Dealing with PTSD Attacks: Need Tips!

thank you all so much for the suggestions, ill definitely try them all! 🤗

my therapist recommended “shocking ur system” followed by breathing exercises. shocking ur system could look like popping ice cubes in ur mouth or dunking ur head in ice water, taking a cold shower, slapping a rubber band on ur wrist, sucking on a lemon slice, etc. anything to surprise + shock ur system literally. just make sure to follow w breathing afterwards and repeat as needed

My attacks are pretty severe but happen rarely, i cant be around anyone because of the crying/talking out loud to someone whos not there. I prefer to do anything that ensures im alone like turning on all lights (i got colored lights because yellow/white gives me a headache and i can change them to a calming color and still be able to see i am alone and hes not there) and driving if im not entirely incapacitated by the attack. For me its best to focus on it and allow it to happen instead of a distraction because if i dont let it run its course ill think about it until the next attack is worse. My best advice is to find things that calm you but dont take away your ability to let yourself have the feelings

My therapist recommended putting marbles in my freezer and holding them in pressure point areas to snap me out of the attack. It can also work with ice cubes or other extreme colds

If possible I usually find a distraction until my brain is able to get away from the attack. I’d recommend comfort shows/movies, eating some yummy food, and taking a nap if you can or just rest.