When my stronger flashback episodes occur I find myself in a wrestling match for control over my senses. My vision will be getting taken over by memories, the present nearly being overwritten as past sights, physical sensations, sounds, and emotions are overlaid on top of the present, drowning it out. During these moments I struggle to pull myself back above the surface.

One obstacle is that many grounding techniques are very difficult to perform when you get such an intense slam of memories. They can help when I feel those flashbacks coming, but if I'm not quick enough or they come on without warning than I lack the focus required.

A larger problem though is so many grounding techniques revolve around physical grounding, such as focusing on a physical sensation to bring yourself back into the present. Physical sensations and body awareness are both very strong triggers for me, so those kinds of grounding techniques only make those moments worse.

The most effective technique for me so far is trying to control my breathing, taking deep breaths in and out. By controlling my breathing I can begin to influence my racing heart, my focus being directed towards trying to slow it down.

I'm sure many of you have similarly found certain grounding techniques work better than others for you, so I am curious as to what they are?