Flashbacks

[harvey1910]

I’m desperate for relief from traumatic events.Really struggling with negative thoughts

[Mickey1953]

It is safe to talk here, Harvey.

Tell us what is happening, so we can help...

Do you have a therapist? Are you on meds? Do you have someone IRL that is supportive of you?

There are hotline numbers on this site if you need them.

[harvey1910 in reply to Mickey1953]

Been struggling so much lately with flashbacks of different traumas I’ve faced.Had emdr therapy which helped with some of the issues.Emdr finished Oct and cpn also left at same time.Got new cpn but not really got on she never really listened.The flashbacks are increasingly rapidly,tried all techniques I know to help but not helping.Feeling so trapped with the lockdown which is causing me major panic and the need to escape from this world

[Mickey1953 in reply to harvey1910]

I hear you.

The pandemic lockdown stuff is bothering everyone. Remember, you are not alone, so many are dealing with this right now.

Just... breathe...

When your breathing settles, think about whether or not you need to need to call a healthcare professional, if this is an emergency. If you are a little calmer, have you ever tried meditation? There are meditation videos online that I have found very calming.

Has your cpn given you any prescriptions to help with an anxiety attack? Like Xanax? That has helped me many a time from going postal.

Definitely stop reading any news about the virus; right now, all is speculative and somewhat sensationalized, and just makes anxiety worse. We won't have real answers for a while, until the science catches up, but the "news" always makes it seem scarier.

Try to think of your home as being a safe place, not somewhere that you are trapped. Unless you are with someone who is toxic, or was part of your trauma.

Stay hydrated, eat a little something regularly, give your brain the fuel that it needs. Try to find something to do that is calming - listening to music, playing an online card game, anything to break the feeling of panic. I sew, mend things by hand, simple projects that involve a repetitive motion to disconnect from the panic.

You truly need to have a healthcare professional that will listen. That's difficult right now. Come back here to talk, sometimes just having someone that will listen can help through a crisis.

[harvey1910 in reply to Mickey1953]

Had medication changes recently was on lithium but changed to lamactil also quetiapine venlafaxine and diazepam.The feeling of being trapped is one of my traumas and that’s why I’m struggling with feeling trapped again. I refuse to watch any news. I do mindfulness each night.Its difficult any other time as I have my daughter and 11 month old grandson living with me which makes me feel really guilty for the feelings I have. I just want peace ,A mind that I control instead of one that controls me. I feel guilty contacting mental health team as I’m constantly thinking there’s people who actually deserve their help. It’s so hard trying to control things and my mind only ever gives me one answer to feeling better. I’m so exhausted by it all.Thanks for listening m

[Mickey1953 in reply to harvey1910]

I understand exhaustion. I was there a year ago, trying to do what was best for the person that caused my cPTSD. Sometimes it is just overwhelming. I've been where you are.

If you don't feel that you could call a healthcare professional, how about writing everything down, manually or digitally, until you get all of it out, and close it up and put it in a mental black box?

And how serious is the 'lockdown' where you are? Can you go outside to walk and breathe fresh air? Just for ten minutes... something to break your mind's endless looping. Or find something online, a calming meditation video.

Personally, I think you should call a hotline, just talking to an interactive person might help break your panic mode. You deserve their help. Just my humble opinion.

Take care of yourself, you deserve it. Diazepam, if you have any available, would be appropriate right now.

[harvey1910 in reply to Mickey1953]

Thankyou will try to contact mental health team in the morning.Just taken diazepam. I hate admitting I’m in crisis but I can’t stop it without help Thankyou and take care

[Mickey1953 in reply to harvey1910]

You take care, too.

[Agara33 in reply to harvey1910]

Hi harvey, you are not the only one who has gone through this. Many people sadly know about this hell and its a terrifying place to be. Have you ever considered hypno-therapy or nlp? Nlp is a way to access and resolve traumas in the subconscious with effective tools. It works for a lot of people though not for all. There are other modalities too and you will find the one that will relieve your suffering. Sending support

[harvey1910 in reply to Agara33]

I haven’t but will have a read up on it Thankyou

[harvey1910 in reply to Mickey1953]

Thankyou for talking yesterday really appreciate it.Its so hard sometimes living with cptsd and severe depression.But just being able to talk was good. I took peoples advice and got out in the garden for abit today which helped distract my thoughts for a while .Thankyou so much

[Nathalie99 Partner]

Hi harvey1910,

I am sorry you are struggling right now. Mickey gave excellent advice and I hope you are able to reach your team.

The focus of the world is on the physical side of things mostly and unfortunately this means less services available to help with emotional impact and crisis help.

I totally understand how the feeling trapped can be triggered by this lockdown. It's one of the worst things.

Do you have access to any outdoor space? Even standing at the door...

What I used to do was to open the curtains and blinds and open the windows if not too cold, to let natural light and fresh air in.

Does it help you to look at nature videos on you tube?

Also changing the focus on what I still have control over like doing something in the house can help me feel stronger in myself.

I don't know what helps you but you can try different things till you find what really gets you out of the flashback.

Sending support and empathy...

[harvey1910 in reply to Nathalie99]

Thanks to everyone I spoke to yesterday. I never managed to get through to health team but did get out in garden for abit today,which helped.wishing everyone well .Hopefully one day we can all be in a better place.Thanks