Need Encouragement Please

[MaybeOneDay]

I found this site in 2008. I am not sure what happened to get me away from it... But I did.

It was such a relief at that time because I am one of those people that hide the fact I have severe PTSD.

Now 6 years later I am a breast cancer survivor and literally just started "living life" again. Which involved trying to get out of abusive situation. I failed that but was triggered in the process and now actively having flashbacks. Cant remember when the last time was...

I happened upon a person who helped me realize what may be happening to me and I was so grateful she understood or seemed to "get me". This seemed to make me flash more. It has only been a month but a colleague of hers saw my or heard my story differently and does not believe my story. Now she has doubts. I need to close up. It is not safe for me to be having symptoms with no good support. I forgot how. I am so upset she thinks I would make this up.

I am feeling massively upset and out of blue I receive email from this forum letting me know it is still here. Thank goodness for all of u. I feel less alone now. But I still cant remember how to stop flashing. Any ideas please? I really need help. this is way beyond scary for me

 

[Karolina]

Hi Maybeoneday, not sure I can help just now, I'm a bit wobbly myself. I just wanted to say I hear you, I believe you and wanted to give you encouragement to stay.

 

[Aching65]

@MaybeOneDay. i think it is a great site for support. I am a supporter on here and everyone, although they tested me really bad at the beginning, but every single one i have been in touch on here was extremely nice and helpful. good luck. And the chat seems to be a great place when you need to vent ......

 

[RussH]

Welcome back. I am glad you are here for support.

Do you remember any of your grounding exercises? Reading, finding something to focus on, or working on something?

As for your co-worker, find some material that you can share with them to educate them. I personally find the general public get this blank look on their face when you mention PTSD. They are completely ignorant of it. Most people think you only get PTSD from being in combat. They do not realize how many non military civilians have PTSD, or how devestating it can be.

 

[anthony]

Hey, welcome back. Controlling flashbacks is all about grounding, pretty much... staying in the now and present as much as you possibly can, whilst also recognising and knowing your triggers.

For example, a thread on different grounding techniques people use: https://www.myptsd.com/threads/what-types-of-grounding-techniques-do-you-do.39486/

 

[MaybeOneDay]

Thank you for your replies. Going to go read anthony's link

Ty karolina and aching

My last out of control ptsd moments and any and all knowledge I had hiw to reach me... I can't remember much before my chemotherapy. I literally feel like I have lost my mind. I only know I am having flashbacks cuz other people are telling me of them. The worse part is It is happening in public and witnessed by strangers who rightfully think I am crazy.

I will go read if grounding

Thank you so much for your kind responses. I feel like I am beat up so much from these public problems and you all are talking to me like a real person. Thank you

 

[Glara]

Welcome back. I'm here as a supporter as well so I can't offer you the kind of help you are seeking. What I can say is that until someone I care about confided to me that he suffers from ptsd I didn't understand much either. And I have a degree in psychology. And I work in a social service agency. Of course I believe him, but even so it's very hard to wrap my head around and I do question his actions. To a lay person it's probably that much more difficult to understand. I find this site a wonderful place to gain insight and I'm sure if you read through the threads and continue to post you'll find help.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Welcome back to this healing community. I do not have any advice for you but I encourage you to stay here for validation and support and help. I am sad that you are going through this situation now but I encourage you to keep on posting and learning.

I believe you. You are no longer alone.