[Zen888]

I have bipolar 1 and PTSD.

I have been having flashback memories of horrible events that have happened in my life.

How do I stop these memories from coming back over and over again?

((( Zen )))

I'm sorry you're going through this. It really does suck.

For me, healing began in the telling of the story.

I tried to keep a journal of everything that happened before, during and after the flashback. And as excruciatingly painful as it was, we went over them AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN in T until the "life" of the flashbacks were finally extinquished. They exist as memories but they are not alive. At least not right now.

The validation from another person while you are going through this is invaluable. Does T know how bad they are right now? Sometimes you need to slow things down a bit and T can help you do that.

[Zen888]

Thank-you Orange Blossom!

I am currently without a psychologist. I do have a few kind and caring people here on PC to talk to.

[phoenix7]

sometimes you cant stop them - so what you can do is remind yourself this is not happening now - and if you can say it - that you are safe now - touch somthing to try to ground yourself - put ice in your hand - count twelve things in the room and say their colour and name out loud whilst taking deep breaths -

flashbacks are hard to deal with - I seem to be triggered a lot at the moment too - I hope things calm down for you soon - if you have no T can you discuss this with your dr?

[Zen888]

Originally Posted by phoenix7

sometimes you cant stop them - so what you can do is remind yourself this is not happening now - and if you can say it - that you are safe now - touch somthing to try to ground yourself - put ice in your hand - count twelve things in the room and say their colour and name out loud whilst taking deep breaths -

flashbacks are hard to deal with - I seem to be triggered a lot at the moment too - I hope things calm down for you soon - if you have no T can you discuss this with your dr?

I will try some of what you have suggested! I cannot talk to my family doctor about it because the appts are so brief. Sometimes the memories of past traumas are so bad that I cannot even get off of the couch or go outside...that's how scared I become at times.

[phoenix7]

talk to your dr - they may be able to help - if the appt is short then take that time to say what you need to say - its hard getting through this without help - can you get another psychologist?

[Zen888]

I'm on a waiting list for a new psychologist and new psychiatrist. My family doctor doesn't do therapy.

[phoenix7]

good luck with the waiting list - hope you get one soon - my dr doesnt do therapy either - but they may have a med that might help you if you are open to that? my appts are about 10 to 15 mins - now that she knows what im battling - she checks how im doing and that helps a bit -

can your dr help you get a bit higher on the list?

[Zen888]

Not sure if he can get me higher up on the list. Right now I have lost faith in the medical/mental health community.

[maddie01]

Originally Posted by Zen888

I have bipolar 1 and PTSD.

I have been having flashback memories of horrible events that have happened in my life.

How do I stop these memories from coming back over and over again?

I've heard that neuro linguistic programming is very helpful for ptsd sufferers. It also works for resolving negative experiences. Recall a past even that occured and then imagine doing something differently in your mind (either defeating the person attacking you or speaking up for your self). Do or say whatever you would've liked to have done at that moment and then visualize it happening. This will reprogram the memory in your mind. It's worked for me. If you want, you may want to do it in the presence of a therapist or other person that you feel safe around.

Maddie01

[phoenix7]

worth a try maybe? why have you lost faith in the medical and mental health people ? I had a T that didnt help me and I said I would never go back - but when I found a new T he was great and so is my current T - there are good ones out there

[Fuzzybear]

Keep reaching out to us here, Zen. We can all relate to what you're dealing with and although we can't fix it, we can listen yo you and do our best to keep you safe.