Flashbacks can be common in PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Flashbacks and dissociation can be incredibly disruptive and unpredictable.
This is particularly true when people are not aware of their triggers.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell
Understanding Flashbacks
Flashbacks are one of there-experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
In a flashback, you may feel or act as though a traumatic event is happening again.
A flashback may be temporary and you may maintain some connection with the present moment.
Identify Early Warning Signs
Flashbacks and dissociation may feel unpredictable and uncontrollable.
Therefore, it’s important to have a go at increase your awareness of their early symptoms.
have a go at identify as many early symptoms as possible.
Grounding can be similar tomindfulness.
Sight: Take an inventory of everything around you.
Connect with the present moment by listing everything around you.
Identify all the colors you see.
Count all the pieces of furniture around you.
Taking an inventory of your immediate environment can directly connect you with thepresent moment.
Turn on loud music.Loud, jarring music will be hard to ignore.
As a result, your attention will be directed to that noise, bringing you into the present moment.
see to it that the person you bring with you is also aware of your triggers.
Treatment can help with this.
Medications
There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for the treatment of flashbacks or dissociation.
However, some prescription medications may help people manage symptoms of PTSD.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Make space for them to talk about their experience, be a good listener.
Don’t be judgmental.
Learn their triggers to help prevent further flashbacks.
Respect their personal space.
Look out for warning signs.
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