Nocturnal Flashbacks - How To Manage Them?

[Maggiemay]

After having PTSD symptoms more or less under control for a while, flashbacks are back :'( :'( :'(

Luckily I'm strong enough and got enough grounding techniques to keep them at bay during the day, but nighttime is a whole different ball game...

I've found out my sister was diagnosed as Bipolar this week and has had a Manic episode. She lives the other side of the world so it's so hard to be there for her, although I've done the best I can. I'm one of 5 daughter. She's my 2nd sister to be diagnosed as Bipolar.

It's made me realise that everything I think about my past is true - that stuff really did happen. It really was as bad as I remember it.

But, it's also made 3 specific flashbacks concerning her resurface. I hate it so much. I can't believe how noisy they are - the noise is unbearable. As is the terror. They a present after I've taken my night medication, turned the light of and then BANG it hits like a jolt but so so ao much worse.

I'm physically shaking and crying right now at the thought of them coming back (I've just taken drugs, 2 hours late because I had to talk myself into taking them as terrified they'll hit me again.)

I start back at work on Monday in a new job. I need to be well rested and ok. I'm petrified these flashbacks aren't going to budge.

I just want the noise to stop, if the weren't so loud I may be more able to manage them. :( it's deafening.

I'm pretty desperate right now. Has anyone got any fool proof strategies? Anything that works? I'm in a place right now where I'll try anything. I can't believe that sat in flat on my own in the middle of the nice the noise can be so so loud at intense. :'(

 

[Keeley]

I don't know of any fool proof tactics but I do have one way that may help. For me, total silence && darkness is an absolute no-go because of things I can hear and see. So, in order to block out whatever noise could come, I run - at least- one fan and slip in a pair of earbuds. Being a teenager, listening to music full blast isn't an issue -though not very ear friendly. But, anyway, that could be an idea for you along with keeping a night-light. It might seem silly but it could help.

By the way, I choose to listen either soft music box songs or zen-like music to help put my mind at ease. Hard, bass oriented songs only bring forth harsh nightmares and the such.

Even if my suggestion isn't of any help, I do pray that you'll find a way that will.

G'luck~

 

[Maggiemay]

Thanks for your reply Keeley :)

I used to do the whole earplugs thing last year when flashbacks were at their worst so I may try it again. I know lots of people who can't sleep without a fan so I may try that :)


I've tidied up my bedroom today, bought new bedding in the hope it'll help and am going to try to fall asleep with the light and telly on tonight to see if it'll help. Hopefully it'll stop the immediate panic as soon as I turn the light off...