Wanting The Flashbacks To Stop

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I was exhausted when I came back from my therapy session. I was very hungry, too, which is odd. I went to bed shortly after I got back. I have been in and out of flashbacks since. I am so exhausted, I want to sleep, but every time I lay down more memories seem to come. My body is stuck in the memories and hurts. Apparently I e-mailed my therapist (well a part of me did). That part has tried her strategies, but so far the flashbacks to stop. I know the general idea of the flashbacks, but I never remember much of what happens. I think my husband triggered one of them accidentally. I feel so jumpy right now. I want to feel better, not worse. What do people do when you want to stop flashbacks? Soon I will have to drag myself down to dinner with my family and perhaps the change of location will help.

 

[littlelostchild]

Using grounding techniques is helpful for me. I think you once said that holding ice helped you, have you tried that?

 

[KwanYingirl]

Distractions, grounding exercises, call a friend, watch comedies on TV. That's all well and good, and I don't know about you, but I get flashback hangovers that last a few days. I usually have to send an SOS to my therapist. It's not like a real reliving but overcoming the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal feedback loop and all the toxic adrenaline it soaks my brain in. Hate it.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

@littlelostchild - cold rocks help my part, but haven't tried ice though my therapist has recommended it. When flashbacks become too much, the one who holds feelings takes over and she is prone to self-harm. The cold rocks help her. Singing helps, too, but I am too self-conscious for that and I think she is too.

@KwanYingirl - trying to stay distracted. I know what you mean about "flashback hangovers". I have another therapist appointment on Thursday so I know I have that to fall back on.

 

[littlelostchild]

How are you doing at this moment?

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

My body is having memories, but my mind is trying to stay focused. Time to put the bed to boys so hopefully that will go well.

 

[littlelostchild]

Enjoy a cuddle!

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I put my youngest to bed and he was definitely cuddly. I am so sore though, but if I dwell on that I know I will slip into flashbacks and switch parts and I don't want to do that any more today.

 

[RussH]

@JEKBreatheandBelieve the fact that you recognize all the times you are being triggered is somewhat of an encouragement.I see it as progress for you.
I, on the other hand, am just now realizing I have been triggered far more than I first thought. So I am just starting the journey of recongnizing being triggered.

I do think of you often, and wonder how you are doing. I know this storm seems never ending, but somewhere there is an end to it, and you will see the sun poking out.

When that day comes, and I hope it is soon, I hope you will take the lessons you have learned on this journey, and help others who are traveling this road we call PTSD.

 

[littlelostchild]

I hope you can stay in the present moment. :hug:

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

It's time to go to bed. I am scared. I will write. I will read. I will hug my stuffed animal and huddle in the heat under my weighted blanket. And I will pray that I can get to sleep before more memories come. I do not want these memories. I should not fight them, but I do not want the truth. I just want a peaceful night's sleep.