Mental Advice

[Phoenix78]

I didnt really know where to ask this but I need help. For anyone who has like trauma flashbacks or memories that you get stuck in for minutes or hours. How do you like work through that and get out of it afterwards? Do you still feel spacey afterwards or are you like completely fine after? I just need help please 

[Andriel_Isilien]

That sucks because it can happen in the most random of times and places! I have been going to therapy to help me work through stuff like this among other things. I do urge you to seek a professional with this. I can only share my own experiences here.

 

I tell myself that there is a time and place for me to process those memories. Most often a trigger for me is when I'm driving because I have to keep my eyes on the road but my mind is free to wander; hence the flashbacks happen. I talk to myself to self soothe in the moment that I am ok, my feelings are heard, I am safe, stuff like that. I imagine talking to a nervous/wounded child in me (my little side). I can deal with these emotions later and I promise myself that I will give time for it. This is taking me practice because I am one that struggles in being aware of my feelings and processing them appropriately. I can easily slip into old habits of suppressing or denying what is going on internally and then resolve never happens. Again, I remind myself that there is a time and place for me to let these thoughts and feelings out. Just not in the moment when I'm running errands or at work. I do some deep breathing to regulate my nervous system so that I can hold on for a bit longer. Then there are tasks on hand that keep my mind occupied or focused on my work.

 

Afterwards, I try to talk to someone about what happened or I at least give myself the time I had promised earlier to let the anxiety, anger, sadness, etc out. My body needs a release of some kind so I go to the gym or I have a good cry alone in my room. Sometimes physical motions is what I need. Other times I need to talk to someone because I struggle to make sense of my thoughts and I simply want to be heard and validated. These are some healthy coping mechanisms that work for me. I learned about somatic release being a necessary method for my body to let go of stress that builds up from fight or flight. Once I have "expelled" the emotions I do feel spacey and drained. It takes a lot out of me and I give myself permission to calm down and do some self-care. No pressure to be "productive" because self-care is so important. People who matter in my life are understanding and don't mind if I have to cancel something. In fact, they are very supportive of me doing what is best for me. I can watch cartoons, take a bath, nap, or eat some favorite food. Whatever I want in that moment to feel comfort and love for myself again.

 

These are behaviors or skills I have been relearning with the help of my therapist. I do hope you are able to find support so that you can get guidance tailored more to your situation and needs. Please take care of yourself.💗

[andersrer]

I know this is very bad that you are still getting those flashbacks and memories that get you stuck. It means that traumas are not worked out, and you still need help to deal with these problems. I suggest you get help from the psychologist as soon as possible, don't let it go because it may cause depression and more flashbacks. The same situation happened to my friend, who tried to deal with this by consuming antidepressants that caused the drug addictions. Hopefully, we noticed this and asked for help from the specialized service fherehab that made an intervention and helped our friend.

Edited December 14, 2022 by andersrer