Not allowing flashbacks to control your life!

I am currently having flashbacks regarding immature things I did when I was in my mid-20ies. It is in regards to my behavior with men and I punish myself for being so immature and careless. I no longer behave this way...but I still have overwhelming ANXIETY ACTS as a result of the flashback memories.

Can someone relate? How do you cope?

Hi Zen, have you someone you can talk to about these memorys??? I sometimes think back to things I done but as i learn to have compassion for myself and understand I did what I did mainly from unconsious needs, I just let them have their few moments in my mind and think how grateful I am today not to be that desperately unhappy person I was then.

((((((((zen))))))))) Ive had that happen too. Maybe the flashbacks are triggering intense shame. Is that something you can work on with your therapist? It helped me thinking of what the shame tells me and if I believe it. Stay safe.

You both have nailed it on the head in one way or another.

My flashbacks trigger INTENSE SHAME for my past behaviours towards men. Having never been in a romantic relationship up till that point in my life (yes I am a late bloomer) I was like a fish out of water not know whether I should swim or just drown.

When I have these INTENSE FLASHBACKS I do feel an ENORMOUS amount of shame. I tense up....have auditory hilucinations (that I know aren't real at all) that ppl are talking about me.........which then causing me to isolate myself.....or contemplate talking an extra sedative.

How do I forgive myself and move on?

I have the same problem with past mistakes. I can't cope at times but am trying to learn, tell me if you get anything! with hugs to you:

Hopes