The living hell of emotional flashbacks

It was such a relief to know that what I was experiencing had a name…

That feeling like I was going to die – that debilitating sense of impending doom that I felt anytime my fear of abandonment got triggered.

I wasn’t crazy, pathetic or desperate. I was suffering from an emotional flashback.

Emotional flashbacks are super common for those of us who grew up in a dysfunctional family, yet it is equally as common that we don’t have any damn clue that is what we are experiencing.

Why is that the case?

• Emotional flashbacks typically don’t include a visual or auditory component, just intense emotions

• Emotional flashbacks often trigger our implicit memories (i.e. memories that we aren’t consciously aware of)

• Unlike traditional flashbacks, emotional flashbacks may not have easily identifiable triggers – something as simple as a facial expression or tone of voice can send us spinning

Given these reasons, we are usually convinced that what we are feeling has EVERYTHING to do with the present circumstance at hand, rather than the unresolved childhood pain lying dormant within.

In this week’s episode of Adult Child, I break down everything you need to know about emotional flashbacks. Go give it a damn listen and let me know your key takeaways from the episode!

Love,

Andrea (Queen of the Shitshow)

Also remember, this healing journey ain’t for sissies and you don’t have to do it alone. Join The Shitshow to get the support, compassion and understanding needed to heal from your f*cked up childhood from those who share your pain!