Flashbacks rarely involve language. Mine certainly didn't. They were visual, motor, and sensory, and they took place in a relentless, horrifying present.
This quote offers a profound insight into the nature of traumatic memories. It highlights how flashbacks transcend verbal recounting, instead immersing individuals in visceral, sensory experiences that may feel more immediate and overwhelming than spoken words. The depiction of flashbacks occurring in a 'relentless, horrifying present' underscores the intensity and persistence of trauma, often making it seem as though the past is haunting the present moment. Recognizing this non-verbal aspect of trauma is vital for understanding and supporting those affected, emphasizing the need for therapeutic approaches that address sensory and emotional re-experiencing rather than solely verbal processing. It also reflects on how the mind’s way of holding onto painful memories can distort perception of time and reality.
