Is There A Way To Stop Flashbacks During Them?

[Sarahlou611]

We've been getting caught up in flashbacks and body memories.

Full memories, thoughts, feelings, sensations, sounds, smells, pain etc. They can go on for 1hour+

Our support workers used to use scented oils and ice packs to try and help us get grounded from the memories, but they aren't working very well anymore.

These memories are so distressing and re-traumatising and we are really struggling to cope.

Any ideas how to try and minimise the distress or end the memories sooner?

I'm currently working with a trauma therapist to process the memories and work through the trauma, it's just getting difficult to function with near constant memories flooding in.

 

[KwanYingirl]

I'd dial back the memory processing at therapy. It's overwhelming. I take vacations from trauma stuff to get back to a clearer mind. If you're having days on end that the same flashbacks hijack you, go to your safe place, distract yourself with healthy activities. Watch comedy on TV or a movie. Can't dive into the deep end of memories. A bit at a time with a good plan for self care after these sessions.

 

[Friday]

Our support workers used to use scented oils and ice packs to try and help us get grounded from the memories, but they aren't working very well anymore.

Acclimation is the name of the process the brain uses to gradually ignore things it's used to; which is why you'll stop smelling familiar smells (perfume, body door, baking, smoke, oils, etc.), or will be knocked flat by the heat in the beginning of summer (let's say 25 degrees C) but after 3 months at 32-38 degrees, not only is that totally comfortable, but 25 degrees just feels chilly. Or vice versa, winter. Bundling up in blankets, or putting on shorts, at the same durn temperature.

So if oils & ice used to work? Try different scented oils, and either a different temperature of water, or different application. Like taking a hot shower, or putting ice in your bra instead of your hand.

 

[Sarahlou611]

Thanks for these suggestions.

I'll look into different scented oils and try and work out alternative locations for ice packs

 

[Sarahlou611]

I'd dial back the memory processing at therapy. It's overwhelming. I take vacations from trauma stu...

I'm not sure that it is necessarily due to the work in therapy, it was still the same without therapy (when we were between therapists) and whether we're doing processing or not.

Distractions aren't working either.

Thanks though

 

[shimmerz]

I used super hot or sour candies. Like inferno hot and crazy sour. Even a lemon wedge to suck on. Got me immediately back into my body.

 

[Sarahlou611]

Thanks for this. I have tried sour things and strong mints etc, it's just hard during a flashback to actually do this.

I kind of need to be able to get support workers to implement whatever method due to me being so dissociated. I guess things like sweets etc bring a risk of choking so they wouldn't be prepared to try.

Thanks though

 

[shimmerz]

Yes, I had a friend who would feed them to me. I had forgotten, I was actually trained into being able to do this on my own and it took me quite some time. Also, it killed my teeth.

 

[Jamie15]

Not sure if this is helpful but my therapist told me to embrace my flashbacks. I jump "into" them and protect myself (inner child) from the abuse. It works and seems to be getting better. Im still on my healing journey though. Ugh. Flashbacks are absolutely the worst, though, right?!?