Flashback Felix — PTSD & Panic Disorder
Fireworks trigger a flashback; racing heart and doom feel like a heart attack — it isn't
Felix drops to the floor covering his head when fireworks go off nearby, reliving the blast that killed his friend overseas. Weeks later, in the grocery store, his heart suddenly races and he is certain he is having a heart attack.
Felix returned from deployment two years ago and still relives the explosion in vivid flashbacks triggered by loud noises. He avoids crowds, startles easily, and has nightmares that disrupt sleep. Separately, his panic attacks bring sudden chest tightness, palpitations and a fear of dying that peaks within minutes — grounding techniques and slow breathing help both conditions calm the nervous system.
Read Flashback Felix's full story →The story arc
The setup
Felix has avoided parades, fireworks and crowded places since returning from deployment two years ago, and he startles at sudden sounds.
The turn
Fireworks at a neighborhood event send Felix diving for cover, sweating and shouting a friend's name from his unit.
The crisis
In the grocery store weeks later, Felix's heart pounds, his chest tightens, he feels he cannot breathe, and he is convinced he is dying.
The save
The nurse stays with Felix, coaches slow diaphragmatic breathing, uses grounding (name 5 things you can see), and reassures him he is safe until the episode passes.
NCLEX study section — PTSD & Panic Disorder
What this chapter is testing: the recognition cues, the numbers and the priority action.
Study section: Mental Health
Take this chapter into practice questions on the same topic.