dealing with unpleasant memories

[idkwhy]

Hi,

I do not want to say any specific things, but I have some unpleasant memories. These memories make me feel guilty, scared, panicked and drives me crazy. It's been almost a year since the incidents that gave me these memories, I'm fine at most times, but whenever I remember, I feel out of breath and scared. When I am distracted I feel normal, but whenever I'm alone in the dark or when I see something that relates to the incident I get triggered and feel horrible. I do not have suitable people to talk to about this, and I am not sure if it would even help. I have friends who has the same experience, but they do not seem troubled at all, while I'm here feeling super guilty and panicked whenever I remember about the incidents. So I cannot talk to them.

I do not know what to do, simply distract myself? But I cannot distract myself forever, and I cannot forget about anything that happened. I do not know how to deal with these memories, please give me some advice.

[kiga283]

It's great that you are taking to this website to get some advice. It is very brave.

I am in a situation where certain memories can trigger anxiety although they are nothing too traumatic or major. I just like to think about the good things in life. All the things I should be happy about or grateful for. I can't really give you much more advice about when the distractions are gone but hopefully you can find someone who can.

One last thing. Talking to people really, REALLY helps. I thought for a long time that talking would make it worse. But it feels so good to get things off your chest and then possibly see a medical proffesional.

All the best.

kiga

[Aaronsis]

Hello idkwhy

I am firstly so very sorry that you have had to experience something in your life so traumatic that it causes nightmares and effects you when you think of them and are alone at night, it must be so very frightening and I have no idea how this must feel but I am so very glad that you are here to get some support and some advice.

I totally agree with kiga283 in that talking does help so very much, and here you can remain anonymous and share as much or as little as you want to, to try to perhaps get some clarity around what happened to you and how to manage this situation. If you would prefer to talk to someone you can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, if you are under 25, they are so very wonderful and will also have some tools to help you through this.

I think that anything you can do now to address these issues stop them becoming bigger and stop them becoming something that really impacts your life or your future relationships. That talking and getting some resolve on these things sooner than later before they become harder to manage is a great idea.

You are so brave to reach out and ask for some help and I am so very glad you have, anything no matter how big or small you want to chat about we are here for you, not to judge just to support.

Huge hugs to you idkwhy

AS