Coping With Flashbacks

Many people who have experienced traumatic events struggle to cope with flashbacks, which may occur as a result of encountering triggers that remind them of the traumatic event they experienced. In a flashback, you may feel or act as though a traumatic event is happening again. A flashback may be temporary and you may maintain some connection with the present moment. Or you may lose all awareness of what's going on around you and be taken completely back to your traumatic event. However, you can take steps to better manage and prevent flashbacks and stay in the present.

Flashbacks are often triggered by some kind of reminder of a traumatic event. For example, encountering certain people, going to specific places, or some other stressful experience may trigger a flashback. By knowing what your triggers are, you can try to limit your exposure to those triggers. If that isn't possible, you can prepare by finding ways to cope with your reactions to triggers.

Although flashbacks may feel unpredictable and uncontrollable, there are often some early warning signs that you may be slipping into a flashback. For example, your surroundings may begin to look fuzzy or you may feel as though you're losing touch with your surroundings, other people, or even yourself. Flashbacks are easier to cope with and prevent if you can catch them early on. Therefore, it's important to try to increase your awareness of their early symptoms.

Grounding is a coping strategy designed to "ground" you in the present moment to reduce the likelihood that you slip into a flashback. Grounding can be similar to mindfulness in that it uses the five senses (sight, touch, sound, smell, and taste). To connect with the here and now, try using the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to bring all your attention to the present moment. If you’re ready to discover your triggers, identify your warning signs, and learn effective strategies to cope with flashbacks, contact Colorway Wellness today!