Posted by:
robertb
(
)
Date: September 09, 2012 08:31PM
Drinking will make the flashbacks worse in addition to the other harm it can cause. Are you out on disability? Do you have access to counseling? There are therapists who work specifically with cops, firefighters, and paramedics.
The flashbacks seem real because the "time" of the event is not encoded--your brain is not distinguishing them as past and reacts as if they are occurring in the present, with all the accompanying physical reactions. Alcohol makes it harder for your brain to make that distinction and to resist the emotional flooding you are experiencing.
If you can do something as simple as tell yourself "This happened then, it's not happening now" and do something (safe) to be physically in the present, it may help.
Symptoms can be caused by increases in over all stress, not just triggers specifically related to traumatic events. So, yes, dealing with other stressful events can trigger unrelated trauma as well. Adrenaline seems to be a key.
Medication can sometimes be very helpful. I think given the intensity of what you are experiencing, talking to a doctor would be important. Medication can work for you and not have the problems drinking can bring.
Also, if you are a military veteran, the VA can help you. You would want to contact your nearest VA clinic or county Veterans Service Office.
You may also get some help from The PTSD Workbook by Mary Beth Williams.
http://www.amazon.com/The-PTSD-Workbook-Techniques-Overcoming/dp/1572242825/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347237939&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ptsd+workbook+mary+beth+williamsEdited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/09/2012 08:46PM by robertb.