Flashback
Flashback
A phenomenon in which a traumatic event is vividly re-experienced as if it is happening again in the present moment.
Details
A flashback is a core symptom of PTSD in which a traumatic memory intrudes into the present, causing the person to experience the event as if it is happening again right now.
Why Flashbacks Occur
Ordinary memories are stored with a time context ('something that happened back then'), but traumatic memories are stored in a fragmented, sensory-based way due to hyperactivation of the amygdala. As a result, similar sensory triggers (sounds, smells, locations) can activate the memory in present tense.
Forms of Flashbacks
Coping When a Flashback Occurs
If flashbacks are significantly affecting your daily life, speaking with a counselor like Mindy can help you work through trauma memories in a safe and structured way.
💡 Real-Life Example
A person with a trauma history from a past car accident hears a sudden car horn and vividly relives the scene of the accident, with their heart racing rapidly.
Related Terms
This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.