When I was younger my main flashbacks were events of regret. "Why did I do this, how could I say that?". I would sometimes physically hit myself or bang my head against a wall. As I got older idk I guess I just didn't have the time to ruminate anymore and started to notice myself doing it and got better at moving on. I think there was a realization that I was punishing myself because I thought that it was the right thing to do, that I deserved this. The quicker I moved on from those thoughts I noticed the flashbacks of those events kept coming less and less. Changing the way I talked towards myself after getting a flashback and focusing on doing 1 thing to move on was the key. This worked for me but I can see how this wouldn't work for people with more traumatizing flashbacks related to PTSD or events where someone else harmed you.
so glad you found this helpful Glen! And yes- you make a great point that one strategy alone probably won't be the thing that offers relief from more traumatizing flashbacks. Working with a therapist, or medication provider, with specialized training in trauma is super important for intense symptoms like that. Thanks for always be on top of this!!
