How do you experience flashbacks?
 

For people with PTSD or similar problems, how do you experience flashbacks?

I was recently told I most likely have PTSD and recently started EMDR. But sometimes I doubt they are really flashbacks. I go into a weird, dark mental state for several days, but it's not like I am remembering traumatic things all the time while in this state. And when I am, it's not like I think they are happening now or I am scared right now. It's more that I remember the emotions associated with them and it makes me very angry and depressed when I'm in this state.

When I'm not in the state, I can't even really connect to the emotions of the memory. I just explain them like someone else writing about me would. There has been a couple times where I was truly triggered and could barely handle staying where I was and needed to get away from people before they realized how upset I was. But that's not what the majority of them are; they are more subtle. And the major trigger situations were usually things that would trigger most people, I'd think. Is any of this how you experience flashbacks? I just am worried perhaps a therapist maybe over-labeled what I was describing. But the EMDR does seem helpful so far, so maybe she is right and I just never realized they were flashbacks. Thoughts?

I get flashbacks and sometimes they are like how you discribe. They are more like I'm remembering the feeling assosiated with the event rather than ruminating about the event itself. So yes I can relate.

I've never had EMDR but I've heard some good things about it. Hopefully you can get it soon and you will be able to get some relief from your flash backs.

Hi I really hope the EMDR helps. For me I can either experience them as you describe or like it's happening in the moment. I don't have any advice but I can relate to the lack of emotion and detachment for me I'm aware that the emotions are there but I'm so shut down I can't access it. Thinking of you.

i think everyone sufferes flash backs differnetly for me its normally relieving the event and i can see it infront of my eyes but feel numb at the time. just starting the process of EMDR now and also heard good things about it

When I have a flashback, I feel physical sensations, similar to what I felt during past events. I also feel intense terror, like it's happening again.

I tired EMDR when I was younger although didn't find it helpful but know people who have.

Take care,

Kerry

Thank you everyone. :) I feel a bit less like I'm wasting my time and money in therapy now. I think my flashbacks just aren't as severe but still cause some problems. So it helps to know some people do experience them like I do. I still struggle with feeling like I *shouldn't* be bothered by things, because I feel like they weren't really *that* bad. Like I feel guilty for being upset by them and like I'm being dramatic. I'm not sure why I feel this way though.