Emotional flashbacks are a phenomenon where an individual experiences intense and overwhelming feelings that are triggered by a present-day event or situation, but that are actually connected to past traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional flashbacks, which involve a vivid reliving of a traumatic event, emotional flashbacks involve a re-experiencing of the emotions associated with the trauma, such as fear, helplessness, or shame.

Emotional flashbacks can be difficult to recognize, as the individual may not understand why they are experiencing intense emotions that seem out of proportion to the current situation. They may also be triggered by seemingly innocuous events, such as a particular smell or sound, that are associated with the traumatic event.

Emotional flashbacks are often associated with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), a type of PTSD that is caused by repeated or prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect. In C-PTSD, the trauma is often ongoing, and emotional flashbacks can be a way of reliving the past in order to try and make sense of it or find a way to escape it.

Treatment for emotional flashbacks and C-PTSD typically involves a combination of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help individuals identify and challenge maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors, and trauma-focused therapy, which can help individuals process and heal from past traumatic experiences. Mindfulness practices and grounding techniques can also be helpful in managing emotional flashbacks and reducing their intensity.