Still In A Flashback Can't Ground Myself

[Healing Reins]

I've been having a flashback for like an hour and I've been trying to ground myself... Typing this out helps- but the flashback is still happening. My body feels like its in danger. I know I'm not in danger and he isn't going to rape me again...but it feels like its happening again.. Does that make sense?

Like my chest feels like it's burning I feel like I'm sweating. I'm not but I feel like I'm burning up like everything I touch is cool, but then it starts to get hot too.

I've tried breathing, noticing my surroundings, getting up for a walk, doing something physical, I've tried taking a shower- it still won't stop... Like I know it's a flashback at least I think this is a flashback. I'm not sure what to do to make the feelings stop, and to make the burning stop...

Do any of you have ideas? Please and thank you!

 

[keifer]

I've had my flashbacks last from 15 minutes to 2 hours to 2 days. Grounding helps, but they still continued. I'm sorry, I just ride them out. I wish I had a better answer as I know they are terrible when they happen. Music works best for me lately, it just takes some edge off the pain.

 

[TimeToHeal]

Hey hun. I'm sorry you are having a hard time this morning. I may not be the best person to comment on this, as I don't really have flashbacks, so feel free to ignore/dismiss my comment.

What you're describing sounds like a pretty intense panic/anxiety attack. It can feel like you're having a heart attack, like you're in danger or something bad is happening/going to happen.

My T has suggested grasping a piece of ice, letting freezing cold water run over your feet and legs, saying out loud to yourself your name, date of birth, current day and date, your current location, that you are safe; try counting backwards from 200 by 7's.

Maybe some of these will help you. Worth a try...?

Hang in there, you are safe and you are not alone!

:hug: if they will help.

 

[Healing Reins]

Thank you both for your suggestions- the ice helped a little and running my body under cold water helped too- but I just had to wait it out which was hard.