[sensatives]

I've been experiencing this on and off for the past few years and I was wondering if anyone knew what it could be?

Sometimes I can smell smoke when it's not there. It happens when I'm upset/stressed/anxious mostly, but sometimes it just happens. I don't know if this has to do with mental health, but I was hoping someone on here knew what I was talking about.

That sounds like it could be an olfactory (nose/smell) flashback. There are also auditory (hearing) and visual (seeing) flashbacks.

I experience all three types here, yonder and there.

Mine are directly linked to my C-PTSD, but yours may not necessarily be trauma related like mine are.

If you have a therapist, y'all can explore their source in therapy, and if not, then there are plenty of resources available online about them.

I used to think I was crazy and had gone totally off my nut when I'd have them.

Now that I know their source, it doesn't freak me out quite so badly and sometimes I even enjoying trying to puzzle them out.

I wish you the best in exploring yours.

[Thunder Bow]

The smell of smoke can come from furniture, heater blowing on woodwork, and all kinds of things. The above post can explain your sensitivity.

[amandalouise]

here in my location smelling smoke where there is no reason for it is called a hallucination. it is part of many mental disorders and normal for some people too. for me it was part of my CPTSD as in I was abused in a mine shaft and during the abuse there were fires around outside and in homes in the area (wood stoves, fireplaces) so now even though I no longer relive the trauma's (flashbacks) I sometimes smell smoke. I also love to go camping so sometimes when I just want to get away I will have the smoke hallucination that has been tracked back to camp fires.

in 2013 America went to a new standard of mental disorders. as part of this CPTSD got thrown out, discontinued. everything it was became part of other mental disorders. which means my CPTSD problems are no longer called CPTSD they are now called psychosis (having hallucinations) and other mental disorders.

my suggestion contact your or a treatment provider, they can help you to discover whether this is normal or a mental\physical health problem with in you.

[kindachaotic]

Also experience these. Cigarette smoke, car fumes are the prominent ones. When no one else does & I can be out of town & same thing,
Don't know if MI has to do with it but don't get upset about it anymore.

Originally Posted by sensatives

I've been experiencing this on and off for the past few years and I was wondering if anyone knew what it could be?

Sometimes I can smell smoke when it's not there. It happens when I'm upset/stressed/anxious mostly, but sometimes it just happens. I don't know if this has to do with mental health, but I was hoping someone on here knew what I was talking about.

I do know what you are talking about. I believe what you are experiencing is a symptom of your anxiety.

The smell of smoke can also indicate a neurological problem. Make sure you tell your doctor.

[BlueEyedMama]

I used to get severe stroke like migraines and as an aura I would often smell something burning. I experience other smells when having flashbacks most notable the smell of stale beer since my childhood abuser used to reek of it. Do you ever get headaches with the smell?Or has it happened right before a seizure? My neurologist said that it can be neurological for example like a migraine, a seizure or a stroke. I would get this checked out by my doctor if I were you. Better safe then sorry. Best wishes.

Originally Posted by sensatives

I've been experiencing this on and off for the past few years and I was wondering if anyone knew what it could be?

Sometimes I can smell smoke when it's not there. It happens when I'm upset/stressed/anxious mostly, but sometimes it just happens. I don't know if this has to do with mental health, but I was hoping someone on here knew what I was talking about.

My doctor calls my olfactory psychotic sensations "hallucinations." Smoke is my most common sensation but I smell other odors as well. Some sweet, some of baking, etc.

Yes, I think that it has everything to do with mental health. For me, it's a psychotic reaction to depression. I can't predict when one might come along, but I have had so many now that I no longer fear that there is a genuine fire, just as I no longer hope that there is genuine gingerbread.

I don't know if you've had any diagnosis that would include psychotic features but that's certainly was yet sound like to me.