When I have a flash back it's like whatever it is is happening right now. like one of the ones I haveis where I get this tight closed in feeling and then suddenly I can't see my kitchen, living room whatever in its place is the room of the flashback - I can actually feel the cold and see nothing but darkness and then what is happening in the flashback is happening now - the pain I felt then I feel now while the flashback is going, the same with what I hear, smell, taste and so on depending on the type of flashback I am having. It all feels real and happening now.

whereas normal memories regardless of happy sad, upsetting and or abuse related or triggers and so on there is no feeling that it is happening right now. and my body does not re experience the memory- there is no pain, no replayings sounds sights smells and so on.