Hi I Need Some Guidance

[msm]

Hi I have had PTSD for around 20 years & have just started to get a different form of flashbacks at least I hope they are flashbacks. I am hoping to talk to people about flashbacks because at the moment I feel I am going mad.

So if you can help & want to share please do. The strange things about these flashbacks is that I am not young but the age I am now & they seem so real.

Well I am glad I found this site. Thanks for having me.

Michelle

 

[anni]

Hi Michelle,

I don't have them much these days, so am not a good one to discuss flashbacks. I just wished to say welcome to the forum but also please don't feel you're crazy. I do feel that to be a common theme, or worry with this PTSD thing. I'm not a professional so can't say for certain obviously but would have to guess you're just as 'normal' as anyone else with these things.

I'm sure someone here will be able to identify with what you're experiencing at the moment plus the T will certainly be able to give you some peace with all this! I hope it's soon, for your sake, and take care until then!

Anni

 

[Sethe]

Hi Michelle:

I used to have a lot of nightmares, flashbacks when I'd hear loud noises (door slamming, gunshots, things hitting the floor-anything loud and sudden, unexpected...), smell some smells, etc. and I'd remember the incident or have a general feeling of fear. I'd also obsess a lot about strangers coming after me.

That was almost 20 years ago. Now, I tend to have just the emotional response without the visual (I don't think about the incident, but I feel the way I did at the time) and a general paranoia. It's as if my brain is always on the lookout for potential threats (according to my therapist) and if I see one, then my body responds (and usually my emotions as well). Does that make sense? It's almost as if my episodes evolved over time. I think the years of therapy have allowed me a window on 'what happened' so that I can continue to process the events and make progress.

I'm still new to all of this. I got my diagnosis about a year ago and part of me is still in denial about it (don't want to believe that it was really 'that bad').

I'm not sure what you mean about different flashbacks. I can only tell you what I experienced.

 

[titanvolsfan1]

Hi Michelle, I feel for you, I too have all types of flashbacks,its got to the point where I do not go out in public, cant hold a job, fly off very easy.

When I see kids mistreated I just want to start crying, it was at the age of 7 when I was sexually abused by my brother, then at age 9 I watched my mom die when I was getting ready to go to school. My moms sister and husband adopted me, then at age 10 he started to sexually abuse me.

I have flash backs daily, I will just break down and cry for no reason at times, I was just diagnosed 1 month ago. I'm 43 years old now and it is getting worse for me.

I hope all works out for you..

 

[StressyJen]

Hi Michelle, welcome to the forum, I hope you find healing here.
Also Hi to Titanvol, I see you are new too, and your story of your trauma touches my heart I'm sorry this has happened to you and can understand how it still effects you.

I'm thinking about flashbacks the last couple days. My types of flashbacks have changed over the years (I am PTSD 29 years, just recently diagnosed also.

They started mostly as nightmares, often as "emotional flashbacks" and intrusive thoughts. I do not have the full-blown horrific nightmares any more, but I have mini nightmares on waking. I am having now the first emotional flashback I've had in a long time, because of a small encounter with my mother the other day. It's interesting, for the first time I am labeling this an "emotional flashback" and I think it's helping me but it's too hard.

I have been reading some of the articles at pete-walker.com and have printed the following page, which I think is helping me get through this one which is awful. www. pete-walker.com/13StepsManageFlashbacks In the past events like what just occurred would effect me for 3-4 months, and I'm hoping to shave it down now that I understand things better.

I don't know exactly the nature of your new type of flashback, but just confirming that yes they change over time, it seems, and perhaps this list will help you through it in some way.

-Jennie

 

[mother.of.two]

The therapist I just started counseling with says, I have to try to learn to notice when I am triggered. Sometimes It is not possible at first, but the key is supposedly, over time it will help. She says, notice when you are triggered, what do you feel, see, what is your body like, what is your mind doing? Learning to interrupt the process, rather than let it take control and take you for a ride- That's what we are trying to work on. It sounds good right?

 

[mother.of.two]

When I say interrupt it, and notice what's going on, I mean just that. Stop and acknowledge it and even if it does take you for the ride, after a while you may be able to divert it and avoid "getting all the way on the freeway" You may learn or train your brain to be able to take an "off ramp" and go a different path.

Music is good for me. Upbeat music that makes me feel silly, or inspired. I can't take the time to think of what I want to hear in a moment of stress though. It is too overwhelming for me. Having a pre-made play list or favorite cd on hand is something I try to have as a resource.

 

[Iam]

HI Michelle and Titnavol, welcome to the forum! I think I already welcomed you Mother.of.two but if not welcome to you too!

My flashabacks are more of the emotional kind too Michelle. Though I did have one a while back where I literally felt like I was getting hit across the side of my face.It only lasted a second but boy was it intense. It sounds almost like you are seeing yourself from outside your body more than actually feeling like you yourself are having something happening to you. Is that right or am I way off? I know many of my flashbacks are as if I am a third person standing off watching what is happening, but I am seeing me at the age I was when whichever trauma it was was happening. As stated above your T should be able to help you figure this out.

Anyway, just wanted to welcome you guys. Thanks for the website StressyJen. I am going to check it out ;)