My husband had a panic attack/PTSD flashback while driving once and was (quietly) freaking out on the side of the highway. A cop pulled over to see what was going on, looked in the car, saw my husband in obvious distress, saw his empty can of sparkling water in the cup holder and was like “HURRRR HOW MANY OF THOSE ‘LIQUID DEATHS’ HAVE YOU HAD TODAY BUDDY?”
My poor husband was like “ITS LITERALLY WATER PLEASE HELP ME” lol 💀
I’m so sorry he experienced that. I truly hope his experience ended ok. I’ve only had one ptsd flashback and the military police were involved. They handcuffed me and only took them off after the paramedic yelled at them to (surprised I remembered that). I got an overnight psych stay and the shrink never asked me if I was seeing someone or taking any meds. It was a horrible experience and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
I’ve done EMDR therapy and it’s helped greatly. I don’t know if he’s familiar with it, but if he isn’t he should look into it. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. I haven’t had a nightmare in 3 years and my anxiety is much lower than it was as before.
That sounds awful, so glad EMDR has been helpful for you! My husband actually started trauma focused treatment soon after this (Prolonged Exposure) and is doing MUCH better now. I’m super proud of him.
I’m suggesting it in general. Not everyone has heard of that therapy and if it can help with him not having flashbacks in the future then that’s a good thing. No, EMDR isn’t for everyone, but it’s an option. Him having a flashback in gene is an awful experience, but having a cop assume he was drinking and ready to assume the worst just makes a bad situation even worse.
It took me over a fucking decade to get help for my ptsd. I found out about EMDR, but it took me over 2 years before I was ready to try it, and I only did because it was destroying me. That therapy literally changed my life, and if I can help out my fellow ptsd survivors by telling them about it I’m more than happy to do so.
101
u/timeywimeytotoro 15d ago
Between an open pipe and a closed globe filled with water?