[SoupDragon]

Something happened this week, something someone told me that bought on what I assume are somatic flashbacks - sexual, unpleasant - it was a total shock to feel these things and completely out of the blue - I can't remember ever feeling them before.

I am so confused at the moment, I can't understand what happened to make these feelings happen so suddenly like that. I don't feel them anymore, but this morning had real problems even holding a carrot - again horrible feelings right out of the blue.

I'm not sure what is happening to me, whether these things will just disappear again - I think the fear of experiencing them again is getting worse than actually feeling them, if that makes any sense.

It seems so ridiculous, I know I am safe, but these things just seem to pop up out of nowhere.

Does anyone else experience these? How do you deal with them.

[Bluegrey]

I've had a few, I think, SoupDragon. They are really awful and the first couple of times I really didn't know what was going on.

When they come I do grounding type things, especially the soothing ones - stroking something soft and velvety (probably reminds me of my childhood teddybear), hugging a hot water bottle, whatever is practical at the time. Like you, I know that I'm safe when it happens, but there's a difference between logic and that sort of feeling.

I'm still at the stage of probing for memories etc with EMDR so I'm kind of expecting that this sort of thing will go on for a while, as I gradually stop shutting out so much of what happened. But I seriously hope that it does at least dwindle, better still stop, eventually.

I hope that's some sort of help. Let me know if you find anything helpful, please...


Bluegrey

[SoupDragon]

Thank-you bluegrey. It just came out of the blue so it was really confusing, but now maybe if it happens again I can try some soothing things like you suggest. Hope the EMDR works for you.

Soup

[Purple Heart]

Originally Posted by SoupDragon

Something happened this week, something someone told me that bought on what I assume are somatic flashbacks - sexual, unpleasant - it was a total shock to feel these things and completely out of the blue - I can't remember ever feeling them before.

I am so confused at the moment, I can't understand what happened to make these feelings happen so suddenly like that. I don't feel them anymore, but this morning had real problems even holding a carrot - again horrible feelings right out of the blue.

I'm not sure what is happening to me, whether these things will just disappear again - I think the fear of experiencing them again is getting worse than actually feeling them, if that makes any sense.

It seems so ridiculous, I know I am safe, but these things just seem to pop up out of nowhere.

Does anyone else experience these? How do you deal with them.

Hi Soup

What you probably experienced is a flashback through bodily sensations. There is a book called 'The Body Remembers'. It talks about how we store traumatic memories in the cells of our body because it is too painful for our mind to bear. The memories start to reach your conscious mind when your mind is ready to deal with the trauma/s. I've been experiencing the same thing for three years so I guess I'm use to it now. They are also called 'psycho-somatic' memories. You may get a sore arm or upset stomach which cannot be explained by a medical doctor. But are due to psychological turmoil associated with traumatic events entering your conscious mind.

Firstly, see a therapist as you will need one. Secondly, don't run away from the unpleasant feelings. Research suggests you have to experience those feelings in order to heal. Short-term pain for long-term gain! I hope this helps and I wish you the best.

Peace

PH

[mimsies]

Originally Posted by Purple Heart

Hi Soup

What you probably experienced is a flashback through bodily sensations. There is a book called 'The Body Remembers'. It talks about how we store traumatic memories in the cells of our body because it is too painful for our mind to bear. The memories start to reach your conscious mind when your mind is ready to deal with the trauma/s. I've been experiencing the same thing for three years so I guess I'm use to it now. They are also called 'psycho-somatic' memories. You may get a sore arm or upset stomach which cannot be explained by a medical doctor. But are due to psychological turmoil associated with traumatic events entering your conscious mind.

PH

The Body Remembers is an excellent book.

[SoupDragon]

Thankyou I shall look for that book.

i get them too. some refer to them as 'body memories'. they're horrific.