Any help on flash backs/ memories

[Turkey62]

Hi. It's been 14 months since my brain injury today I have had a couple of what I think is flash backs from after my surgery and when my partner first saw me. I was wondering if anybody else has had these experiences as I'm feeling low and can't get them out of my mind. Thank you in advance

[cat3]

Hi Turkey. Flashbacks aren't unusual after any traumatic experience, but especially after brain injury. Because the memory is often compromised after brain trauma, events can stay hidden for months then appear from nowhere.

Why do you find the flashbacks so worrying m'dear …...is it an association issue or are you disturbed that memories have come back uninvited ? x

[Turkey62 in reply to cat3]

Hi cat3. Thank you for replying. The flash back came out of the blue and obviously it took me by surprise. I think it was because of the nature and it was seeing my partner's face in the memory of what he was going through. Now if had a couple I think I would like more then maybe some unanswered question could be answered x

[cat3 in reply to Turkey62]

Yes, it haunted me knowing the anxiety my family went through in the early days, but we talked & talked 'til we exhausted every emotion. It was such an eye-opener for me and proved SO cathartic for us all.

I think for me, the first few weeks are lost forever, resulting from my brain stalling & therefore unable to register information or create memories.

But if you feel the flashbacks are affecting your mental health then, as Pax has said, there's help available for PTSD from Cognitive therapy which could unlock more repressed memories and help you process them rationally.

And we're always here if you want to talk m'love….. x

[paxo05]

Hi .

As Cat has said flashbacks are common after a bi.

The issue is are they causing distress or anxiety.

If so cbt can help deal with them. There may be several ways it's finding what works.

After my rta I suffered from flashbacks of the accident. It was my brain trying to resolve itself. I could sleep for the flashbacks. After cbt this resolved the issue as I was able to recount various parts leading up to the rta until unconciousness.

One side effect is I don't dream at all now or if I do I never remember them. Then again it's better than nightmares.

Pax

[pinkvision]

Hi try mindfulness to bring yourself to the here and now, it works for me, it takes a bit of time and practice. The simple breathing method is very effective you can find guided sessions on youtube.

I have been doing mindfulness based cognitive therapy for the last 8 weeks or so. I experienced recall/flash backs to the early days of my PCS and have learn't to accept them and put them in their place. You may go a bit mad for a while and get really stressed while your mind is unravelling everything but then it puts it all back together in a good understandable way. The important thing is when you start you have to see it through, it really does work. Stay away from antidepressants (only my opinion) it will just lock it in and fool your brain into thinking it is ok, your flashbacks will come back at a later stage. Deal with them specifically now and bring your state of mind to a healthy place.