Security Blanket

When kids are young they hold on to something for security. They won't go anywhere without it. I don't have a security blanket I just want to feel secure. I have flashbacks and my T does not want me to call him. I just have to live through it. I can't say I blame him. I wouldn't want to be disturbed when I am at home. He tells me to use grounding techniques. I just want to talk to someone. They scare me so bad. It often happens at night, so I can't call anyone.I need some security. Any suggestions?

Debra,
Hi there. I sure do hope your therapist did more than tell you "hey, don't call me"! While I understand his/her reasoning, he/she should have given you suggestions on who to contact when therapy is not available. Are there any 24-hour telephone hotlines in your area? That is one option. If you haven't already done so, I'd run an internet search on that for your area and get the number while you're feeling ok so that you have it handy when you need it. About 10 months ago I was having a panic attack in the middle of the night and didn't want to bother my friends, so I called my county's hotline number and stayed on the phone with the person for over an hour until the panic attack subsided. There ARE people to contact, even in the dead of night when the rest of the world is asleep. We do NOT have to just "get through it" all alone. I sure hope your therapist did mention other resources like this. If not, I'd consider switching to a therapist who provides professional advice on how to deal with issues when the therapist is not available.

Hope that helps

Hugs,
Koshka

I've never called one of those lines, but I think they are heroes.
One day I want to do that.

They're phenomenal. I know that they're not going to somehow magically fix any of my problems, but it is nice to know that if I am going through something in the middle of the night and feel like there's no one in the world awake to listen, there IS someone I can call who can just be on the phone with me and soothe me as I'm going through it. The one in my area is pretty good too... if you call them, they call you back the next day to check on you and will follow up with you as often as you want or need. I thought that was REALLY cool. And they know not everyone wants to be "bothered" with call backs, so if you tell them you don't want called again, they respect that too. I only have ever called once, but it really was a good experience and I'm glad I did it.

Thank you Koshka and faceless! I didn't know about the hotline. I know about a suicide hotline, but not a place that will help calm me down during a panic attack. Once I called the Suicide hotline and they were so cold and heartless. I thought, if this is about suicide I would have done it by the response you game me. If you are in the US will you PM me the number? Maybe they could also help me. I live in the southeast and they aren't much for sympathy. I am considering changing or quiting my therapy because I am not getting better. I keep having these flashbacks and now I am scared to have them. But I did in my sleep last night. I guess I am so scared to be alone that I have to be unconcious to even dare have one anymore. I go see my Pdoc in a few. I am not sure what she thinks of my therapist, but I really like her.
On the other hand, I understand him wanting me to take care of myself without help. I don't like calling. I just have a hard time with the whole thing. I could really go on about all this, but I have to go. Thank you again. Deb.

I literally used a blanket to help me through my triggers. I would wrap it as tight as I could around my shoulders. I also used the same blanket when dealing with nightmares.
One

Debra,
Actually it was called a "crisis line," which is essentially the same thing as a suicide hotline. Sorry to hear you had a crappy experience with the one you called. I will PM you the number for my county's hotline (I'm in the Northeast) and maybe they could give you the number to a hotline in your area...just tell them where you are and explain that you'd like to see if they have a number for someone in your area that may be different than that line you called before. Again, I'd call them now, when you're not in need of help, so that when you DO need help, the number is handy.

Who did you call when you had the problem after hours? Your pdoc? or your therapist? Was under the impression it was your therapist. If it your pdoc, he/she only really deals with the meds aspect, so in a crisis they can't really provide assistance. Therapists, however, are a bit different. My therapist has a work cell phone that she gives clients. Granted it's only to be used in true emergencies, as it's not meant to be a way to get 24-hour counseling. But it is a way to get in touch with her in an emergency and she can guide/direct me to where to get help if I need it. Does your therapist offer such assistance? It might be worth asking the question. Therapists are different from therapist to therapist, and your relationship with them is also a unique dynamic. If you're comfortable with your therapist, I'd stick with them, as you seem to be able to work with them and a good patient-client relationship is not always easy to come by. But I'd suggest asking about the cell phone, or asking flat out what you should do if you have difficulties after hours. Therapists have access to that type of info and should be able to not only give you some local numbers, but also let you know what you should do after hours.

Hope that helps a bit more.

Hugs,
Koshka

It is OK to have a real blanket, or I find a cuddly toy helps. Thinking of you, I know flashbacks are horrible.

Cracked

I usually come on here and lurk if I'm feeling awful. Just reading what other people have to say can help me feel a bit better and less wrapped up in my body memories (which are my worst form of flashback). Sometimes if someone is online here that I trust I might PM them to chat. Because lots of the members here are on the other side of the world to me, they are often available in the middle of the night. Other than that I have a teddy bear that I hug and a really cosy soft blanket that I wrap around myself. I tend to use that most and just try to calm myself until the flashback passes.

Thank you so much for posting. I have a few things my mother gave me that I may use when I am feeling scared or sad. I made her a quilt a few years ago and she gave me a stuffed animal. I may just hold on to these and pretend she is here with me when I am sad and scared. Thank you Debra