Struggling with PTSD: Need Help to Regain Control

One thing that's helped me is something with a strong smell (such as an essential oil). Engaging your senses will help you ground yourself. In my case, it's hard for a texture or visual element to pull me out of an episode, but a roll-on essential oil has worked for me. It engages my sense of smell and forces me to pay attention to my present self. It's all about finding something that'll shift your attention back to your immediate surroundings. All of that said, it's crucial to seek professional help when it comes to PTSD. There are ways to ground yourself, but permanent change comes with dissecting the event(s) with a professional and understanding how you got out / are now safe.

Obviously talk about this to a therapist because overcoming PTSD on your own is difficult, but I think having things to ground you during flashbacks or panic attacks is important. Some suggestions are playing music, playing a game, a favorite stuffed animal, fidget toys, anything with textures that don’t relate to the truama. Anything that you have that you didn’t have then works too. It seems silly but if it’s just an object that is nearby study it like you are an explorer and you have never seen the object in your life. Once you are calm enough start doing breathing exercises (you can find guided ones in apps or on YouTube) and remind yourself that it is not happening now. If there’s anything I missed you are struggling with specifically let me know and I’ll let you know what I do to cope!

What exactly do you need help with?