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Old May 14, 2010, 08:48 AM
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(JD) (JD) is offline
Legendary Wise Elder
 
Member Since: Dec 2003
Location: Coram Deo
Posts: 35,474
I don't know for how long you have been experiencing flashbacks, but the other member is right, it takes lots of therapy and years of processing before they begin to ease ... but they will.

The good thing about the brain (well one of them) is that as you process a memory --or flashback-- in therapy, your brain then knows how to file all similar memories. That means that you don't have to go through every freaking memory before you begin to feel relief.

That you KNOW you are having a flashback is progress ... that it seems all the time probably is too, as before you didn't realize you were being triggered all the time. It's a tough step, but a necessary one.

I agree that trying to process the flashback is important. If you can, note everything surrounding it ... what were you thinking right then, what was playing on the radio, tv, or where did you just drive past or see, etc. You may not even have to look over your notes of various flashbacks to begin to realize exactly what is triggering you, as your brain might begin to process already. However, discuss this with your T because trying to process it on your own might be too much right now, and cause more problems.

Once you know a trigger, you can work on it in therapy or you can avoid it until you feel safer then.

When you have a trigger, as soon as you can, begin telling yourself "It isn't happening NOW, this is now and that was THEN." Also focus on breathing deeply and slowly. Both those steps should help you ease the results of a flashback.

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