Stress Center Peer Support

Below is something that happens and I wanted to find out how common this is.
Occasionally, I have a flashback (I guess that’s what it is called) to a previous stressful event and it’s like I’m experiencing it all over again. It might be a confrontation or any stressful experience. I can be out with friends and I get these flashbacks and it’s like I zone out and am experiencing this stressful event right there. I have about a dozen or so of these events that I replay. It’s not under my conscious control, it just happens. Very frustrating. I also suffer from anxiety but these symptoms seem different. If anyone can shed some light on this, I’d appreciate it.

I have something kinda like that mine is if talking in a group and we start talking about alcohol or drugs or I work with people that aren't my favorite I get kinda panicky its like I start thinking about bad situations with the above mentioned things.

Sounds like syptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Did your anxiety come from that (flashback) situation?

I agree with deedee. May not be as traumatic as some cases, but you do still replay the events. Heck, I replay events all the time. Bad ones or good ones. I'm ocd who was diagnosed with sever depression, anxiety, and social disorder. And a former drug addict. I have stuff scramblin through my head 24/7. I just have to keep busy.

I have flashbacks too. These are related to certain events in my past relationship. They are definately because I am araid it will happen to me again. How do we stop replaying these awful memories? My worst panic attacks were due to what someone else did to me.

My panic and anxiety doesnt come from the past...they start with my thoughts about what's coming!!! Today, for example, I was out raking leaves.. my sister told me she and my mom were going to go to a gathering about 45 minutes from where we live. Two days ago my sister also mentioned to me that the steering on her car was feeling a little odd. Okay..so here comes the anxiety demon.... making me think that I should've told them to take my car...but its too late because they already left...and what will happen if something happens?! And there is the start of another panic situation where my head and my thoughts get carried away.... Its exhausting

I have flash backs at times also. They are always of unpleasant events. I'm learning I think this comes from forgiveness. Those events that replay in my mind, have never been forgiven. To let go you have to be willing/able to forgive yourself and others.
I do also have future flashes like you worryguy. I think this is where changing our thoughts come into play. We have to learn to tell ourselves it's okay. It will be okay.

Hey Worry guy , I feel your pain ! I worry constantly about things coming up and it is totally exhausting. I hope to find relief from worry and anticipatory anxiety from the course. And I'd love to hear from other how they have learned to deal with worry and anticipating bad things . HELP ! pjs

PJ3K - to "deal" with it, you have to 1st realize when you are doing it. and stop yourself. You have to replace those negative worrysome thoughts with positive exciting thoughts...

It can be VERY hard to do, but with practice & patience you can do it!!