Grief Flashbacks

By Amy DeBerg, Soul Care Coach and Author

In your grieving, are you plagued with flashbacks of events or messages surrounding the passing of your loved one? Are you concerned that these flashbacks may be a warning sign? Learning more about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can help you understand what is happening within your body as you grieve.

In this article, we share a question from our Grief and Trauma Q&A session, in which Seth Watson, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, explains why flashbacks occur and how they relate to trauma. He also gives some helpful next steps. Here is Seth’s response:

Q: I keep getting flashbacks of things that were said to me while my family member was dying. Is that part of the grieving process?

A: "It’s helpful to start by naming the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD). There is a lot of overlap between the two, and one shared feature is flashbacks. A flashback occurs when the brain involuntarily returns to the moment of an original trauma or emotional injury.

Trauma is intentionally defined in a broad way. It doesn’t have to be a wartime experience or a physical injury. It can include deeply painful relational or emotional experiences, like the situation described here.

When the brain replays what was said or done without your permission, that is a flashback. My heart truly goes out to anyone experiencing this.

When flashbacks begin to interfere with daily life—showing up repeatedly, affecting concentration, or disrupting normal routines—that becomes a serious concern. At that point, support is important.

There are medication options that can help take the edge off these symptoms. While medication cannot replace the work of a counselor or therapist in addressing the root cause, it can be a helpful support.

For people experiencing recurring flashbacks, panic attacks, or nightmares, there are non–habit-forming medications that won’t leave someone feeling numb or “like a zombie.” These can significantly reduce symptom intensity.

I would strongly encourage reaching out to a healthcare provider to discuss what options might be appropriate."

— Seth Watson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

How To Get Support

Reading and meditating on Scripture passages like Psalm 23 can speak to your heart and redirect your thoughts as you walk through the difficult process of mourning the loss of someone close.

Grief is traumatic. You were created for life, not death. This explains why moving through grief can be so emotionally disruptive. Support from safe professionals can make a difference in how you mourn.

To keep learning about the resources and care available for those experiencing grief and trauma, listen to the full webinar on the GraceStory podcast, or see our counselor referral network to find support near you.

Listen to Grief & Trauma Webinar Pt 1

Listen to Grief & Trauma Webinar Pt 2