Understanding Somatic Flashbacks

Somatic flashbacks are scary because they cause very real physical pain and, to us. It’s as if these attacks just take over out of nowhere. They cause our bodies to hurt in the same ways that it hurt after the attack (along with other scary sensations). Somatic flashbacks are vivd and make it seem like we’re being held in a horrible part of the past. Each attack is a reminder that we’re sexual assault survivors - harmed and not in control.

As scary as somatic flashbacks are, they happen for real reasons and are in indicator of what we still need to work on related to the violence that was experienced. They’re related to PTSD, C-PTSD, or a dissociative disorder. This means that we have to be triggered for the somatic flashback to happen. Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, we’re triggered by something that reminds us of the attack or attacker. It could be a smell, sound, something visual, a physical sensation, stress, anger, or being in a place with similar surroundings as the place the location. And, once triggered, our brains and bodies are pulled back to how we felt at the time of the sexual violence.

Although somatic flashbacks can make us feel hopeless about the present and future, there is a way for us to get control of them. It is possible for us to regain control of our lives and happiness. We can stop being so severely limited by somatic flashbacks with consistent effort in “doing the work” and patience.

“Once triggered, our brains and bodies are pulled back to how we felt at the time of the sexual violence.”

Taking back our power involves employing physical techniques (aka grounding) and mental exercises to help us stay in the present. Many of the grounding techniques are easy to learn and do. But, the mental exercises require introduction and guidance from a mental health professional. This person helps us to tap into our feelings when triggered, better identify our triggers, and give us the right mental exercises to prevent our emotions from taking over and preventing us from being productive.

We will continue to be held back by somatic flashbacks until we receive the right support resources that can help us address the issues that cause them. Understanding that therapy is cost prohibitive, there are organizations and some companies that may be able to provide access at low or no cost. Free online resources that teach grounding techniques are also available. It’s important to note that these online resources aren’t substitutions for mental health support by a trained and licensed professional.

NOTE: Places in your local area that may have access to free sexual assault survivor support resources: sexual assault units within police departments, emergency rooms (w/ a SANE nurse), or fire departments. Anyone can anonymously call any of these places and get information about available SA survivor resources.