Are these flashbacks or not?

Hi,

I experienced a traumatic event a long time ago, which i always try to put to the back of mind, however, occasionally something will remind me of this time and i begin to feel disgust and guilt. I hate myself and want to die.

Is this just bad memories resurfacing or is it a flashback? I don't feel like i'm in the situation again, but i do feel panicky and try to push the thought away.

Hello, magicberrie. Perhaps, your concerns would be better addressed here:

Ask the Therapist

I wish you well.

That is what is referred to as an emotional flashback - you aren't reliving the moment per se, but the associated feelings rush back to you.

I only call them flashbacks when I'm lying on the ground and talking to people who aren't here, but I know my T also calls less severe things flashbacks. (For example, when I only feel as though the event is happening again, but I still know where I am)

I usually call what you describe "being totally overwhelmed, paralyzed and suffocating under the memories, thoughts, and feelings". Not sure whether it's technically a flashback, but I think it's worse. I know how to fight flashbacks, and they're familiar, but this? Not nice.