creative_writerSenior Contributor
Constant flashbacks
Does anyone else struggle with daily flashbacks? I keep getting somatic flashbacks day after day and it’s so exhausting
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Constant flashbacks
227 replies
In response to: Constant flashbacks
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Constant flashbacks
@Jynx I know I will need to talk about it eventually. Even if I don't pick up the phone right now, I will need to talk about it soon. Might be worth bringing it up with my psych next session. I think I've been trying to avoid it for so long, it has finally hit. I spent some time in denial, I don't think I ever recovered from the first death in September. The strange thing about grief is that a recent bereavement can bring up older bereavement.
I have considered coaching but I am still trying to figure out who to talk to. I did reach out to someone but she suggested to continue therapy with a Muslim psych. My current psych isn't Muslim because I found narrowing by faith left me very little options. I need a psych who would accept EDP, the regular mental health plan doesn't give me enough sessions. I was also looking at someone who did EMDR sessions and someone who I would vibe with. I have seen a Muslim psych in the past but I didn't vibe with her and she doesn't do eating disorders. I figured that it is probably best to keep therapy and spiritual coaching separate. I just need to find someone suitable especially since many of my traumas are super stigmatised
I have considered coaching but I am still trying to figure out who to talk to. I did reach out to someone but she suggested to continue therapy with a Muslim psych. My current psych isn't Muslim because I found narrowing by faith left me very little options. I need a psych who would accept EDP, the regular mental health plan doesn't give me enough sessions. I was also looking at someone who did EMDR sessions and someone who I would vibe with. I have seen a Muslim psych in the past but I didn't vibe with her and she doesn't do eating disorders. I figured that it is probably best to keep therapy and spiritual coaching separate. I just need to find someone suitable especially since many of my traumas are super stigmatised
In response to: Re: Constant flashbacks
JynxModerator
Re: Constant flashbacks
@creative_writer makes me feel like we ought to have a forums space that is dedicated to coping with grief, hey. It's definitely one of those universal experiences that does need a safe space for us to be able to talk through all those complex feelings.
It is hard when our needs are complex, to find someone who fits that niche and with whom we can vibe. Keep looking hun, you'll get there 💜
In response to: Re: Constant flashbacks
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Constant flashbacks
@Jynx I think that would be a great idea. From memory I know Griefline has forums. I used to volunteer on Griefline at one point, but I haven’t for a long time. The grief training was a bit pricy but amazing.
It is tricky with complex needs, I wish my needs weren’t so complex but they are. One of the first things my current psychiatrist acknowledged was the complexities I had. I know he probably sees other complex cases, and it’s not my fault. I’ve inherited the bipolar lottery and had lots of trauma. My friend said the best people have complex ptsd
It is tricky with complex needs, I wish my needs weren’t so complex but they are. One of the first things my current psychiatrist acknowledged was the complexities I had. I know he probably sees other complex cases, and it’s not my fault. I’ve inherited the bipolar lottery and had lots of trauma. My friend said the best people have complex ptsd
In response to: Re: Constant flashbacks
JynxModerator
Re: Constant flashbacks
@creative_writer I mean feel free to kick off a thread if it feels right for your needs right now. I imagine there's a lot of members who could benefit from it 💜
"My friend said the best people have complex ptsd" lol all my friends have complex trauma... I think they're also the most kind-hearted, gentle people I've encountered. This community is also testament to that fact I think 😉
In response to: Re: Constant flashbacks
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Constant flashbacks
@Jynx it is true that people with complex trauma are often more empathetic. I wish it was easier to talk about complex trauma.
I think it’s also true that many mental health clinicians/counsellors have lived experience. Though there is often stigma around talking about it. My friend from my course has been supportive, they have their own lived experience with complex trauma. It helps when other people get it. I wish the course was more considerate of the mental wellbeing of their students
I think it’s also true that many mental health clinicians/counsellors have lived experience. Though there is often stigma around talking about it. My friend from my course has been supportive, they have their own lived experience with complex trauma. It helps when other people get it. I wish the course was more considerate of the mental wellbeing of their students
In response to: Re: Constant flashbacks
JynxModerator
Re: Constant flashbacks
I think the more we talk about it @creative_writer the more we normalise it. So by having the conversation at all - whether here or with your classmate - it's helping reduce the stigma, one little tiny bit at a time. It's a really brave thing to do - and it gets easier every time you do it, too.
In response to: Re: Constant flashbacks
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Constant flashbacks
@Jynx some of the students have mentioned their own experiences at uni. There might be a shift for newer clinicians.
I have been selective with who I tell, but I think I’m headed in the right direction. There are plenty of NDs, I think many NDs are attracted to counselling type roles.
Do you think it’s strange to feel more triggered learning about trauma vs interacting with a client with trauma. I’ve been there to support others, I once had a full on session with a client. In the session the client was very open and gave me a complete picture
I have been selective with who I tell, but I think I’m headed in the right direction. There are plenty of NDs, I think many NDs are attracted to counselling type roles.
Do you think it’s strange to feel more triggered learning about trauma vs interacting with a client with trauma. I’ve been there to support others, I once had a full on session with a client. In the session the client was very open and gave me a complete picture
In response to: Re: Constant flashbacks
JynxModerator
Re: Constant flashbacks
@creative_writer I don't think it's strange... I think the former it means it's easier to picture our own experiences, whereas the latter you know it's someone else, so there's that degree of separation. The latter still can create vicarious trauma but it's probably not as easy to get lost in our own.
In response to: Re: Constant flashbacks
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Constant flashbacks
@Jynx maybe it is the degree of separation. I am still mindful vicarious trauma can happen over time. It just helps to remind myself I’ve been able to support other people with trauma because sometimes I feel so hopeless. I hate when other people think I’m too vulnerable to ever be able to support others with trauma. Maybe once I work through my own trauma it’ll be easier. I do have limits and don’t think I could work with perpetrators
In response to: Re: Constant flashbacks
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Re: Constant flashbacks
I’m feeling sort of confused of why my ED thoughts are stronger. They are certainly shame driven by past trauma, but I’m feeling quite frazzled, trauma feels stronger. I haven’t encountered a major trauma triggered lately. I’ve just had a recent bereavement but that feels so unrelated
