#physical flashbacks

[trauma-trove]

When the physical flashback is so bad you have to pour acid all over your entire body to feel better

[traumasurvivorshelpingsurvivors]

No real TWs, seeking advice and possibly resources (uk-based if you need a location).

I've been experiencing an increase in somatic flashbacks lately. I'm not sure why, but they're happening almost daily, they're very tiring, and they completely incapacitate me for a solid 20-30 minutes at a time due to the pain; I can't move and can barely speak when they're happening, along with the obvious pain-response symptoms like increased breathing and heart rate, which aren't fun to deal with either.

Do any of the mods have experience or advice on dealing with somatic/physical flashbacks? The grounding methods I use for the other types of flashback (eg emotional) don't work so well on these ones.

Hi there,

Physical flashbacks can be really difficult to deal with and can cause a lot of distress. I'm so sorry you're dealing with them. Know that you're not alone in this.

When a somatic flashback occurs, remind yourself that you are safe. Read the time and date and look at a calendar to ground yourself into the present. Remind yourself that what you're feeling is real, but it is not happening right now.

When you're not in the moment, you can work on your mindfulness. This can help your baseline of stress and make it easier to calm your body down during a physical flashback.

Grounding can help stimulate your body in a different way. Shocking yourself into feeling something other than the flashback can help calm your system down. These are called counter-sensations. Here and here are some grounding exercises. Some of my favourites for somatic flashbacks are holding ice, eating sour candy, squeezing my muscles from bottom to top, wiggling my body, taking a hot shower, or taking a freezing shower.

Here are some breathing exercises. Practice these even when you're feeling regulated so it comes easier when you're having a flashback.

Make a self care box to calm yourself down as well. This can include sensory toys, a notebook and pen, candy, something soft, or anything else that offers you comfort and regulation.

Wishing you well.

- Misa

[thr0ne]

a mouth full of vomit and it still tastes like you,

i guess it’s because you both have something in common.

you’re repulsive

and you make me feel disgusting.

[thr0ne]

alexa how do I convince myself that I'm not a fucking freak if I've been getting those embarrassing muscle flinches/contraction things from physical flashbacks all day in public, and my friend keeps side glancing it because she doesn't want to say anything ????