you should feel better than you previously did.

Lots of reading to learn, understand... that is the first step... and all in your own time and when you feel well enough to learn.

 

[gdf]

Hi Muncher72, welcome to the forum.

I started out a number of months ago with the same trepidation and found some things here absolutely curled my toes, caused flash backs, panicky feelings, etc. but as I have worked here (and with a therapist who knows about PTSD and trauma) it got better and now I can read some things without the horrible reactions that many of us commonly have. I think what you are experiencing happens to the majority of us and it can be triggering but then, so are a lot of external cues, when you have PTSD. The exposure does help and you get to a point where you can empathize with the people/stories here without being overwhelmed. I think the only way to get rid of a lot of the major reactions is with desensitization. My story is in my diary but you may not want to read diaries because this is where we disperse a lot of the heavy-duty damage we incurred from traumatic events. You'll get a feel for when you are ready and when you do you will feel like crap and put it away for a bit and then you will come back and tackle some more and so on. Remember, the terror is in the free-fall. The landing is not so bad. It ain't easy but it's doable and we survive.

It does get better. If you don't have one, think about shopping for a supportive therapist if that feels right, then take a deep breath and start toward freedom. The fresh air feels really good once you get to the other side.

Peace and success on the journey.

Gina

 

[Muncher72]

Thank You For Your Insight

Thanks to you both for your words of wisdom. It is comforting, insightful and far more educated than I've ever experienced in other forums I've dabbled in.

I am currently receiving treatment from a state paid psychiatrist since I do not have private insurance, but she is a really good Doctor and listens well. I am on medications so this whole experience is probably less traumatic than would be if I were not medicated.

I want to thank you for your prompt and thoughtful replies.

 

[Artista]

I had one of my worst flashbacks from reading an article on here. It was too "right on the money" as far as info and feelings and opened a door to some memories I had not accessed prior. I have found this a tool and have even prepared myself for the fact that I only do it on my healthiest of mental days or when I know I feel safest. I can't always control when something triggers me, but at least your guard is already up and you can expect it here... sort of a comfort to me. I avoid certain threads or dig right in depending on how i feel. If I am in a "f**k PTSD mood, I'm sick of it's hold then I test the parameters of accessing and throw caution to the wind diving right in. If I feel way too weak... I won't even log on.

 

[pandora]

It definately gets worse before it gets better as you process your memories. I have been here three years and I used to have a lot of flashbacks from reading here but that is the idea and from experience this does get better too. It will come to a point where you are desensitizing yourself through repeated exposure to the "icky feelings". It might help to read a diary of someone that has been here a while and you can see the progression. Everyone does heal at a different rate.

When I first came here and found that there were actually people that felt the same way that I did and there was so much to read and learn that I was here constantly. Now through the years I find that now that I have processed the worst parts I come when I need to vent and need support. It helps to not feel so alone and I have developed some great relationships here. Good luck as you continue to process your memories and heal. You can do it!