Grounding When I Can't Speak

[Deleted member 1860]

This may be an unusual grounding tool, but I thought I'd share as I go through periods when I'm so triggered that I can't speak.

I have a number of word/letter tiles/cubes from vintage games. Think of the wooden letter tiles from scrabble games, etc. I have letter cubes from vintage Scrabble RSVP games (no longer made), and word cubes from Scrabble Crossword games (also no longer made). There are a number of different games out there that use letters or words on tiles or cubes, so any of those would work as well. You can find a lot of these games at thrift stores for 1 or 2 dollars, or even on eBay.

Anyway, last time I was triggered and couldn't speak, it was helpful to ground myself by using the cubes to make words so that I could communicate. I was dating this guy at the time and texted him pics of sentences that showed how I felt. I'm not dating him anymore as he was the source of that trigger (reenactment of childhood trauma). This was the first time I used those cubes for this purpose, and they're now a permanent part of my grounding box.

I hope this may help others who struggle to speak when triggered.

 

[StarChild]

This may be an unusual grounding tool, but I thought I'd share as I go through periods when I'm so triggered that I can't speak.

Your post really made me smile, @Solara, because I discovered something similar for me. I use the "Tangram puzzle game". The old Chinese game made of exactly 7 parts. Of course, there exist hundreds of it on the web in the meantime, but I prefer a "real" one made of wood. One that I can touch and even sniff at it.

To lay some pictures out of the book I have, (1600 different shapes to lay) is very soothing to me and calms my triggered / upset mind. To concentrate on the forms, helps me to find my inner balance. I also often use it before I go to sleep.

 

[Damask]

Hi,
I would like to understand what you both do to calm yourselves. @Solara is your 'grounding box' a metaphorical thing or is it an actual container that you keep items in that help you find your center? @TreeHugger do you carry your puzzle with you or do you keep it at home?

Thank you very much for your information :)

 

[StarChild]

Hi @Damask, there exist many different sizes, the smallest one I have found is made of wood. Size: 7cm x 7cm x 2mm. One can find also such games which are magnetic. They come in different materials, and colours. I've got one in a tiny metal box, to carry it with me.

Google: original tangram puzzle 7 pieces OR: magnetic tangrams travel

 

[Wyakin]

I have recently taking to playing the 2048 game on my phone. That really helps so calm me and my phone is always with me.

I also have periods where I cannot speak. My friend is very good at reading my body language to understand what I am trying get across. She is great. If not I use my phone but thank you for your idea @Solara I will keep an eye out in the Barnsale stock we get in for scrabble games.

 

[bell]

This made me smile, too! :) And what a great solution!

I find myself relying on texting most of the time when I'm isolating. And sometimes it's extra useful because it's literally the only way the words will come out.

Now I just need a similar fix for when my anxiety knocks out all my thoughts entirely...