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Flashbacks/Nightmares

Flashbacks/Nightmares

I need some advice or suggestions - how do people cope with flashbacks/nightmares.

For the past few nights I have been having flashbacks of my childhood abuse. The guys who abused me, the detail is just horrible. I then wake up exhausted from a terrible night.

Has this happened to others and how did you cope? The other night I was too scared to close my eyes for fear of seeing the abuse right in front of me, so vivid.

57 replies

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In response to: Flashbacks/Nightmares

Re: Flashbacks/Nightmares

@BlueBay. Maybe we could talk through it tonight. What's happening?

In response to: Flashbacks/Nightmares

Re: Flashbacks/Nightmares

@utopia
I just can't think. I need s break. Hubby is jusg around here but nothing much happening. I don't feel good. I'm scared of changing meds again. Scared of seeing my psych on Tuesday. I don't know. I really should focus on our camping trip in a few weeks but I will be bad if I don't get my meds sorted out. And money is really bad at the moment. I hate it. I'm so screwed up aren't I?

In response to: Flashbacks/Nightmares

Re: Flashbacks/Nightmares

You're not screwed up @BlueBay. I'd say you're confused and scared.
I saw my psychologist on Friday because of my massive anxiety attack on the Monday night. He explained to me that when I used to suffer panic attacks - I would worry so much about having a panic attack - that I would bring one on. And of course on Monday I did too much of the wrong things - that don't lead to good mental health.
He then explained I was feeling 3 different things. Emotional. Stress. Anxiety.
Emotions are a bit like opening up old scars. Mine was watching the ABC show on suicide - which reminded me of my dad. That would have been okay. I could have had a cry for the good and bad times and moved on.
But then I was also stressed. Spending 2 & 1/2 hours answering questions on SANE. Then trying to rush and talk to friends on here before 8.30 - so I could then watch ABC & be available for new posts here.
My psycholigist said stress is caused by lack of Time. Space. Resources.
Then I've had low lying anxiety for over a week re: my old friend. And anxiety is pretty much the fear of the unknown.
So I just assumed - wrongly that it was all anxiety. But it wasn't. It was a combination. Therefore I created this big volcano that I couldn't control.
Now I know this - I can separate my feelings / reactions and into these different areas. As what wilk help me when stressed - is not what will help me when anxious.
Does that make sense

In response to: Re: Flashbacks/Nightmares

Re: Flashbacks/Nightmares

@utopia

I think you're right. I am scared and being scared creates so much anxiety and panic in me. I think on tuesday I just have to tell my psych exactly how i am especially this week with no meds. i will tell him that i have been so scared of seeing him because i fear he will be angry with me for stopping meds.

But i will also try very hard to tell him that i was angry with him becuse he called me but left a message and never called back like he said he was going to do. (this bit i am very scared of saying because i fear of upsetting people if i tell him i am angry with him; i fear then of abandonment)

i understand what you're saying about your anxiety - you tried to fit so much in before watching the show then you watched the show and bits of it triggererd you to then have a huge panic attack. I feel for you i have had a few of them while driving home, having to pull over on the freeway and calling 000 as i didn't kow what i was doing or where i was. it can be quite scary. and the more i feared the panic attack the worse i felt.

Trouble is when that volcano is about to erupt - everything comes out; all different emotions and feelings.

what do you think I should do @utopia ?

In response to: Flashbacks/Nightmares

Re: Flashbacks/Nightmares

@BlueBay. Mine wasn't a panic attack - it was a definite anxiety attack. But I didn't need to have it. I guess thats the point.
So if you are stressed about something - try to do something nice for yourself. Something you would enjoy.
If it's anxiety - the fear of the unknown - then it's trying to stop thinking about that issue - as we can't predict the future - so try not to worry. Try not to think about it.
Not easy to do. But that's what will reduce your anxiety.
I thought you were going to take 1/2 tablet of your AD like your doctor suggested.
What about doing some knitting? Do you have a new project - or ars you still working on the baby blanket

In response to: Re: Flashbacks/Nightmares

Re: Flashbacks/Nightmares

@utopia sorry I got that wrong. I think a lot of my anxiety is the unknown, what will happen, what if etc etc.

I am taking 1/2 of my AD at the moment, but i am sure that my psych will change meds again when i see him on tuesday. I have4 to take 1/2 for a few days which will be until tuesday.

yes i did a bit of knitting before, still doing the baby blanket. almost finished. hoping to finish it this week. then i can start something else for the baby.

think i will go to bed soon as i still feel sore all over my body. i hope i can get a good night sleep tonight. @utopia it's best to be honest with my psych isn't it? i will tell him that i am struggling and that these meds changes have really affected me.

do you have any plans for tomorrow?

In response to: Flashbacks/Nightmares

Re: Flashbacks/Nightmares

Yes it's right to be honest @BlueBay. Sometimes though - we also need to be honest with ourselves. That's the hardest bit. Trying to work out what we are feeling and why. Once we know that - then we know how to handle that issue.
I really believe you are doing well. Your tough days don't seem to occur as often. Or maybe it's because you are practicing your self soothing. Either way - brilliant effort.
Yes, we'll catch up tomorrow.
I wish you sweet dreams
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