Learn4 min
What to do afterwards
Caring for yourself once the intensity has passed.
1 of 2
Swipe left or right to move between cards
The period after an emotional flashback can bring its own challenges — tiredness, shame, or a sense of needing to explain or apologise for how you reacted. Being gentle with yourself in this window can matter as much as what you do during the flashback itself.
Things that can help
- Resting, even briefly, rather than rushing back into activity
- Drinking water and eating something if you're able to
- Avoiding major decisions or difficult conversations for a little while
- Writing down what happened, once you feel able, to look back on later
- Reminding yourself that the intensity was real, but it has passed
There's no need to apologise for having an emotional flashback. If it happened around someone you trust, it may (when you're ready) be worth letting them know what helps you, so they can support you next time.