i have ptsd...?

Question

i'm being attacked by flashbacks and horrific images in my mind... i've tried to stay busy today... took a bike ride, took a bath, etc....
i recently started seeing a new therapist and i'm wondering if this is what is making it happen, or happen more frequently...
i haven't slept through the night in over 3 weeks because of nightmares and now these things are attacking me all day too. i feel like i'm being trampled by heavy darkness.
any suggestions?

i'm seeing my therapist for the ptsd and i guess some dissociation stuff. he's concerned that i'm too isolated and alone... which i guess makes it harder for me when these things happen. i'm pretty much trying to figure this out on my own (with him of course).

Answer 1

wow, post traumatic stress disorder, thats tough..i dont think that it is your therapist that is causing you to have more nightmares and flashbacks but maybe if they are doing new methods to help you, those methods may be making you remember more often and bring back horrific memories of a past event.. have you told your therapist about this problem?? they may not realize they are triggering a sensitive spot in your memory, try doing things you use to enjoy before the events and do activities that calm you and remember better times..

Answer 2

I'm extremely sorry to hear this. I go through the exact same thing, actually. I'm trying to figure out the same thing. The way I get around it is by focusing on other things that are going on. I do advise sticking with your therapist. She might be able to pescribe you medication. I don't take anything, and I haven't been told about anything, so talk to her/him about what would be best for you. that I have found two ways help me sleep without nightmares. First of all, Iisten to this song that my friend bought me. It's a soft lulliby. Another thing I suggest is about an hour before you go to sleep, think about the good in your life. Think about something funny. Try to erase the bad from your memory. Good luck! ;)

Answer 3

When those images cross your mind do what my therapist told me (for my not-so- due- to- trauma-anxiety)

Imagine the image is shown on a screen. As if it is not part of your life but just a scene of a movie. Take an imaginary hammer on your hand and crash that screen, making the image dissappear.

Then give the event a happier and more relaxing ending. Finish by breathing as if a movie would have just ended.

Answer 4

You never mentioned what are you seeing the therapist for in the first place? PTSD or something else? If you are seeing them for PTSD you might also be transferrin/projecting some of your fears/PTSD onto the therapist. If you were attacked by some trait that the therapist possesses (i.e. same race, same sex, character features, etc) that could be the problem.