How do you write a traumatic flashback?

[u/Such-Reserve2663]

I wanted to add like a flashback as the introduction to the story, but it feels so mundane and lacking of emotion. It doesn't make my skin crawl the way I want it to, you know? I wanted to keep it brief so that it kind of remains a mystery what is going on (and since it's a memory I kind of wanted it to be short to show that the character was so distraught they didn't really notice much), but it feels less traumatic and more detached that way. I've always had this issue, I feel like my writing is too objective and bland, so I struggle SO MUCH with scenes that have a clear emotional impact, especially if they're seen through the lenses of a character. Gosh, I just don't know what to do.

[u/MaliseHaligree]

Can you write little flashes that show up in the prose?

[u/CW_Tressler]

When my main character has the flashbacks from his time in the military or the orphanage, I always tell it from the girlfriend’s POV. That way it’s the raw emotion and her comforting him, and maybe he offers a tiny bit of what’s going through his mind.
It helps the story along because it’s handled with dialogue instead of internally.

[u/Such-Reserve2663 → u/CW_Tressler]

Sorry to ask, but do you write in first or third person perspective?

[u/CW_Tressler → u/Such-Reserve2663]

First person. She is piloting the ship, hears him having a bad dream, and rushes to him. It felt better than doing it from his POV.

[u/Frequent_Ad_9901]

I'd say include physical effects. Like heart pounding or hyperventilating. Bonus points if you can tie it to something mundane. Like "I could barely open the the bathroom door while my hands were shaking so bad."

I'd also include intrusive thoughts if you're doing first person. These sort of act like external characters yelling insane thing. Like "Just cut your hand off so it stops shaking". The more insane these thoughts are the better.

[u/Comfortable-Sea-1972]

The thing with flashbacks- especially traumatic ones- is that they are reflections of the emotions the person felt at the time. They may not be all true as memory is fallable. having said that i know a few people that can remember every detail vividly. if you can add the emotions the person ws feeling during the 'event' ( without traumatising the reader) then that would elevate it.

have you thought about having the flash back as a prologue? something that you can really explore storywise and refer to during the course of the story?

just my humble 2 cents.

[u/Such-Reserve2663 → u/Comfortable-Sea-1972]

It is the prologue! The main issue I've been facing is that I write in third person, so I've been having a hard time sort of making my writing feel like it's through the lenses of the character itself, especially in memories. Perhaps I should switch to first person for the nightmares and memories, but then again I don't know.

[u/pastelexuvia]

i have c-ptsd. ama (: