Okay. I see.
I think it is a great question to ask at the supporter sub-forum.
My vet does not have classical flashbacks (such as really believing to be at risk)... but he often feels like he or his loved ones are at risk. My vet can always tell feeling from reality. My tipps apply only to this and might be harmful if it is different.
What helps?
1. Know his triggers. Do you know what a trigger is or should I explain? In therapy he learns to cope with them Burundi’s this happens it is a good idea to avoid some very bad ones such as fireworks. Have a secret sign to known when he wants to leave because he is feeling stressed
2. Know his coping mechanism. For example my vet does not like crossing places when he feels stressed, he “crawls along“ the walls to get from A to B and it might take much longer to get there but makes him feel a lot safer.
3. Let I’m be in charge - if it is not too annoying. My vet does not like crowds and he likes to stand behind me, take me by the shoulder and guide me through the crowd so to speak. I guess this gives him to confidence I won’t be lost and is helpful for him.
4. Give his fingers something to play with, afidget spinner, a cell phone, let him polish something, whatever
5. if he wants to let him talk about his feelings and validate them but also tell him if they make no sense. My vet often feels like everything is contaminated by germs... feeling if mortal danger... I tell him “This must be so scary for you... but it is not real“
This might not help with classical flashbacks in fact it may even be harmful in this case. Dunno.
BTW are you in contact with other spouses? Is he in contact with other Vets?
Would you like this thread to be moved to the supporter section? You might get better answers there.
