Having scary flashbacks of my suicide attempt. Is this normal?

[jdcnow]

Good morning, everyone, I hope you're going well.

Well, ever since I recovered from my suicide attempt, back in April of this year, I've had these flashbacks of that night. The most disturbing one to date happened overnight last night/early this morning, while I was at work. While mopping the floor, I just stopped dead in my tracks and just froze. I didn't move, I just stood there, frozen still for what seemed like an eternity, but what was actually about 2 minutes. I was, maybe wondering, is there anything I can do to rid myself of these awful flashbacks.

On a similar note, I also have infrequent flashbacks of a traumatic event that happened to me from my distant past (about 10 years ago, when I was still in high school). I was wondering if there's any good cures or remedies for dealing with such issues. I hear ECT/electric shock (despite how extreme it may sound) actually may be a good treatment for blocking traumatic events from one's mind.

I've got a good little while until I'm out of my debt (the remaining $1,200 in doctor bills from the attempt that I have yet to pay off). (I'm so thankful to still be around to even get to pay on these bills.) So that gives me a little time to do my homework and get educated about this stuff, if I decide to go through with something.

Would love to hear any and all thoughts on the subject.
Thanks for your time in reading this.

 

[KaraBulut]

What you're describing is anxiety and a post-traumatic stress type reaction.

You might read up on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It is effective in phobias and panic reaction type issues and may be of value here.

ECT would not be the recommended therapy.

Your best option though is to work with a therapist to deal with the memory and your reaction to it.

 

[swdguy]

jdcnow: first of all, i'm glad that u're with us and don't forget that you got friends around. I hope that your friends can give you support when you need it. Second, do you have some types of insurance? If so, perhaps you can find a shrink who can help navigate your thoughts. If not, i'm not sure where to go from there. Myself personally, I wouldn't recommend the shock therapy until I talk with a professional therapist. Just remember, things will get better when you are more settle and knowing what to do next time. I'm not sure what else to say, except to say that I'm here if you want to get some things off of your chest.

S

 

[jdcnow]

^^ Thanks.

 

[Georgiadude]

I've had trouble with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for several years. I was working as a paramedic at the time and was shot 3 times by this guy. Initially it was like a continual video loop playing over and over in my mind. I saw a good psychiatrist and he said "give me 6 months and I will get you feeling better." I was like 6 months are you kidding me. He put me on some medication (ativan) to help me with the anxiety and with some therapy it got much better. He was right. It was almost 6 months to the day but I was able to function and live my life. I still relive it a lot but instead of constantly playing I see it every so often and I can change my thoughts pretty quickly. I have a hard time when it gets around the anniversary of the shooting. I make sure to have someone with me that day and if they see me drifting off they know I'm thinking about it and can distract me.

My advice is to see a good psychiatrist. Make sure they are experienced in treating PTSD. They will be able to help you learn how to deal with flashbacks and the anxiety they can cause.

Good luck and let us know how it goes. I'd be happy to PM with you if you wish.

Steven.

 

[jackoroe]

KaraBalut is spot on. Even though you attempted to do this yourself, it is still a traumatic event. Talk to a therapist it truly helps. I wish you well.

 

[TomahawkEagle]

Apart from hanging out with mates and seeing a psychiatrist, you might want to take up a sport. Physical activity helps take your mind off unhappy thoughts.

I have depression went to see a doctor, went on anti-depressants, spent time with my mates (albeit very infrequently) yet I was still unhappy about life. Nine months ago, I took up jogging (on a running track not on cardio equipment at the gym). Found that the physical activity took my focus off the grievances I have about life onto achieving something which in my case is running a certain distance without puffing out.

After doing it for a few months, noticed that I don't feel too depressed and was able to run a half marathon. Just nine months ago, jogging wasn't my thing and running 5km was unthinkable.