Thank you so much for sharing this. You’re absolutely right — it is incredibly hard to explain to someone who hasn’t felt it in their own body. That’s why I’m so committed to putting language around it — not just for survivors, but for the people who love them too.
You’re not alone in that frustration. I’m glad this post resonated and helped put words to something so often misunderstood.
Thank you for sharing this space with us and me. Please understand that WE don't need apologies or excuses for what happened to you or us. Take control of your own life experiences and know how all of us are doing what is needed for us not to just survive. But to prevail over the inactions of a Def society .
You’re right — we don’t need to apologize for how we’ve survived. And we don’t owe anyone explanations for the ways we’re learning to take our power back.
I’m grateful to walk this path alongside voices like yours. We ARE doing more than surviving — and I’m glad you’re here. ❤️
That feeling of “I didn’t mean to react like that” is something so many of us carry… and it’s not because we’re broken. It’s because our nervous system is doing what it was wired to do.
The more we understand that, the more compassion we can bring to ourselves in those moments.
You’re not alone in this. I’m so glad you’re here.❤️
Yes, I've been in therapy off and on for most of my adult life. And the best therapists I have met are those that take the time to explain things like the fight-flight-freeze reactions and where they come from.
When a therapist takes the time to explain what’s really happening in the brain and body, it can shift everything. It turns shame into understanding — and gives us language for what we’ve been carrying for so long.
I’m really glad you’ve had those kinds of therapists along the way. Everyone deserves that kind of support.
I can’t even tell you how hard this hit! I have always known that I don’t react normally to perceived rejection etc. some family even saying I’m over reacting. Now I know that I have a valid response. Thank you!
I’m really honored my post helped you connect those dots.
That feeling of “overreacting” to things like rejection or disconnection is so common for Complex PTSD survivors. And it’s such a painful place to be — when something feels HUGE inside, but others dismiss it or call it “too much.”
Please remind yourself: you’re not overreacting.
You’re having a valid response to something your nervous system has learned to flag as danger.
This kind of awareness is powerful.
It means you’re already moving forward in your healing.
You are not alone in this — not anymore.
Stay close — this week we’re diving deeper into survival mode.
Wow, thank you — that really means a lot. Especially coming from a nurse!
As someone who has experienced emotional flashbacks firsthand and spent years studying them, it’s incredibly meaningful to hear that my post resonated with you. These confusing experiences are so often misunderstood, and my hope is to keep making them easier to recognize, name, and move through. I’m really grateful it spoke to you.
Would it be okay if I used your comment as a short testimonial — just your first name and last initial? No pressure at all, only if you’re comfortable with it.❤️
Thank you. It is so hard to explain to someone who has not experienced it
Thank you so much for sharing this. You’re absolutely right — it is incredibly hard to explain to someone who hasn’t felt it in their own body. That’s why I’m so committed to putting language around it — not just for survivors, but for the people who love them too.
You’re not alone in that frustration. I’m glad this post resonated and helped put words to something so often misunderstood.
Sending you a big hug.❤️
Thank you for sharing this space with us and me. Please understand that WE don't need apologies or excuses for what happened to you or us. Take control of your own life experiences and know how all of us are doing what is needed for us not to just survive. But to prevail over the inactions of a Def society .
Thank you for this powerful reminder.
You’re right — we don’t need to apologize for how we’ve survived. And we don’t owe anyone explanations for the ways we’re learning to take our power back.
I’m grateful to walk this path alongside voices like yours. We ARE doing more than surviving — and I’m glad you’re here. ❤️
❤️ thank you
You’re so welcome — I’m really glad it resonated.
That feeling of “I didn’t mean to react like that” is something so many of us carry… and it’s not because we’re broken. It’s because our nervous system is doing what it was wired to do.
The more we understand that, the more compassion we can bring to ourselves in those moments.
You’re not alone in this. I’m so glad you’re here.❤️
Yes, I've been in therapy off and on for most of my adult life. And the best therapists I have met are those that take the time to explain things like the fight-flight-freeze reactions and where they come from.
Yes! — that makes such a difference.
When a therapist takes the time to explain what’s really happening in the brain and body, it can shift everything. It turns shame into understanding — and gives us language for what we’ve been carrying for so long.
I’m really glad you’ve had those kinds of therapists along the way. Everyone deserves that kind of support.
Sending big hugs your way. ❤️
I am so grateful for finding you on Substack. I needed this.
I’m so glad you found your way here.
You’re not alone — so many of us have carried these reactions without knowing why.
Just having language for it can be such a powerful first step.
Truly honored to be part of your healing journey. ❤️
Stay close — more coming soon.
Is there a specific area you’re hoping to find more support or guidance in right now?
Nothing specific comes to mind. I have a strong feeling that whatever you share with us will be significantly valuable.
I can’t even tell you how hard this hit! I have always known that I don’t react normally to perceived rejection etc. some family even saying I’m over reacting. Now I know that I have a valid response. Thank you!
I’m really honored my post helped you connect those dots.
That feeling of “overreacting” to things like rejection or disconnection is so common for Complex PTSD survivors. And it’s such a painful place to be — when something feels HUGE inside, but others dismiss it or call it “too much.”
Please remind yourself: you’re not overreacting.
You’re having a valid response to something your nervous system has learned to flag as danger.
This kind of awareness is powerful.
It means you’re already moving forward in your healing.
You are not alone in this — not anymore.
Stay close — this week we’re diving deeper into survival mode.
Big hugs❤️
One of the most well written articles I’ve seen explaining emotional flashbacks! Thank you!!
Wow, thank you — that really means a lot. Especially coming from a nurse!
As someone who has experienced emotional flashbacks firsthand and spent years studying them, it’s incredibly meaningful to hear that my post resonated with you. These confusing experiences are so often misunderstood, and my hope is to keep making them easier to recognize, name, and move through. I’m really grateful it spoke to you.
Would it be okay if I used your comment as a short testimonial — just your first name and last initial? No pressure at all, only if you’re comfortable with it.❤️
Once again, thank you! Your comment made my day!
Thank you so much for writing this. I feel seen. Understood. And validated.
Actually, I mean it, exactly how you perceived it.
Thanks 🙏🏽
I would love to have you!
https://calendly.com/inspireyourmindbodyandspirit/set-apart-conversations-podcast-guest-interview