Aah What The *%&$ Is Wrong With Me?

mzugguitarlover · 06-03-2012, 12:18 PM

So, I have flashbacks. But to things that happened to other people. I have flashbacks to things I've heard about, stories and images I've pieced together.
What the flip is wrong with me? I don't get this.
I can't have PTSD.... these things didn't happen to me, so I can't have PTSD can I?
So how can I have flashbacks? I'm so confused. My therapist kind of tried to answer... she's the one who says their flashbacks... but it doesn't make sense. She says I just empathize with people a lot.

Here's the thing: I've done a lot of work with Northern Uganda, where some really horrific things happen. And I have flashbacks to images of rebels sitting there torturing a woman and baby while other rebels are attacking other people. I can hear it, smell it, see it so clearly. My therapist made me breathe and go through it with her today... I still can't stop shaking! But I've never been through these things I see, they're just from stories I have heard. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Does anyone have a clue about this? I'm so confused.

briethebee · 08-03-2012, 10:38 PM

Well you have seen these sorts of things so it could have a PTSD-like effect. And while I promise you're not crazy, it still isn't fun to have "flashbacks". Try to talk them out and really think about where they're coming from. I have what I call "daymares". Its like having nightmares while awake about horrific things. A lot of it is just my mind wandering and overworking. I wish I could be of more help.

mzugguitarlover · 10-03-2012, 08:43 AM

Thanks. That is actually hugely helpful. I'm just so frustrated. I kind of feel like I have no right to have flashbacks to things I haven't seen. But I guess it is what it is... Sorry that you've experienced some similar things... That sounds very familiar. But thanks for sharing... makes me feel a little less freakish.

Duck · 10-03-2012, 12:15 PM

It's called secondary traumatisation. Common in caring professions.

Koriandr · 10-03-2012, 10:40 PM

I really wish I knew what more to say to help you out!
Have you asked your therapist would could be causing these flashbacks?

I wouldn't really worry so much about whether or not you have PTSD, I would focus right now on what's causing the flashbacks, and what you and your therapist can do to prevent them.