Contains abuse - Frightened, ashamed and feeling alone.....

[Lucy84]

I cant cope with this anymore..... what he did... it is all in my head. I am remembering... i need to make it all go away....!

[crazykat]

Has your counsellor helped you with any strategies to deal with the memories? I find that grounding can often be helpful as it helps connect me back into the present moment to realise that the abuse is no longer happening and to remind me I am now safe.

Something that I find helps ground me is to go through the senses touch, smell, sight, sound and taste.

Touch-Holding ice can help as the extreme coldness can help snap you back into the present moment. Or even wrapping yourself up in a blanket can help you feel more secure and safe.

Smell-Find something that has a strong smell like lavender oil or coffee

Sight-Take a moment to describe what you see around you. Even going into detail, like the colours of an item, it's size etc. By going into detail it helps your mind focus on something else and also helps remind you that you are safe.

Sound-Put on some loud music or really listen and see what sounds you can hear.

Taste-Bite into something that has a strong taste such as a lemon or even a sour lolly. By tasting something with a strong taste it creates a strong sensation in your mouth which can also help bring you back into the present moment

[Lucy84]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazykat

Has your counsellor helped you with any strategies to deal with the memories? I find that grounding can often be helpful as it helps connect me back into the present moment to realise that the abuse is no longer happening and to remind me I am now safe.

Something that I find helps ground me is to go through the senses touch, smell, sight, sound and taste.

Touch-Holding ice can help as the extreme coldness can help snap you back into the present moment. Or even wrapping yourself up in a blanket can help you feel more secure and safe.

Smell-Find something that has a strong smell like lavender oil or coffee

Sight-Take a moment to describe what you see around you. Even going into detail, like the colours of an item, it's size etc. By going into detail it helps your mind focus on something else and also helps remind you that you are safe.

Sound-Put on some loud music or really listen and see what sounds you can hear.

Taste-Bite into something that has a strong taste such as a lemon or even a sour lolly. By tasting something with a strong taste it creates a strong sensation in your mouth which can also help bring you back into the present moment

I havenever tried grounding before.. i could maybe try it... i usually juat self harm..

I have nightmares and flashbacks a lot... I domt want to remember anymore....

X

[crazykat]

It is worth trying. It can feel a bit silly doing it sometimes but I think by using our senses it helps remind us that we are in the present moment and are safe. It is something that I practice every day, not just when I am in alot of distress as I find it then helps it become more second nature and makes it easier to do when I am distressed.

[Lucy84]

Thanks for replying to me.... sorry for being such a burden.... I just dont know how to cope anymore...

[fragile as glass]

you are coping, thats the thing. you are going through the daily motions, posting here often, telling people how you feel so if you take a positive slant on your life, you are doing better than you think.

[Lucy84]

I told my therapist something I have never told anyone before on Weds and have been feeling awful since.... Icut myself...

[fragile as glass]

I don't know what to say to you anymore except its good that you have such a good relationship with your therapist and keep disclosing and it will get easier as time goes on. Is this your own thread? x

[Lucy84]

Yes it is. It's OK. Don't worry. Sorry.

[fragile as glass]

Its your thread so you have nothing to be sorry about - I just wondered why no-one else was posting their problems!! xx

[Lucy84]

I havent been on here in a while as didnt want to be selfish bur I cant cope anymore....

Please help...

[fragile as glass]

You ask for help but what sort of help? People need to know more or they won't be able to offer the right help to you.

[crazykat]

It sounds like things are difficult for you at the moment. Do you think you could tell us a bit more about what you want some support with? As it will help guide our answers a bit better so we can support you.