Hi Jen, welcome to PC. I could not find anything about "black outs" for PTSD, however there is "time loss" that can take place with PTSD. A reminder of a trauma can happen that can lead to "disassociation" that is very much like a black out.

Are you in therapy now?

If not, you should look into therapy with a therapist that understands PTSD and works with PTSD patients. You will need to talk through your past and slowly "consciously" work through whatever "trauma or trauma's" have caused you to struggle.

When someone struggles with PTSD they want to "avoid" any reminders of something that traumatized them, they do this consciously, but also subconsciously too. Some people just disassociate in an effort to "avoid" while others struggle with anxiety and try to "hide out" or get away from something that may be a reminder.

Talking through a trauma in therapy can help bring up whatever seems to have this need to "avoid" so a patient can finally verbalize their "fears" gradually, be validated, comforted and supported to find ways for resolve. People who develop PTSD get frightened or confused by the symptoms, but as someone who struggles works with a therapist they can slowly better identify their symptoms and begin to work on them gradually.

I hope this helps. You are welcome to share whatever you need to share in this forum. None of us are therapists, but we share what we have learned and will do our best to support you as needed.

OE