Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
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I'm dealing with trauma from being in abusive relationships starting with my mother. I done lot's of therapy and read a number of books but currently reading a book about how to better handle stress and distress tolerance. Would love to find out what is WORKING for others.
Here's a few things that work for me when I'm "not in a good place" emotionally. These are things to soothe yourself and practice self-care.
1) practice radical acceptance of my situation
2) refocus on what I can do at the moment to make me feel better
3) distract myself with watching sports or reading a book
4) listen to soothing music
5) aromatherapy - I LOVE this one. I have my favorites!
6) get outside on my patio and watch the sky, feel the sun
7) call someone you care about
8) make a list of what you're thankful for
9) play with my dogs
10) meditate
These are simple things to help through a bad day. What about you?
1) practice radical acceptance of my situation--the biggest, and for me it meant radical action in setting boundaries with my main abusers
2) refocus on what I can do at the moment to make me feel better--yeah, therapy helped me change the subject instead of spiraling down like I used to
3) distract myself with watching sports or reading a book--yeah, I've seen NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB games LIVE in may area many times. I'm going to another MLB game with friends in a couple of weeks. I've go see local dirt track racing, too. As for books, since coming to DS PTSD I've built a library of 180 books on my Kindle, in addition to the books I have on my shelves.
4) listen to soothing music--I download a new song from iTunes every evening at bedtime
5) aromatherapy - I LOVE this one. I have my favorites!--I have one of those electric scent gizmos installed in my house
6) get outside on my patio and watch the sky, feel the sun--ought to get out more
7) call someone you care about--did that today like every day
8) make a list of what you're thankful for--I keep a gratitude journal every day
9) play with my dogs--WISH I HAD ONE, but I travel to concerts and sporting events weekends, so it's a trade off not to.
10) meditate--key for me to repeat my "lovingkindness" meditation for self-soothing.
Following.
Hoping to get some advice on this as well.