See Alike in...

Alike App

Browser

thats.rough.buddy

324d

(TW: Abuse) For 5 years, my ex abused me and I have PTSD from it. I've been free from him for 4 years now and I've been getting help and trying to heal, but I still get flashbacks. I used to panic every time I got a flashback, but now I don't panic nearly as often as I used to since I've found ways to calm myself down. Do the flashbacks ever stop tho? Will I ever get to live a life where my triggers don't trigger me? I've finally found a guy that I really like and he likes me too, but I feel like as long as I have any triggers, then I'm not actually healed from my past and shouldn't date if I'm not completely healed. He's okay with me having triggers and does everything he can to support me, but I still feel broken. Any advice?

    • Kingswife

      323d

      I have severe ptsd- been free from traumas for 3 years. I met my husband and it was hard at first but it got easier over the first year. I have needed to communicate all the possible things that might trigger something and he understands them and does his best. Sometimes in an argument or sex though I get triggered anyways but he is good about helping me. Its always good to communicate boundaries once you know you want to be with them or especially after they trigger something.

    • mamabear07

      324d

      I agree with the alike wisdom. but may I ask how often you are having these flashbacks? and how long do they typically last? and what are your triggers? also, what are your coping mechanisms? im guessing it was physical abuse? was there also verbal abuse? please don't feel pressured to answer anything you don't feel comfortable with. I don't want to make you feel worse, and if answering those questions makes it harder for you, i definitely don't want to do that. I'm only asking because I may be able to give you a couple of ideas on how to make things get better or at least make a huge improvement. I've been in your situation, and so has my mom and my sister in law. I'm so sorry that you've also gone through this, love. nobody should ever have to go through this. it breaks my heart. I'm so very glad you were able to leave that horrible relationship. your new guy sounds wonderful. it's a really good sign that you can talk to him about all this and that he seems so understanding. but I do understand you wanting to feel completely healed before committing yourself to someone else. I'd love to chat with you. Just message me anytime. you've got this love, and I believe you will get past this. unfortunately, you'll never forget it, but it would be great for you if you weren't dealing with flashbacks and triggers. hang in there, and like I said, message me anytime. you are stronger than you think ❤️‍🩹❤️

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.

Alike health

It's great to hear that you've been getting help and finding ways to calm yourself down during flashbacks. While everyone's healing process is different, it is possible for flashbacks to decrease in frequency and intensity over time with continued therapy and support. It's important to remember that healing is a journey, and it's okay to not be completely healed before entering a new relationship. The fact that your new partner is supportive and understanding of your triggers is a positive sign. Keep working on your healing process and communicate openly with your partner about your feelings and needs.

Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality

100% Free
100%
Free

Download Alike for the full experience

JOIN

View All

Bupropion

night sweats

paranoid

Valium

sertraline

palpitations

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Depression

palpitations

Depression

Valium

Bupropion