I am having horrible flashbacks of my sexual abuse, It is something that is tormenting me, My husband said that I am shouting out in my sleep too, I have woken up the past 2 nights at 3:00.am and having these flashbacks,even during the day, Today I went to do some xmas shopping and went for lunch with my husband and I got upset my husband asked what was wrong I told him that I had a flashback, How can I make these go away?

[Sannah]

Can you get a therapist?

[kasva]

For me.....trying to get grounded has helped. It takes practice but it can help a lot. Like I'll look around me and name all the things that i see that are blue. Or I'll keep repeating to myself this is 2011 and I'm okay...it's not happening now. Or I'll touch the carpeting and really try to feel it or touch the grass outside (in the right weather of course) and somehow that helps me to come back to 2011. But, I don't know of any way to get rid of them perse. Therapy has helped me and I know longer have flashbacks but it's taken quite a while.
Good luck ...I know how bad flashbacks feel and how disruptive they are to our lives.hugs if okay.......kasva

[TerryL]

Heard on Dr Drew that that is very common with abuse victims.

Thanks for replying guys

I have had group therapy and was in that for 12 months which helped me alot, I asked my pdoc about seeing a theapist when I last saw him, He said it is best if my GP refers me as it will be much quicker, I will make an appointment soon.

The flashbacks are horrid, I wake up in the night and sometimes I cry they scare me

[Fairy39]

I agree with kasva grounding is really helpful. I look around the room and take note of what is in it. And also look at the clock and listen to it ticking. I tell myself what day, date, year it is. Tapping your feet on the floor is really helpful too. I hope you manage to get a therapist soon. I find keeping a paper diary is helpful to write down my thoughts, feelings etc.

[LylaJean]

I struggle with this too. I read a book called "The PTSD Breakthrough" and it has helped me. In my situation, my therapy only made them worse, and I freaked myself out enough that I stopped going. In the book, they recommend music you enjoy. (I turn on Norah Jones, if I can get myself to move out of my shock position) What actually helps me most is scented oils. Like, go buy some essential oils in your favorite scent, something strong. Anytime you're having a flashback or panic attack, rub the oil on your wrist and hold it up to your nose, taking huge breaths. It helps, it really does. Focus on the smell. Make sure to tell your husband not to touch you. Mine tried that and I ended up running off the bed into the wall. Prolly looked pretty amusing. It'll get better. It really will.

Thank you both

I will try the oils good idea thanks for the tip, Also about the tapping feet, Anything is worth a try, It really is horrid.

[needfixing]

for me my flashbacks/nightmares went away when i confronted my abuse.
i admitted it happen to me, it wasn't my fault, and stop trying to change my past.
i don't know if your going thru this right now, but my husband had a "normal" childhood, so when i would have a flashback or nightmare he would tell me to get over it. his reaction only made me feel betrayed, and alone.
but now i realize how can i make him understand what i was going thru when it never happened to him. TALK ABOUT A BREAK THRU!
when i was little i would practice in front of the miorror what i would say to my mother for not protecting me and that day came true 7 years ago! MORE HEALING!
little baby steps and you will take the journey of healing. (((hugs)))