What Types Of Grounding Techniques Do You Do?

[DMerish]

Yoga, if I do it regularly, is especially helpful all around. In the moment, if I'm in a social situation, I'll simply put both feet on the floor/ground, place my hands palm down on my thighs, breath evenly, and feel the sensations that my body is experiencing - perhaps it will be noticing the small cloth fibers in the carpet, the disproportionate weight of my palms (fore palms are heavier than finger tips), or the notice all the tiny bits of tension in my facial muscles. One of my favorite things to do, when I'm able, is to lay on a freshly cut grass lawn, feel all the sensations in my body that I'm able to, and just look and listen to what's around me.

 

[Ed Norton]

Ms Spock All of my flashback were either preceded by a panic attack (just as in my real trauma) or right before I fell asleep. So to me grounding means stopping the panic attacks before a flashback. My dissociation was different in that I just blanked out for a period of time. Luckily I have been flashback free for quite some time. My last dissociative event was some months ago. Befire a panic attack now I grab my book and read a chapter. I have been doing that for a while now I just had no idea that I was grounding myself.

During the flashbacks of the past I felt physical pain and it felt as if I were in a nightmare, but after I became delusional my flashbacks seem to have ended. hopefully they never return but I did not think a simple thing such as a book would ever mean so much to me. I still have tons to learn about myself and PTSD I feel as if I am just now starting on the road to recovery and I feel desparate as if I have no clue as to what I am doing and also I feel stagnant as if I am not making progress.

 

[ms spock]

Before a panic attack now I grab my book and read a chapter. I have been doing that for a while now I just had no idea that I was grounding myself.

That is very clever that you worked that out for yourself.

I still have tons to learn about myself and PTSD I feel as if I am just now starting on the road to recovery and I feel desperate as if I have no clue as to what I am doing and also I feel stagnant as if I am not making progress.

Okay everyone feels this way at times. I felt that way most of last year.

Give yourself a break and slow down and just start to get the relaxation, self soothing, meditation and mindfulness going. Hang out in chat. Get a good professional. Baby steps - that is all it takes some days.

 

[ms spock]

Swimming it good grounding.

 

[Abstract]

In fact, I can not recall any mention of grounding techniques in therapy.

Its so sad that this happens. So often too. I have had this experience too. I think only using the site as your means of grounding is problematic for a few reasons. I think it's good to use the site but important to have a wide range of grounding techniques that help us.
It's all about practising them regularly until we know more what we need when we need them.

 

[ms spock]

@Abstract You nailed it again.

 

[rainy_daze]

@Ms Spock I know the thread is from a while ago, but it has been very helpful. Thank you for starting it. I've been trying things people suggested.

 

[ms spock]

You are welcome! I actually need to revisit all this stuff myself as well @rainy_daze!

 

[ms spock]

feel as if I am just now starting on the road to recovery and I feel desparate as if I have no clue as to what I am doing and also I feel stagnant as if I am not making progress.

That is a common feeling, for me, @Ed Norton

 

[EternallyChildish]

My best friends are my stuffed animals, I hug and pet them all the time as a means of grounding. [:
Listening to familiar music and going over my favorite prayers a few times helps too.

 

[ms spock]

Breathing is good for grounding, from the solar plexis.

 

[rainy_daze]

Recently I've been trying the phrase "don't over-think it". I'm still working on breathing. I'm trying to slow down a lot, instead of rushing through tasks, as this increases my stress levels.

I'm also reminding myself of my name, age, date/day and time. I don't know exactly why, but that last one helps me stay in the moment when I don't feel good. Maybe it reassures me I'm fine and safe. It's also about being in the present.