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Flashback

Flashback

A phenomenon where traumatic events are vividly re-experienced as if they are happening again right now.

Details

A flashback is a core symptom of PTSD where traumatic memories intrude into the present, causing the person to vividly re-experience the event as though it is happening again right now.

Why Flashbacks Happen

Ordinary memories are stored with a time context ("something that happened back then"), but traumatic memories are stored in a fragmented, sensory way due to amygdala hyperactivation. This means similar sensory triggers (sounds, smells, places) can activate the memory as if it were occurring in the present.

Forms of Flashbacks

  • Visual images (most common)
  • Physical sensations re-experienced
  • Emotional re-experiencing
  • Smells or sounds re-experienced

    • Coping with Flashbacks

  • Remind yourself you are safe: "I am at ___ right now. I am safe."
  • Grounding: Focus on the feeling of your feet on the floor
  • Name 5 things you can see around you
  • Breathe slowly and deeply

    • If flashbacks are affecting your daily life, Mindy encourages you to reach out to a trauma-informed therapist for support.

    💡 Real-Life Example

    A person with a history of a car accident hears a sudden horn honk and vividly sees the accident scene flash before their eyes while their heart races.

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    This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.