Physical & Emotional Abuse Support Group

Abuse is a general term for the treatment of someone that causes some kind of harm (to the abused person, to the abusers themselves, or to someone else) that is unlawful or wrongful. No one deserves abuse, period. Abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual.

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Sabrina15 06/12/2009

post traumatic stress. This afternoon, It happened so suddenly, that I could barely breathe. It was like having a dizzy spell, and waiting for the world to crash down around me. Within seconds, I re-lived the domestic violence incident which took place years ago, and I almost died on that particular night.

The trigger occurred as I watched a news report about someone being attacked, and beaten. During that time, I felt scared and helpless. Sometimes I avoid watching the news, just to prevent flashbacks because it feels like I'm being victimized all over again. There are also other triggers which cause the same reaction.

I'm thankful for DS because I can vent my feelings without stressing my family, and close friends.

Anyone else with a similar experience regarding ptsd?

Tamehau 06/12/2009

Yes, I call them flashbacks. I think that when you have it though you should examine the detail and try to figure out why it triggered. Running from it and pushing it out of your mind will cause it to re-occur and sometimes give you nightmares and keep you in fear.

Try to face your giants one by one and heal from them as they occur.

Hugs to you.

wvartgirl 06/12/2009

Absolutely. I no longer watch the news. Period. The news is designed to make you anxious and stressful and I have had to eliminate stuff that causes me agita. The best way to get the news is via the Daily Show and Colbert Report. At least that way you get to laugh with the bad news.

Sabrina15 06/12/2009

Thanks...I'm really trying to cope, but it's never easy.

deleted_user 06/12/2009

I am having the same problem. But I know why the flash backs have come back to haunt me.
I only wish that they would go away for good. Any suggestions? I am in therapy and on Lexapro.
My exhusband has surfaced after 30+ years and suddenly wants to be a part of my sons life. He had lost all rights as a father due to his abuse towards me. My son does not know his birthfather. My son was three when the birthfather lost all rights. They had been communicating for the past year via email. I found out that they met 2 weeks ago. I have seen pictures of them together and this just kills me. I am having a very hard time with this. I know it is not about me (as my son tells me) but I just can't cope knowing that this animal is back.

Tamehau 06/12/2009

SOS
Your son is a grown adult now and can have the relationships that he wants, but you must at all cost avoid the man. If your son wants you to meet with him and the dad, then you graciously decline. But as in any abuse situation, the abuser will try to wig and worm his way back into your life to abuse you.

If you do happen to run into him, treat him as if he is a stranger. And you know what we do to strangers. We do not engage or talk to them.

I am having an anxiety attack for you right now.

Good luck to you.

deleted_user 06/12/2009

I had to learn my triggers and I avoid them as much as possible. Occassional Ill have flash bk but I dont give way to such thoughts. I distract myself - which works 99% of the time. For 1% I take an anxiety medication, which works for me.
I dont have dreams that I recall. I use to.
It took me afew yrs & alot of hard work to get where Iam. Dont get me wrong there are places and things that I avoid to prevent a partical flash.

Best Wishies.
Again I had to learn my triggers.

deleted_user 06/12/2009

Here I am a volenteer in the local VA Hospital dealing with vets with PTSD and I am dealing with the same thing but on a different level.
Do the flash backs ever go away? They were supressed for so many years. I don't know what to do except have a good cry and take apill to calm me down.
Thanks Tamehau for your thoughts.

deleted_user 06/12/2009

I used to have horrible violent dreams where I would see children or animals being hurt, in the distance, and I could do nothing but watch helplessly. I was in my 30's before they stopped. I think it was because of the helpless way I felt when my dad was beating me, and would not listen...I just wanted to explain...

The worst flashbacks I have today are when I am driving and a big tractor trailer zooms past me. 6 years ago one ran me into a guard rail on the interstate and I was in a wheelchair for 4 months with 4 more months of rehab after that. Now every time one passes me too fast, my heart races, I get chills up my spine, I can hardly breathe.

I try to avoid driving.

deleted_user 06/12/2009

P.S.

WVartgirl...I ONLY get my news from Stewart and Colbert...it's the only really honest news on TV anyway. Who needs all the rest of that depressing garbage?

deleted_user 06/12/2009

Yes I also get a feeling come over me when I am in a small room and someone blocks the door, or holds the door shut. I panic, can't breath etc. #2 liked to hold me down in bed and say horrible things to me, deprive me of sleep etc. He also blocked my only way out of the bedroom when he went into a rage. I fought back and I guess kicked him in the privates while he was biting me to shut up my screaming for help. Ahhh poor baby, all he could tell his family was that we fought and I kicked him in the balls.

Sabrina15 06/13/2009

My thanks to all who responded to this discussion. By sharing your own experiences with ptsd/flashbacks, I feel less isolated.

Maybe there is hope after all. *Hugs* to everyone who is suffering from this nightmare.

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