Grounding vs. Distraction

[Sideways]

So, you can recognise that grounding behaviours are, in fact, something that you already incorporate into your daily life, AND that you in fact use that tool already to make the most of situations you want to enjoy.

Perhaps take a moment to give yourself a high five, because that’s brilliant. Grounding is a concept that you do actually understand, and already use to positive effect. That’s a pretty brilliant outcome for a single thread, right? :)

So the next step is going to be expanding the way you use that tool, to benefit you in other ways, and at other times. If dissociation is something you know you do a lot? You can use grounding skills to reduce the amount of time that you’re dissociated, so that you’re fully present for more of your life. Going through life as a space cadet isn’t much of a way to live, and it doesn’t have to be the norm.

Absolutely not going to dispute that for you, the threat hasn’t gone away just yet. But probably, you can see that being present for more of your life is going to be an enriching experience. So have a think about ways you can achieve that grounded state in more everyday situations.

 

[Abstract]

Totally like what others have said. Grounding is coming to the present and being aware in one way or the other. It doesn't have to be in your body. I still cant do all of that. Date time, who you are, where you are, in time and space, and potentially, in your body.

Distraction is getting away from your thoughts while still being connected with yourself. Not in a dissociative way (loss of awareness or sectioning off of self in some way) and rather in what your attention is on. Filling your mind with something different. You are you but thinking of something else.
Dissociation is more emptying it in some way or other. You arent fully present in yourself.
Grounding stops the dissociation.

This is me at this time and place doing action A but thinking of something else: distraction

I am floating off or not aware in some way: dissociation

 

[TTC18]

So, you can recognise that grounding behaviours are, in fact, something that you already incorporate into your daily life, AND that you in fact use that tool already to make the most of situations you want to enjoy.

Perhaps take a moment to give yourself a high five, because that’s brilliant. Grounding is a concept that you do actually understand, and already use to positive effect. That’s a pretty brilliant outcome for a single thread, right? :)

That is probably the best news I've had in ... possibly all year. I'm doing something RIGHT!!!!! (literally about to cry with happiness and relief)

This is me at this time and place doing action A but thinking of something else: distraction

I am floating off or not aware in some way: dissociation

Then, I think I'm always just distracted - because I'm always me, but just thinking of something else. ?

 

[Abstract]

The examples you give totally sound like healthy distraction. Yay.

Flashbacks are another form of dissociation. If you arent yet clear what dissociation is reading this might help: Dissociation Explained

Grounding helps come out of all types of dissociation. One just needs to find a method that works for that particular type for you.

 

[Freida]

Funny you should ask...
For me grounding is specific to right now. I am spiraling and I need to figure out how to get back to the present. So I do the 54321 thing, the "its 2018 and I'm in such and such a place" thing, the pet the dog thing, things designed to help me remember where and when I am -- at the moment.

Distraction is what I do to avoid feeling feelings. I'm kinda doing it right now. I have some tough stuff I need to think about --- but instead I'm on this forum and playing video games and on facebook and blah blah. Anything to keep my mind occupied while I avoid thinking about what is really bothering me

 

[Friday]

I don't understand the difference. Grounding seems very much to be a form of distraction to me. 'Pay attention to THIS instead of THAT'

My personal definitions.

A)

Grounding gets your head out of the past and into the present.

Distraction gets your head out of the past AND the present.

B)

Grounding gets you to stop freaking out by realizing there’s nothing to be freaking out about OR able to act appropriately/ decisively instead of like a chicken with their head cut off. IE What is going on, right now, for real.

Distraction gets you to stop freaking out by.... oh look!

***

Paying attention to THIS instead of THAT? Is pretty much what it boils down to. Whether it’s pay attention to your wife (this) instead of the waitresses ass (that), or PTSD stuff, being able to direct your attention? One of those useful life skills ;)

 

[TTC18]

Thanks very much, everyone!!

 

[Deleted member 47099]

For me, if I ground myself, it works pretty fast and gets me out of the stress loop - either partially or fully.

Distraction, on the other hand, I can do for hours on end, and the stress loop pretty much stays at the same(ish) level.

Grounding helps me noticeably.

Distraction can work too - and is very tempting, but it doesn't seem to "help" the same way grounding does.

For example, if I'm very anxious, I could easily watch 3 or 4 hours of TV to "distract" and then still be feeling anxious when I'm done.

Maybe it's cos I make a conscious effort to ground healthily, while distraction is an auto-pilot stress response, for me.

There are probly more healthy forms of distraction too?