PTSD ‘flashbacks’? Or something else ? Is there a treatment?

[Iwillneverrecover]

I’ve been experiencing what I think is a type of flashback? I haven’t had this type before.

It’s as if part of my mind has opened up and the trauma is making me feel exactly the same as I did at the time incidents happened (years ago). I found myself running off the other day feeling panic as I had done in the past trying to get away from my abuser but it was odd in that I felt I had really gone back in time and it was scary I had to really stop
and think no this is 2024 the threat is not here?

Am I experiencing some kind of flare up of PTSD? Is there a calming medication that a doctor could prescribe. ? I’ve not experienced this before

Sounds like it and it would be a good idea to contact your doctor or therapist

Meds might be useful short term or as last resort back up but I found more use from learning (or refreshing) grounding techniques and self-calming methods

It’s so hard to even speak to dr never mind get app and I’m likely to be having future incidences (simply due to nature of trauma) so finding ways to cope that didn’t need extra meds has been a better longterm management of it (for me)

If this the first episodes you’ve had then you need to get an app and discuss what’s happening and how that can be managed for your specific situation

I’m still on the waiting list for therapy, I’ve emailed them today to see if I will be offered an appt soon. I will have to see if I can get a GP appt tomorrow as I feel like I need something to calm my mind/slow it down ?

I have ASD as well so this makes it really hard. I think how I’m processing it isn’t ‘typical’ perhaps

Perhaps ask if there are any resources online that you can access while waiting for therapy such as grounding techniques or relaxation/breathing techniques

it is prob best your GP or CPN advises as they will know better your situation (some things might be counter-productive depending on trauma or other factors like asd)

I have flashbacks after a couple of traumatic events (not diagnosed PTSD) i have to repeat a mantra - either sort of thinking ‘let go’ - as in let it play out otherwise i panic. It does pass. A technique that is helping me is the ‘float’ technique so floating through the feelings - think its Claire Weekes the therapist who came up with it. Its rubbish though, i’m scared to see the gp so take my advice with a chunk of salt, good luck.

Have a look at EMDR - it's one of the things that is proven to help PTSD flashbacks. I have a friend who is a clinical psychologist and she says it's really helpful.

You may be able to get referred - or you may be able to find a private provider if you can afford this?

"Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a mental health treatment technique. This method involves moving your eyes a specific way while you process traumatic memories. EMDR's goal is to help you heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences."