Soothing?

[Orsino]

When you've just come out of a flashback, dissociation or hallucination is there anything you find that soothes you?

It may sound strange but I find im soothed by scent. The most comforting thing I have is my pillow, purely because it smells like home which is a familiar safe environment for me. It doesn't completely calm me down but to a certain extent it really does help me. Does anyone else have anything like this?

 

[leira]

My therapist said women are more subject to being triggered or grounded by scents, so that doesn't sound surprising at all. According to her, it's pretty rare that smells work for men.

I can't say I've found a scent that works for me, but I don't have a strong sense of smell.

For me, what can ground me are pictures of my kids, funny memories, things that make me laugh. Or music, although music can be a two-edged sword.

 

[Orsino]

My therapist said something along the same lines a while ago thats why I found it strage, considering im a guy :P
Music can help me I think it just depends who or what it is and what I associate it with.

 

[maddog]

Orsino, soothing is an integral part of grounding, and grounding is one of the most useful and beneficial ways of staying in the present and hence fighting against those flashbacks. Quite simply, anything that you find safe, comforting or reassuring is good for soothing. If it works for you, then it works. Maybe it's a favourite song, or smell as in your case, the thought of a favourite person or place or pet. Maybe it's calming gentle physical activity, or taking a shower, or eating something pleasant, or being close to someone special. There are no rules - if it's soothing, then it' soothing, and it's good.

Maddog

 

[Ted Moen]

My pillow, the texture of the sheets, scents and sounds and sensations that remind me I am safe in my bed and its ok to let the old thoughts pass without acting on them lets me drift back to sleep. Sleep is good :)

Ted

 

[olaja]

I have a huge teddy bear and a security blanket for the rough patches. :O_o: I also go to the beach and pick up small rocks. Focusing on selecting pretty ones distracts me from pain, and I like the smooth textures of them!

 

[Srain]

I never thought about this doing it but I hug my big dog, she doesn't smell much but when I hug her she just feel so warm and her heart beat is so loud and slow, it's soothing. She tucks her head in under my chin much like my old dog always did so it's a homey feel.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I have many different methods for self soothing... Pretty much various ways that appeal to my five senses.

Smell... I love lilac & honeysuckle, two plants we had growing in the backyard as a child. I also wear various perfumes on my wrist and just brush my wrist up to my nose when I need a bit of soothing... Not sure what particular notes are actually soothing, I just go with what I like!

Taste... Not the greatest way to soothe as I have binging issues, but I tend to gravitate toward complex carbs.

Touch... I have a favorite stuffed dog I can't sleep without. Two of my favorite things are shearling fleece and down. Oh, and weight on my body is soothing as well... I'm looking into getting a weighted blanket for my bed.

Hearing... Music has always brought me comfort... I have an insanely large music collection!

Seeing... Not so much!

 

[Emilie]

Nothing soothes me more than watching something funny..

I would make some recommendations but I don't know what your triggers or sense of humor are like.
I personally prefer dark humor, so I like Tosh.O, Comedy Central roasts(Charlie Sheen was good), Major Payne(Slightly more innocent)

And no matter what sense of humor this might cheer you up if you know who anderson cooper is.
[DLMURL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYl-2Wsvfrc[/DLMURL]
I love anderson coooper hehehe. I would divorce my husband for him if he weren't gay.

 

[Gamereign555]

I like scents of pine and sage.

 

[Tinyflame]

A dozen cigarettes.
And I guess 'de briefing' and realizing I'm in the present moment.

 

[stuff]

Chamomile tea, hot baths, lavender oil, steamed milk with vanilla and curling up under my furry blanket with my dog.