I have PTSD, but don't like to take meds everyday. I prefer to medicate as needed and so I have a prescription for medical marijuana. I know it's not an option in every state, so maybe it is not an option for you, but it works for me. If I feel anxiety or have trouble sleeping, I can self-medicate as needed and I prefer that.

Another thing that have been working for me lately is Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT). It's totally silly and seems like pseudo science, but it helps me. It shifts your brain from panic to recognizing your emotional distress and having compassion towards yourself, stimulating meridian points has an effect of the mental processing. It takes the edge off, and when you are a little calmer, it is easier to process the emotions that are coming up for you.

Also, popping a pill to feel better isn't really a good solution for PTSD, you need to work through and process the trauma so that it loses the emotional charge and doesn't make you feel so over-whelmed. You say you are in therapy, so hopefully you are working through and processing the trauma. Have you tried EMDR? I recently started doing it, after hearing others say that it is effective, and I've seen positive results.

Also, self care, yoga, exercise, social interaction. Studies show that things like participating in a play where you are a powerful character is sometimes more effective than years of therapy. You have to be creative when healing emotional wounds. I fire dance and it's empowering. I feel powerful because I am able to control my bodies natural response to fear, and that's a nice thing when I've been so burdened by PTSD triggers and my inability to control my body's response to fear.

I take klonopin, works better for me and it goes under the tongue and works faster (you can get pill form too but the under the tongue works better and stronger for me) I can take it up to 3 times a day, i always take it to sleep drs orders, but during the day is optional. I have low oxygen at night i drop to 62 percent so on oxygen when i sleep so had to choose klonopin or stay on lunesta, seeing as i was getting to where i was shaking and crying when i had to leave my apartment i chose the klonopin. When im really stressed i use it more when im not i back off on it. I also do DBT which has helped me so much and really changed my life. It helped me learn to better control my emotions.

I found recently that derailing my flashbacks before they fully set in has been a sanity saver. It took me quite a while to realize I had little “cues” & warnings just before full onset began, like zoning out, rocking forwards & back, and of course the anxiety symptoms of rising panic & fear. As soon as I started picking up on the first few signs it was easier to start recognizing others & this has really helped in managing my flashbacks, attempting to prevent them (because sometimes the tools aren’t enough) and educating my husband & daughter mostly, and then other people I’m close to of the signs that I may be having a “PTSD episode” as I tell them.

Keep a journal (and for me as detailed as I can) was how I discovered I had warnings right after being “triggered” that have eventually given me time to use the “tool box” before I need outside help. Because a lot of the time it’s just been my thirteen year old daughter & I (husband travels for job a lot), we have codes to protect both of us from the unfortunate side of PTSD. I have codes for friends & family members to let them know I’m in crisis mode that I can text or call them with.

Whether alone or with support, still distraction has helped the most to derail flashbacks, generally something nonsensical & silly as it immediately has me go “what????” and attracts my attention. And keeping a record that helps you find your triggers & warnings signs really makes sorting through the confusion of PTSD & making healing a lot easier.

I’ve also found having someone I can tell in detail about my trauma & the flashbacks helps a lot to reduce the fear & also decrease the intensity of following flashbacks (for me o has worked best therapist works best as I am less worried about the emotional pain sharing my flashbacks will cause them but recently my mom has been my go to person or my husband).

And having to take something like Xanax can help if under doctor’s direction. Having a psychiatrist & therapist really can be the best resource but as I have had a lot of issues with trust in that area, I suggest finding the right ones for you that you’re comfortable with.

Sending hugs, strength and lots of support to you, Alexander.

BTW i was my late husbands caregiver for 19 months before he died after his car accident that made him quadriplegic and had 5 TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) ETC. So my word of advice? Take care of you, if i had worried about my health i would not have the health issues to the point i do now. The stress took a major toll on my health and my heart.

Thank you for sharing , I find your support comforting. You have definitely given me some techniques to help cope.

Grounding techniques are my most effective aid for getting through flashback sequences. My own flashbacks come in binges which can last for weeks or months. Grounding exercises help me stay in the here and now, despite the hauntings from the past.

I especially love tactile grounding since I can do allot of those exercises without drawing attention to myself or interruptions to the tasks at hand. I often carry a doodad in my pocket and/or something wrapped around my wrist for a grounding tool. My most recent favorite is a rosary which I wrap around my wrist. It dangles in the way of everything I do with my hands. It serves as a reminder to be extra gentle with myself and the people around me.