

For flashbacks to be dampened, or even eliminated- they must first, accurately categorized. Categorizing refers to the process of placing an event, or a flashback, in time. In reality, a flashback is not a repetition or replay of a past event; it is a memory of that event. This is the case no matter how intense it its, or whether it can fool your mind into believing the trauma is really happening again or still going on. Often, a minor editing of very tense (example- “I was attacked”, rather than “I am being attacked”) can have a huge impact. Using the past tense not only helps people identify the current flashback as a memory, but also highlights that the event is over, and they are not currently in danger.

In addition it is helpful to ground into the present moment, and alleviate the overwhelming emotional responses associated with the flashback.

Ideas for managing when experiencing a flashback:

  • NAME the experience as a flashback (example- this is a memory, NOT a recurrence of the actual event)
  • Use LANGUAGE that categorizes the flashbacks as a “memory” (example- I was attacked, rather than I am being attacked
  • Use the SENSES to GROUND self in your CURRENT environment:
  • Name what you see, feel, hear, smell etc.
  • Rub hands together
  • Touch, feel the chair that is supporting you
  • Wiggle your toes
  • Favourite colour- find three things in the room that are “blue”
  • Name the date, month, year, season
  • Count backwards from 100
  • Use an object as a grounding tool

It can be helpful to explore the patterns of flashbacks as well as dissociation. Identifying your experience of a flashback can provide helpful information:

1)    How a flashback happens (triggers)

2)    The internal experience (thoughts, feelings, sensations)

3)    External reactions (coping)

This can lead to beginning to understand healthier ways to manage this intense experience.
