Have you ever found yourself reacting with intense anger, panic, or shame — and wondered,
“Where did that come from?”
You’re not alone. These reactions are often emotional flashbacks — unconscious returns to
a past emotional state triggered by something in the present.
What Is an Emotional Flashback?
Unlike visual flashbacks (like those associated with PTSD), emotional flashbacks are intense
feelings that don’t always come with clear memories. You might suddenly feel:
● Abandoned
● Criticised
● Worthless
● Unsafe
● Out of control
These are often rooted in childhood or relational trauma, especially when someone grew up
in a chaotic, neglectful, or emotionally unpredictable environment.
Why They Happen:
When a current situation “rhymes” with a past trauma — even subtly — your brain’s threat
detection system (especially the amygdala) goes into overdrive. You’re not just reacting to
now, you’re reacting to then too.
Common triggers include:
● Tone of voice
● Conflict or confrontation
● Being ignored or misunderstood
● Changes in plans or routines
How Therapy Helps:
In therapy, emotional flashbacks can be unpacked and understood. At Charles Mental
Health, the process often involves:
● Learning to recognise your body’s alarm system
● Mapping common triggers and patterns
● Practicing grounding techniques
● Using EMDR to desensitise historical emotional responses
With time and care, emotional flashbacks can lose their power — allowing you to respond to
life from your present self, not your past wounds