Flashbacks
A flashback is like reliving a distressing event, that may have happened recently or many years ago.
Many people who have been sexually abused or raped experience flashbacks. They can be triggered by a place, a smell, or even a sound. When a flashback occurs, it is like you are once again in the situation that you are remembering. You may feel the sensations, and experience the feelings you felt at that time, or it may be like you are watching a film about somebody else’s life and not feeling anything.
As flashbacks can be very scary and upsetting, it is important to look after yourself if you should experience one. Try and ground yourself in the present, perhaps by touching the furniture around you. Perhaps there is someone close who you can talk to about the flashback, and try and make sense of it. For more information, please see our section on ‘grounding’.
Above all, try to remember that although it may seem very scary, it is a memory from the past and can’t hurt you in the present, although it will probably leave you feeling very upset.
On a positive note, many experts who work with people who have been sexually abused or raped, believe that flashbacks are a sign that the person is ready to begin healing from the horrible things that have happened to them.
If you have anything you would like to know or discuss, please e-mail us. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you are under 18, and tell us that you (or someone you know) are being or have been sexually abused or raped, we may have to share this information with Social Services, who will then help you get the support you need.