BellaOnline Forums Relationships Domestic Violence i need urgent help with my flashbacks

hey, i'm only 16, but at the age of 15 i got into my first real relationship. it only lasted 6 months, but in the last 4 months of that relationship i was turned into a punch bag.
its been a year now since i left him, but i've got a huge problem. over the last year i've had minor flashbacks of the 'sessions' i had with my ex otha half. but it seems to have got worse. the flashbacks have become more visual, as if i'm standing in the room that these beatings take place in. i'm able to feel his fists hitting my ribs. i had a flashback the other nite which lasted for about half an hour. i was sitting on the work surface in the kitchen, talking to my new boyfriend, when i blacked out. all i remember after that is what happened to me in that room where i got beaten up. and then i came to, terrified on the kitchen floor. the boyfriend has informed me that, now, when i go into these flashbacks, my body is constantly twitchin, as if i'm crumpling under some kind of pressure, and that i scream out in pain. i've been told that if someone touches me, i wince away, or lash out at them. this really scares me, that i could actually hurt someone else.
can someone please help me. i need advice on how to fight these things. i may only be 16 but this has effected me majorly, if there is anyone out there with some kind of advice i'm willing to try it. or if someone wants to share experiences, that would be a great help. i just want to sort my life out, and not live in fear of collapsing randomly and possibly ending up by hurting someone. thank you for your time. xx

You need to see a therapist or counselor over this issue, not a public message board. This is to intense and serious to not get professional medical help.

Hi Clefairy,
That would be my advice as well. A therapist can give you tools and suggestions to help with the flashbacks.
Good luck.

I recommend that you see a therapist, as well. They are trained to work with flashbacks. I have experienced flashbacks myself, and am much better because of therapy. Only a therapist can sit with you, and teach you how to do certain coping skills that will help. Best wishes to you! Please do seek help for this. It's important to take care of yourself. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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Also read this article: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art35274.asp

Although its addressing the katrina hurricane victims - it may apply to your situation as well.

yes its best to get therapy because its ptsd and the therapist can guide you and help you.
i too suffer from ptsd and seeing a therapist is the best thing i could ever do for myself.

your a young woman and you can put this behind you and please do get the help as you can be free and live a good life.

take care,

kimberly_1960

You are very young to undergo this truama. Please consult an expert immediately.