hey, i’m a survivor who is currently supporting my best friend who was recently assaulted. my first question is, does anyone experience “flash forwards” along with flashbacks, where you vividly imagine running into your abuser and the thought is so upsetting it sends you into almost a flashback state where it feels like you are in the situation that you imagined and your somatic responses and panic are just as visceral?

along with this, helping my friend throughout her assault has been triggering for me. i’m doing a pretty good job of not putting my triggers on my friend, i dont want her to have to comfort me when she has to focus on herself, so i’m relying on my own support system and trying to take care of myself the best i can while also helping her. but does anyone have any tips for not pushing myself to support to the point of having flashbacks?