Visual Flashbacks

[vke]

I sometimes have visual flashbacks. I am trying to identify what triggers them, but i cant seem to control them. They always make me feel scared and helpless, I always dissociate after them. Has anyone else had this happen and how can i control them?

 

[mohsen]

Hi VKE, yes, I had and have these symptoms, there are some places or some people or some things that reminding me of the trauma, sometimes it's my thought that reminding me of the trauma, depend on what triggers them, I have different feeling, sometimes I feel helpless, other times I feel Anxiety, threat, anger, difficultly concentrating, fear of repetition, feeling vulnerable, fearful of lots of things, and when it happening it's really hard to concentrating or trusting people. If you could be more open and tell me what was happened, what your visual flashback was about in more detail about your problem, maybe problem, problem, make something out.

 

[Kintsugi]

Hi vke, I sympathize with these feelings. When I am flashing back, the only thing that helps is healthfully bringing myself back to the present. This also helps with my dissociation. Usually when I flash back I need someone to hold my hand very, very, very tightly, until it's nearly sore. This centers me in the present and reminds me that what I am experiencing isn't real *right now*. I hope this is helpful and that you can find what anchors you.

 

[Sethe]

I don't tend to have many visual flashbacks (mainly emotional or auditory sometimes), but I do agree with the above comment.

My bf will hold me and tell me that I am in the present. He will remind me that I am here and not in wherever I thought was. It helps me greatly to be reminded that I am not in those bad spots.

 

[Jestadud]

Welcome to the the forum, hope you find all the info you need and come back to explain to those of us who have been here a while just what is happening.

I still remember my T (therapist) asking me to close my eyes and try to think about what happened, I thought she was joking because what happened was passing before my eyes permanently and I had no need to close my eyes to see it all.

 

[Tinyflame]

I have the same experience as Jesta but I can't hear/ see outside voices/ sounds/ sights/ until it's over.

 

[k.c. gregory]

I did not know I had PTSD until later in life. I recognized all the slighty OCD coping skills I had been using depending on the length and severity of a flashback. It has been a huge sense of freedom to not need the "whole arsenal" of coping skills any longer. Even small coping strategies can give a strong connection to the present.

 

[vke]

I had a flash back the other day. I realize i have only partial memories of my abuse, i guess its my minds way of protecting me. I used my coping skills and they helped some, i think i need to practice them more. I got in that dissociated place after it happened and i was stuck there for days. Feeling better now. My T is going to use EMDR on me soon. Im not sure what to expect. Im a little scared (as usual). Thank you all for your help