29-09-2019 08:54 AM
29-09-2019 08:54 AM
Hi Everyone
I know there are so many of us here who experience these unfortunatly so I thought id start a thread where we can share our strategies on how we cope with nightmares and flashbacks.
29-09-2019 08:58 AM
29-09-2019 08:58 AM
@Former-Member @MDT Just tagging you both over here as you were interested in this topic too.
EOR said:
Hi @outlander (stranger), nightmares can cause much distress. I find unprocesses or unresolved events of the day, or last couple a days, sometimes surfaces in dreams, when we're relaxed... seems that's the only time our subconscious can get our attention.
Anyway,
A bedtime ritual often helps me wind down.
- JOURNALLING helps my brain tidy up a messy day. First I summarise in point form what happened today... Then, if anything needs more attention I give it a paragraph or two on it.
- MOVIE... maybe a real good 'feel good' favourite movie could help to calm the mind, distract, evoke nice feelings...
- Fill the mind with good happy, peaceful thoughts.
- BOOK that's captivating
- PRAYER... just tell God everything, and evoke the power of the cross over your life.
- LIFELINE phone call...
Talk it out
30-09-2019 04:17 AM
30-09-2019 04:17 AM
Great thread @outlander
My experience is it's a lot of trial and error and changes over time. I practice every day, so I have a better chance of remember what helps. I keep my list very brief, as for me it's easier not to have too much choice, otherwise I don't remember.
I have a safety statement. I cuddle my teddy bear. I count different objects I see. I use essential oils. I do breathing exercises. Sometimes for hours. Those are the ones that help me, even after an episode of dissociating or with panic attacks. I can't stop the flashbacks, so I'm trying to learn to live with them.
02-10-2019 10:14 PM
02-10-2019 10:14 PM
It’s a hard process to get out of having flash backs. I often get a flutter from historical episodes and situations coming to mind. I hate reliving that trauma. When I think about the state of mind I was in, my current thoughts suppress the feeling and thought of it all, then I find my self in a present state of thought. Muchly, my current life of work and study takes over priority in thought. However, that minute I am unsettled by the flashback there is a great deal of fear, anxiety and nervous action. This tends to happen several times a day and is just something I live with, unsure how to stop it other than letting my mind divert to its own courses.
02-10-2019 10:33 PM
02-10-2019 10:33 PM
I cuddled a teddy bear too for a number of years when I was about 27 yo constantly going in and out of hospitals. It gave me so much security and it felt like I was not alone. Once I moved back in with my family they bought me a dog. She’s been with me now 10 years and sleeps in my room or on my bed. As long as I hear her breathing I sleep easy. In the night as soon as she leaves the room I usually wake and go outside with her to do business, then it’s back to sleep. I gave my teddy to her and she loved it until it was in bits. Now I buy her soft toys all the time because I know the comfort it brings. She’s getting old now too and I don’t know how long I’ll be lucky enough to have her. She’s the best thing that ever happened. @Former-Member
04-10-2019 09:08 AM
04-10-2019 09:08 AM
04-10-2019 09:16 AM
04-10-2019 09:16 AM
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