Taking control of brain process?

[Deleted member 37474]

Is there any way to control when and how the brain chooses to process stuff? For example, my Thursdays and/or Fridays typically turn into a re-live, emotional flashback mess. (I go to trauma therapy on Wednesdays).

I start back to work soon and just wish I had a better way to control this stuff. I wish it could somehow be contained.

 

[the-lovely-poetess]

I think you really ought to speak with your trauma therapist about this, maybe come up with a plan with him/her to put yourself into a safe mental place after therapy so the processing isn't so bad. Or possibly going to that safe place while you process. See if maybe journaling about the processing can help you. You can control when and where the processing happens, it's just really hard to begin with. This processing is happening in your own head, not anyone else's therefore you are ultimately the decision maker as to what goes on in there. I don't know how much this helps but discovering I had a choice in not giving in to my flashbacks really helped me gain peace of mind. Best of luck!

 

[ILoveLife]

Grounding techniques. The 5 senses one usually brings me back to the present. Deep and slow breathing helps me too.
Remind myself during oh crap here I go again moments that I no longer live in that past.

 

[The Albatross]

Playing With The Motivational Poster Generator This is old but encapsulates a lot of my efforts to regulate. In particular is "the power of the pause"... because I had to work consistently to allow 60-90 seconds for the delay to kick in and my ability to choose resume after events. Link Removed

 

[torturedsoul4]

Grounding techniques. The 5 senses one usually brings me back to the present. Deep and slow breathing hel...

Very well said and thank you. I personally have been trying hard to 'not live in the past' etc. It is a never ending battle, thank you again

 

[ILoveLife]

I know :\ Sometimes I get tired of that sentence... Then have to remind myself that someday it will get better.

 

[Deleted member 37474]

I think you really ought to speak with your trauma therapist about this, maybe come up with...

I always leave well grounded and fine. It typically floods back in throughout the next day. She told me to go to my happy place or do the bilateral tapping. I just wish there was a quicker, easier way to shut it off. Since clarinet playing is part of my job, I am sure that will help too. I just wish this stuff didn't hurt so much.