PTSD Flashbacks in front of my friends

[Cutepuppysavings]

I was diagnosed with PTSD at age 8 (I’m 15 now) but I am almost a sophomore in high school but since I was 12 I’ve been having really bad flashbacks. There is no trigger that I’ve identified. I have done EMDR therapy and everything. I’ve told 3 of my closest friends about my flashbacks and how they can help me during one and what I might do during one. For example, if I have a flashback on the bus I’ll end up staring for a couple minutes and playing with my fingers and if I’m trying to prevent one then I’ll put my head on my friends shoulder to try to come to reality. My friends have told me that they are not used to it but they are willing to be here for me and help me. How do I help my friends understand how they can help me?

 

[Chris-duck]

How do I help my friends understand how they can help me?

Unfortunately I think this is a pretty personal thing. And it sounds like you've given them a fair idea already (what it'd look like n how you try to bring yourself out of it). Is there anything else you can use to ground yourself (like if you were on your own). Some people find scents help or counting back in 7s or naming things in the room etc.

Welcome :)

 

[MyWillow]

It’s important to figure out what helps you and communicate that clearly. My psydoc and I have walked together a couple of times when I’ve been super triggered. Smelling and feeling leaves and flowers as we go, looking up. Other times I disappear from session on my own and walk for as long as I need. Sometimes I can visualize a safe place and/or talk about something grounding (my animals, partner etc). Sometimes I stand and look out her window or touch little ornaments or find the tissue box. One time she dusted madly and we laughed together. We use laughter when appropriate. My psydoc tells me “you are safe”. She will give me a chance to distract or ground myself before offering suggestions. Learning how to manage your symptoms is so empowering.

At home my partner puts his arms around me, tries to get me to sit/lie down (can take time) and wraps me in a blanket and puts a purring cat in my face. Without judgement. Incredibly grounding.

 

[blackemerald1]

I’ve told 3 of my closest friends about my flashbacks and how they can help me during one and what I might do during one.

My friends have told me that they are not used to it but they are willing to be here for me and help me.

Well good on your friends for allowing themselves to be part of your plans. I'd be fairly uncomfortable if I didn't understand what was going on but apparently they do.

I think really you need to identify the triggers for these flashbacks and work on grounding and dealing with them yourself rather than educating your friends with what you need.

Your friends will not be around you all of the time and it seems to me that this isn't a practical or permanent solution for your flashbacks. Nor can you cannot expect ppl who are not familiar with your behaviours to undertake the same level of care.

 

[Deleted member 47600]

I agree with ^^^ @blackemerald1

 

[HealingInProcess]

It’s important to figure out what helps you and communicate that clearly. My psydoc and I have walked together a couple of times when I’ve been super triggered. Smelling and feeling leaves and flowers as we go, looking up. Other times I disappear from session on my own and walk for as long as I need. Sometimes I can visualize a safe place and/or talk about something grounding (my animals, partner etc). Sometimes I stand and look out her window or touch little ornaments or find the tissue box. One time she dusted madly and we laughed together. We use laughter when appropriate. My psydoc tells me “you are safe”. She will give me a chance to distract or ground myself before offering suggestions. Learning how to manage your symptoms is so empowering.

At home my partner puts his arms around me, tries to get me to sit/lie down (can take time) and wraps me in a blanket and puts a purring cat in my face. Without judgement. Incredibly grounding.

I would pay someone to do this for me lol.