Hey @Orchid_Octopus,
I’d like to start off by welcoming you to ReachOut! I also want to thank you for being courageous and sharing what you’re going through with the community. I can hear that you have suffered a stroke needing emergency brain surgery. This would have been so scary for you and your family. You have done an amazing job reaching out for support after going through such a traumatic experience. It can be so difficult for young people to seek support after experiencing trauma which is completely understandable, so you should be really proud of yourself!
I also want you to know that experiencing nightmares and replaying the event can be normal and is a part of your body's natural response to flight or fight. Although It can be really scary and isolating, you are absolutely not alone and not at all overreacting. Experiencing nightmares and flashbacks can also be confronting and overwhelming, so I am wondering how you take care of yourself after having a nightmare or flashback?
I can hear that you don’t have anyone else to speak to. I am wondering if you have spoken to your parents about your nightmares and paranoia? It might also be helpful to seek support from your friends around this, so I am also curious to know if you can speak to your friends about what you are going through? You might also be interested in this article on experiencing trauma that includes tips on how to cope that you might find useful. Another resource that you could find helpful is this post on trauma 101, that also includes a video explaining trauma and other digital supports you can connect with.
After experiencing something traumatic, It can be super helpful to speak to a professional to manage these nightmares and feelings that come up for you. I am interested to know if you are seeing a professional like a GP or a psychologist for support? In case you are also interested in additional support, I encourage you to connect with Kids Helpline who are a free 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
I hope this is helpful for you and look forward to hearing from you soon!
