What is a flashback? How does it feel?

[John Paul]

I’ve been exploring from a psychology point of view on the internet.. no studies or anything just articles etc. on the topics of disorders and trauma.

”Flashbacks” is a common word from this POV. But I can’t seem to grasp what a flashback is. Is it because I’ve never had one? Would I know if I did? What does a flashback feel like? 

[Tyler Robinson]

I recurrently get flashbacks. 

It's like a snapshot of my childhood where I get those memories of my playing with my dad. My dad's death caused me tremendous trauma. 

So the flashback comes from the trauma of his memories with me. 

During a flashback, I remember every word, scene, image, voice, background. 

I remember the color of his shirt. 

Flashbacks are very detailed and vivid and remain stuck like an old song in the head. 

It's the constant non stop replay of a memory or past event like a broken record. 

 

[John Paul]

@Tyler Robinson so you’re consciously thinking and remembering specific things. Is that right?

and is that what the mean by flashbacks in “clinical” terms?

[Tyler Robinson]

@John Paul it's involuntarily happening of its own accord and unconscious. 

That is my mind is not doing it consciously or mindfully. 

 

[John Paul]

@Tyler Robinson right. But you are thinking about the time right? So you know what you are flashing back to? Like if I just have emotions stronger than the stimulus that is “causing” them, ya know-overreacting and kind of being confused by it and losing control… is that considered a “flashback” in clinical terms?

[Tyler Robinson]

@John Paul I didn't understand what you are trying to say. 

 

[John Paul]

Never mind- I’ve just discovered the term “emotional flashbacks” that helps me make the distinction I needed to