Boy I wish I knew. When I smell Shalimar perfume I get sick to my stomach and feel very creepy. My mother wears that perfume and I can't get away from that smell fast enough. I think automatic responses are very hard to control. I would stay away from that river if I were you. This is such a good example of a trigger - and triggers need to be carefully avoided I think.

I used to have flashbacks of cologne from my abusers

I have flashbacks a lot lately. I have also had panic attacks. I see a professional about some of my issues. Some of my flashbacks surprise me-at work, at the mall, etc.

I hear you. I get them on occasion too. What I do is keep two journals. One for flashbacks & nightmares. The other my goals. And each day under journal two I would write down the positives of the day first. Then i write down a goal that is attainable for the next day.

For example of goal-I would like to read a chapter or spending time outside, etc.

Start small eventually you can attain something like feeling more at ease, or relaxed etc.

This is what I do. The first journal is more of letting go. Write it all out then when I am able to be more objective-I would analyze and realize how much work i did on myself.

It helps to write at least for me. I also write poems too. It's my whay of releasing. The memories will never fade away, it'll just get easier to deal with them. But that takes hard work and patience.

Counselling, or art therapy would be good to get involved with.

I did those in the group home as well as group therapy.

It does help. And heyy, you're not alone in this.
Hang in there.

I don't set goals anymore. It hurts too much to be disappointed. Thanks so much to you who have commented on my subject but I have decided to just numb the pain the only way I know how tonight. I have had a terrible headache since my panic attack yesterday. I need to get rid of it. Alcohol and a little more help.