Scary experience...

[nicolebpaulson]

Yesterday, I was watching a TV programme; the ending was a tear-jerker so naturally, I cried. Once it had actually finished, I shut my laptop down, still teary. My light was off and it was late. Being in the dark and having been crying suddenly made me upset for my own reasons. I began reliving something I had already experienced, a horrible experience might I add. It felt similar to sleep-paralysis although I hadn't been sleeping or dreaming. It had the same kind of "why won't this stop?" feeling. It felt the exact same to the first time, I couldn't move or stop living it, I was clawing and scratching at my duvet but it wouldn't stop. I don't know what this is! I think of what happened all the time, but I've never been stuck inside the thought. I'm very confused and too afraid to turn my light off tonight.

[tofler]

Hello, sorry to hear about your scary experience. Has this happened to you before? I'm wondering if it might've been a flashback, like people who have PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) often experience. Probably a good idea to discuss this possibility with your GP.

[nicolebpaulson in reply to tofler]

Thank you. It hasn't happened before in the way it did recently! I think the first time it happened, I was just upset in general and couldn't rid the thought. It was different this time. Thanks for your advice, I'm due to see my GP next week and will let her know. Thanks again!!

Nicole

[tofler in reply to nicolebpaulson]

That's good news about your GP appointment next week. I hope you have a decent GP who will listen carefully and not try to dismiss or minimise this recent episode.

[Hidden]

Hi. That would be my impression as well, it sounds like you had a flashback. People who suffer from PTSD 're- live' their traumatic / emotional experiences , & feel trapped & helpless while it is happening. Usually a stimulus or a 'trigger' (perhaps in your case it was the show you watched) sets these episodes off.

[nicolebpaulson in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Never thought of it that way but thank you. Now I don't feel so crazy if it's an existing thing!!!

Nicole

[Hidden in reply to nicolebpaulson]

You are not crazy at all. A lot of people who have PTSD dont recognize it (& how could they? unless they know what the symptoms are). & Many of those who have it are often misdiagnosed at first. I've had PTSD for over 30 years, & was only properly diagnosed 2 years ago. That was 30 years of being treated for the wrong condition, which makes it clear why nothing ever helped my 'depression'.. Please come to our forum to learn more.