[sittingatwatersedge]

many things can trigger onset of ugly memories - for me, the smell of a cigar for one

I was wandering in the WWW a few days ago and found Kellevision, and a brief blurb about flashbacks triggered by smell, and the fact that a Vick's inhaler can bring a flashback to an immediate stop. It seems that the inhaler's pungent smell diverts the brain to itself, then - flashback ended.

Thought #1: I am going to buy an inhaler and keep it in my handbag!!

Thought #2: I wonder if something similar might work with other triggers. If the flashback memories are in the body perhaps that's the place to work on diversion, instead of trying to find another train of thought. If the trigger is sound, maybe the solution is to put on the headphones and get into some music, precisely because the brain truly experiences music in the NOW (see Oliver Sacks' fascinating book "Musicophilia")... etc. Worth a try.

just wanted to share, in case someone else finds it at all useflu. Wishing you peace!!

My t says there is no such thing as multi-tasking. The brain only handles one thought at a time (albeit perhaps in fractions of seconds). When I'm having trouble with flashbacks, he tells me to DO something physical or use my brain VERY actively for something like doing puzzles (reading doesn't work; we tend to zone out). If you're swimming laps in the pool, your brain will stay pretty focused on swimming. Walking while listening to music is a good distractor.

THANK YOU, sawe...that makes so much sense to me. Maybe I will make a list of possible distractions for different sensory triggers....

[poisonivy81]

Thanks for the info. Im gonna get one right away, since smells are one of my triggers too. Keep sharing helpful info please. Any tips are ALWAYS appreciated.

[skeksi]

There's this thing sold at Bath & Body Works in the US called "instant aromatherapy." There are lots of different scents. I put myself in the habit of using it before and after relaxation sessions with T, and now I can use it when I am scared or having FBs and it helps bring me back. An excellent resource!

[BlueMoon6]

Do you want to hear something weird, vicks vaporub is triggering for me. Is that like the inhaler? I have used it on my kids and it triggers bad memories.

I like the instant aromatherapy thing. What is it? A spray or something?

[skeksi]

It's a roll-on scent in a small glass vial. Here is a link.