u/Illustrious_Pizza252

The 5-4-3-2-1 method makes me so angry and stressed for some reason. My senses are already so overwhelmed.

When I'm having an emotional flashback, I'm fucking IN IT. Trying to use this as a coping skill feels like the stress in my brain boils over even more.

Does anyone else feel this way? I also struggle with things like deep breathing, calming music, etc. Like all methods of relaxation do not work

My arm is covering in bruises from self harm from not being able to handle flashbacks. I can't stop biting and hurting myself, it's hard to stop myself from hitting my head against a wall.

I've had a whole month and a half of bad flashbacks, almost constant. I feel the stress in my body and I know deep down my life will be reduced by 20 years.

I can't take it anymore. I can't work. I feel like I can't live on this earth with this kind of extreme stress... which is both toxic to me, but is required for healing?

I fall over and I seize on the ground, and the smallest thing can trigger me. the slightest feeling of overwhelm does this to me. What kind of life is this?

I can't do it anymore. I feel like I might give in and give up.

EDIT: I am safe again. I'm still shaking and hyperventilating but it's mostly passed. this was a really hard flashback.

thanks to the two nice people who helped me get through it. bless you

Title seems pretty obvious but I didn't really make the connection until now. Being abused, abandoned, and neglected really does a number on a person. especially over a long period of time.

No wonder I feel like an alien.