Eliminating or reducing chronic (everyday) flashbacks

[creative_writer]

Has anyone found a way to reduce or eliminate flashbacks. I’m open to anything 

[Dreamy]

Hello @creative_writer, I haven't found a way to reduce or eliminate them but I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. Flashbacks are horrible to deal with and they are debilitating, i hope you can find something that helps you. Sending you hugs ♥️ 

[creative_writer]

@Dreamy I wish I knew what to do, know my brain is trying to justify using unhealthy coping. Questions like “what if it helps you function better?” pop up for me. Thoughts like “I’ll make sure it won’t go out of hand and I’ll do it safely.” The urges are just urges right now, can’t exactly act on them rn. I’m safe rn. Even if I acted on them, I would still prioritise my safety. I’m just struggling to find other alternatives right now. It’s not that I’m not looking, it’s just hard to find a solution

[Dreamy]

@creative_writer i completely understand the urges, and the brain trying to justify the unhealthy coping. I can tell you that I'm the exact same in this, I feel I've tried every other possible alternative and just nothing works. I really hope you can find something that works for you but in the meantime know that you are doing your best to cope and that's ok. We are here for you, you are not alone ❤️ 

[RiverSeal]

Hey @creative_writer sorry to hear that you are going through that atm and it's good to know that you are safe rn. I'm curious what you might be able to do to keep you safe for the rest of the evening, maybe something that has worked for you in the past? RiverSeal ❤️

[creative_writer]

@Dreamy I feel like struggling with mental health has humbled me in a way. I no longer judge people who cope using unhealthy ways. Sometimes it’s hard not to turn to unhelpful methods, especially when you know it’ll give you relief in the short run. Obviously, there will be long term ramifications on physical health. I’ve found myself drawn to unhelpful ways for a long time. I started SH as a teen, I did stop in adulthood because I felt like I was getting nowhere. While I’m not considering in engaging in the same type of unhelpful method rn, I’m still considering an unhelpful coping strategy at the end of the day. Not even sure if it counts as SH, but there are ramifications for it. Even my past self harm affected my sense of feeling on the regions I did it, and I never ever needed medical attention. Which comes to show, no matter how hard you try to do it safely, it can have consequences. At the moment I’m trying to figure out my next steps.

@Dreamy @RiverSeal I noticed palpitations recently, maybe I’m going into a mixed bipolar episode again. The sinus infection hasn’t helped either. I’ll take PRN, I can’t seem to think rationally. I behave recklessly when I’m too emotionally overwhelmed, can’t seem to slow down. Even breathing exercise feels impossible to do

[creative_writer]

How do I stop feeling gross? I can’t convince my brain 🥺

[Dreamy]

@creative_writer having mental health really opens your eyes to the way people cope in certain situations. And it's not like we don't know that it's an unhealthy coping strategy, it's just that it's the only thing we have found that works. I started SH when I was in primary school, unfortunately it's still my go to coping strategy now although I do try to distract myself by any other means possible before resorting to it. 

Is there anything that you think could help you right now? Will going through a grounding exercise help or some distraction chats? We are here for you ♥️ 

[creative_writer]

@Dreamy sometimes we resort to unhelpful ways even though we know it will only cause more issues in the long run. It’s just hard in the moment. Emotions can feel too much. I know the thoughts we get are not always accurate, it’s sometimes hard not believe it. I know this gross feeling is not reflective of me but I am struggling.

Maybe a distraction chat might help. I’m currently watching TV. What have you been up to tonight?

[RiverSeal]

Hey @creative_writer, I can relate to feeling gross and really didn't like myself for a long time, it's not and nice feeling. I believe we do have the power within us to move through these feelings, whether it's just for now or something more long-term. It's different for all of us as we a unique individuals with our own life experiences.

I'm going to create a thread tomorrow telling some of my story which relates to hearing voices and psychosis and was wondering if you would like me to tag you in it? I guess I believe it's good to hear other peoples stories even if they are not the same diagnosis as ours. Something I have learned can be really beneficial in recovery.

How are you doing at the moment? I just had dinner so been away from my screen for a little bit!

RiverSeal