What is the Difference Between a Flashback and an Intrusive Memory?

Flashbacks vs. Intrusive Memories: Key differences Explained

Key Differences Between a Flashback and an Intrusive Memory  

The following table will discuss some key differences between a flashback and an intrusive memory.

What Causes Flashbacks?

In PTSD patients, psychological trauma is the main cause of flashbacks. Traumatic events may have many episodes that can be threatening, extreme distress, or scary. But, these may include other factors such as:

• Residing in an unsafe home or neighbourhood.
• Experiencing poverty for a prolonged period.
• Constantly facing discrimination while living in a particular locality.
• Previous experience of sexual harassment, either in the workplace or in residence.  
• Emotional neglect creates a scarcity of emotional needs from their caregivers.
• If they have heard or witnessed any traumatic event that has happened to someone else.  

Flashbacks are the most common symptoms of PTSD, but they can be a parameter to diagnose other mental issues.

What to Do When You Get Flashbacks?

If a person experiences a flashback, it brings back the present moment and creates a feeling of safety. This may look different for each person, but some approaches may help; these include:

• Touching a Meaningful Object: They can touch any object that reminds someone of the present, during a case of flashbacks. This can be a crystal, a stone, or a piece of jewellery or other discrete objects that they can carry with them.

• Grounding: You can apply several grounding techniques, which will help a person focus back on the present. These include noticing physical sensations, counting objects in the environment, or breathing exercises.  

• Self-soothing: Patients experiencing flashbacks may find it beneficial to tell themselves that they are safe. You can allow them to hug themselves or to do something that feels comforting, like wrapping up in a blanket.  

You can prepare in advance for flashbacks if they occur to anyone. These steps may be beneficial for these cases:

• Creating a Safe Space: You can make a safe and comforting place where the person can go when they are feeling unsafe.

• Making a Self-Care Plan: You can create a set of instructions or a list of strategies which can be beneficial for the person during flashbacks.

• Create a Strong Support Network: You can include trusted close ones, like common friends, a therapist, or family members, to know about the flashbacks.

If the person is experiencing flashbacks quite often, it is better to seek help from a mental health professional. They must seek treatment if the symptoms are affecting their normal life.