Hi everyone,

I want to know how others experience flashbacks. I have experienced PTSD for almost two years now. I definitely relate to the concept of flashbacks but I still don't quite understand what it means to other people. Seems there is a varying definition of what a flashback feels like, how it is experienced and how someone describes it.

For me - I get images and memories of what people did and said. These are intrusive and sometimes come with triggers but often come without warning. The memories and images are associated with painful feelings and emotions, spiraling thoughts and ruminating, anger, tension in body, physiology is thrown all out of whack and I get so frustrated. Sadness, anxiety, fantasies about getting justice and suicidal ideation. The thing I can't stand is that I am ALWAYS on edge in Fight / Flight mode. My body has seen a lot of strain these last two years. I feel 10 years older.

Sometimes I cannot for the life of me get these people out of my head, even when I am doing Intense Exercise and other very stimulating skills and coping techniques. I try my hardest not to think about these things but they just invade every corner of my mind.

I want out of my body, which is why I think of suicide. The physical pain is something new to me, which from my understanding is often associated with PTSD spectrum issues.

Thanks,
HD7970ghz