Constant Flashbacks - do they ever leave???

Hi,
I'm new here...I've had PTSD since I was 17, and with the recent flareup it's now at a point where although mostly the flashbacks don't stop me doing things, they are constantly there like a reel in my minds eye during waking hrs...even when studying, chilling with friends, watching a movie, driving, housework, whatever I'm doing it's just constant and it's really frustrating and annoying, plus I'm scared they will increase to the point where they immobilise me, even if temporarily, as they have in the past. Some things have been going on in my life which are bringing up many childhood traumas I had shut off from...mainly the 'events' and 'experiences' my parents put me through, rather than the CSA which I seem to have at least mostly come to terms with...I thought I'd got my PTSD under control and had 6mths without panic attacks and with very few flashbacks, and now this reel is constant and I just want it to go away. Does this part of the PTSD ever go away, or just gets easier and less invasive?
Thanks, Kath

(((KathKidd)),

Oh hun, I am sorry, I didn't see your thread. Welcome to PC, sometimes it takes time for members to be on and notice a thread. So, you have to be patient, it never means you are not important ok?

I am sorry to hear you have been experiencing alot of flashbacks lately. The answer to your question "will they ever stop" and "can I get it under control" is yes, you can work through everything that comes forward. When you slowly work through these flashbacks they well get weaker and weaker and move down a line to spots of anxiety, anger, or sorrow, but as you put all of whatever comes forward into words and get validated, you will also slowly find resolve. You will gradually make gains and you "will" heal.

You "must" find a therapist that understands PTSD and can help you with it. And you are always very welcome to come to PC if you need to vent or ask questions or even talk about the flashbacks. Talking is always very helpful.

((((Welcoming Hugs)))
Open Eyes

I think PTSD ebbs and flows--when something in our life is a reminder of the trauma + additional stress, it can set off the difficulties again. But attention to what is being kicked up and some careful care of ourselves, I think we can make it manageable again.

Some people say that when flashbacks get bad, it's because we are "ready" to address what happens in them. I don't know about that! But I do think our symptoms are messengers: we have to listen to figure out what message they are trying to give us.

For example, my flashbacks have sometimes brought the message "You can't ever forget what happened, or you won't be ready to deal with it." And the hypervigilance often says "You'd better be ready. I won't let you be surprised again."

I'm sorry you're suffering right now.