You all CANNOT imagine how helpful your responses to me are. I will do all these things.

SW- Can I ask you what happens to you when you have a ptsd episode? The grounding stuff seems like it will take a lot of practice for me. And I have to WANT to not dissociate. Or catch it early enough to know I want to not go there. If that makes any sense.

Thanks Calista for the article- there is so much info there
Jexa- I think your suggesitons to feel the wind or look at the sky is a very good idea. Often I begin to spin or feel far away while driving or outdoors. I can do these things to stay present.

Tree- Ftt said the saame thing! To feel the couch and look around. ANd I can tell myself, "Im here now and Im OK, Im safe." That is SO helpful. It strikes a chord with me. She told me to take a sip of my drink I had with me (decaf) so I leaned forward and the act of leaning forward to get the cup from the floor was very grouning and by the time I was sipping, I was present. I can become present in a flash.

Does that happen with other people? Im feeling underwater and far away, and then a moment later when I move or look around, I feel more present.

I think like farmergirl said, if I can catch it early on, then its better. I am so used to zoning out that it takes a lot of effort to catch it when I start to "go" or to recognize what the trigger might have been.