[alittlelikemusic]

Does anyone get emotional flashbacks? And if so, do you ever find yourself triggered out of nowhere while watching a movie/tv show or listening to music? I feel like this is happening to me more and more often now.

I'm not in therapy or on medication or anything. I used to be, but now I've only been practicing meditation (especially meditation focused on healing trauma and depression) every day, trying to eat healthier, and learning all I can about CPTSD, so I can better work through it.

So, is this a bad sign? Should I seek therapy again?

[guy1111]

I think this is common if you suffer from PTSD. I've had a panic attack while watching a tv show. Maybe try switching up what you are watching. Maybe stick to light sitcoms or reality baking shows, etc.

Meditation is great as well! Whether or not you need to go back to therapy is up to you. If self-care is not enough, maybe try one or two check up visits with a therapist to help keep you on track.

[alittlelikemusic]

Thank you, guy1111. Your response is appreciated.

[Open Eyes]

Yes I experience emotional flashbacks. They can be very confusing and even debilitating and I have experienced them not understanding what they meant or what triggered them to come over me. It was a lot of work to figure them out. And frustrating in how others don’t understand they are intrusive and not something someone chooses to experience.

[Abusedbysister]

I also get these flashbacks. It can be a scene in a movie, something someone says or something I see on the street. They can be paralyzing emotionally. If they become more often, I would recommend getting some professional help before they become too frequent.

[alittlelikemusic]

The thing is I want to return to therapy, but I live with 2 of my abusers and I get mocked for seeking help. And they always want to get into my business. So, I've been really hesitant. Also, I'm beginning to feel like since I still live with my abusers, seeking therapy is practically useless. I can't recover while I'm living here.

Also, thank you for responding Open Eyes and Abusedbysister.

[guy1111]

I'm so sorry that you are stuck there with your abusers! If they are mocking you for seeking help, then they are still abusing you. Can I ask, are they your parents and are you too young to be be immancipated?

I suggest you seek shelter away from your abusers. This cycle will most likely continue if you cannot avoid new trauma. It is an uphill battle to try and heal from past wounds while continually being hurt over and over.

You are a strong person for reaching out for help! I hope you continue to fight for your peace and serenity!

[alittlelikemusic]

Originally Posted by guy1111

I'm so sorry that you are stuck there with your abusers! If they are mocking you for seeking help, then they are still abusing you. Can I ask, are they your parents and are you too young to be be immancipated?

I suggest you seek shelter away from your abusers. This cycle will most likely continue if you cannot avoid new trauma. It is an uphill battle to try and heal from past wounds while continually being hurt over and over.

You are a strong person for reaching out for help! I hope you continue to fight for your peace and serenity!

Thank you, guy111. It's my mom and my sister. I'm nowhere near that young. I'm in my 20s. I just haven't been able to move out because I can't hold on to a job long enough to do so.

There is this idea that I've been playing with though. I keep thinking about maybe trying to get into a shelter for the mentally ill or something like that. I don't have any money, so I would have to throw all of my stuff in the garbage instead of putting it in storage, but I don't think I can afford to think about that anymore. It's either my stuff or me. I do believe that in order to get into a shelter I would have to be in therapy and on meds or something. I could be wrong about that. I don't know.

And thank you for the encouragement. I lose hope every now and then, but I am determined to keep going strong. I gotta make it. Things have to get better. It's the only thing I'm holding on to right now.

[guy1111]

I don't know much about women's shelters. Hopefully someone else can post some more info on that. I was thinking some more on your position. It sounds like you don't fully understand how important your happiness and freedom are and how much you deserve. That is what happens when you are abused. You were never taught that you were special and deserve all the help you can get. It's like being born in prison. Freedom is uncomfortable and even scary. But it sounds like you want to fight and get better. That's great!

I would imagine that a shelter could help you get a job and get on your own pretty quickly. Whatever stuff you have that isn't vital to you, can be easily replaced over time with a job. Maybe just stuff some clothes and a couple keepsakes in a bag.

I suggest you don't let your family influence you any more. You have been through enough abuse. You are still way too young and have so much life ahead of you that the possibilities for you are endless! Your family may not tell you that, but it is the truth!

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by guy1111

I think this is common if you suffer from PTSD. I've had a panic attack while watching a tv show. Maybe try switching up what you are watching. Maybe stick to light sitcoms or reality baking shows, etc.

Meditation is great as well! Whether or not you need to go back to therapy is up to you. If self-care is not enough, maybe try one or two check up visits with a therapist to help keep you on track.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by guy1111

I don't know much about women's shelters. Hopefully someone else can post some more info on that. I was thinking some more on your position. It sounds like you don't fully understand how important your happiness and freedom are and how much you deserve. That is what happens when you are abused. You were never taught that you were special and deserve all the help you can get. It's like being born in prison. Freedom is uncomfortable and even scary. But it sounds like you want to fight and get better. That's great!

It's like being born in prison. Exactly!

[helloiamjim]

I used to have flashbacks when seeing someone kill themself on tv or in the movies. It reminded me of what happened with a relative. I would break out in tears and couldn't watch. It was horrible, especially if I was with my girlfriend. I can't tell you what I did to stop that from happening. Please know that you're not alone.