WHEN THE PAST INVADES THE PRESENT: UNDERSTANDING FLASHBACKS AND HOW TO GROUND YOURSELF

You're sitting in your living room, completely safe, and suddenly you're not. Your heart is racing, your hands are shaking, and your brain is convinced you're back in that moment you've been trying to forget. Welcome to flashbacks where your nervous system collapses time and treats the past like it's happening right now.

In this episode, we break down exactly what flashbacks are, why they happen, and most importantly how to bring yourself back to the present when you're caught in one.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

- The difference between memory flashbacks and emotional flashbacks

- Why your brain confuses past and present (the neuroscience of temporal confusion)

- How your hippocampus loses track of time during trauma

- Why flashbacks feel physically real—because to your nervous system, they are

- Practical grounding techniques: 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method, timestamp orientation, physical grounding, and breathing strategies

- Why "just breathe" doesn't work and what to do instead

- How to care for yourself after a flashback passes

- Why flashbacks don't mean you're broken or going backward in your healing

This isn't about stopping flashbacks overnight or pushing through them. It's about understanding what's happening in your body and brain so you can respond with tools instead of panic.

If you've ever felt transported back to a painful moment, felt overwhelmed by emotions you couldn't explain, or wondered why your body reacts so intensely to seemingly small things—this episode will help you make sense of it all.

SUBMIT YOUR STORY OR QUESTION:

Have you experienced flashbacks? Want to share your story or ask a question? Send written letters or voice messages to [email protected] or visit ALotToGrowThrough.com

CONNECT WITH A LOT TO GROW THROUGH:

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RATE & REVIEW:

If this episode helped you understand your flashbacks better, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps others find their way here.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This podcast discusses trauma, flashbacks, PTSD, and mental health topics that may be activating for some listeners. Please practice self-care and use grounding techniques if needed while listening.

A Lot To Grow Through is a podcast about real healing, real conversations, and no filter. Hosted by Artis Desjardins, this is a space for thoughtful conversations on healing, growth, and the art of becoming. Here, you'll understand you have to grow through it, not just go through it.