I didn't have an old one, so i borrowed one of my daughters teddys. It's amazing how comforting it is to snuggle up to it in bed. I talk to it, confide my innermost fears in the middle of the night when i can't sleep, hug it tight and sometimes bury my face and cry into it. I guess it's a link back to childhood and security. I don't care what people think, all i know it is helping me heal.
Flashbacks are a part of the healing process.
They are very scary, frightening things both to be going through and watching someone go through them. Try and explain to people what happens when you have a flashback, and how best to help you when it occurs. Try and go with them, don't fight them. You will come through it, just try not to panic. Try and take deep even breaths, and hold on to something or someone.