advice help: Distressing/upsetting memories from past trauma- does anyone know how to deal with them? - Help.com

This sounds like something you should really consider consulting a professional about. They know techniques to deal with this that you won’t hear in a quick reply online… anywhere.

Thanks, wtell800. I am undergoing professional help, but because my trauma is so complexed, we haven’t yet spoken about dealing with upsetting memories. I just wanted to post to see if anyone could give me any tips.

One tip that has served me well.

When such memories occur, remind yourself that they are simple flashes of electrical impulse in your head.. random bursts of static. Your mind is cleansing itself.

Breathe slowly and deeply and focus on your own voice inside your head. Repeat “I am here, I am safe, I control my thoughts. My thoughts do not control me.” very slowly and as often as you need to until you feel calm again.

You may wish to discuss hypnotherapy with your therapist. It can be very beneficial, but be sure to use someone who is properly trained and accredited to work with the health service.

You may never forget what occurred. But you can learn to cope with the memories and move on.

Good luck x

You need to tell yourself that was the past and is over now.
And this is unlikely to repeat in your whole life again.

mumstheword wrote:
One tip that has served me well.

When such memories occur, remind yourself that they are simple flashes of electrical impulse in your head.. random bursts of static. Your mind is cleansing itself.

Breathe slowly and deeply and focus on your own voice inside your head. Repeat “I am here, I am safe, I control my thoughts. My thoughts do not control me.” very slowly and as often as you need to until you feel calm again.

You may wish to discuss hypnotherapy with your therapist. It can be very beneficial, but be sure to use someone who is properly trained and accredited to work with the health service.

You may never forget what occurred. But you can learn to cope with the memories and move on.

Good luck x

That’s so kind of you to reply. Thanks so much. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Thanks again- hope you’re ok too x

spiratec9 wrote:
You need to tell yourself that was the past and is over now.
And this is unlikely to repeat in your whole life again.

Thanks so much. Yes- I need to practice that I think x

I did yoga to help ease my mind after a tragic event that happen to me when I was younger. It might work for you along with seeing the therapist.

wildcatz14 wrote:
I did yoga to help ease my mind after a tragic event that happen to me when I was younger. It might work for you along with seeing the therapist.

Thanks so much- I might try some yoga tonight or tomorrow. I have no idea how to do it, but I will google it :-) thank you again xx

mumstheword wrote:
One tip that has served me well.

When such memories occur, remind yourself that they are simple flashes of electrical impulse in your head.. random bursts of static. Your mind is cleansing itself.

Breathe slowly and deeply and focus on your own voice inside your head. Repeat “I am here, I am safe, I control my thoughts. My thoughts do not control me.” very slowly and as often as you need to until you feel calm again.

You may wish to discuss hypnotherapy with your therapist. It can be very beneficial, but be sure to use someone who is properly trained and accredited to work with the health service.

You may never forget what occurred. But you can learn to cope with the memories and move on.

Good luck x

Exactly what they said to do is one of the processes of yoga. It’s all about calming your breathing and relaxing your mind/body. There are really create videos on youtube and TV that show yoga. Also could buy the Wii game if you have that system. I actually had to write about this for my psychology class about what to do with someone who has fears of something. You start off with that technique. It may take weeks or months to really relax yourself especially with this crazy recession going on. I know it’s hard for everyone to relax. After that you should just slowly, and I mean slowly, take baby steps in going against your fears. I mean I don’t exactly know what tragic event happened to you, but for an example with kids who are afraid dogs, taking baby steps they will eventually overcome that fear.

wildcatz14 wrote:

mumstheword wrote:
One tip that has served me well.

When such memories occur, remind yourself that they are simple flashes of electrical impulse in your head.. random bursts of static. Your mind is cleansing itself.

Breathe slowly and deeply and focus on your own voice inside your head. Repeat “I am here, I am safe, I control my thoughts. My thoughts do not control me.” very slowly and as often as you need to until you feel calm again.

You may wish to discuss hypnotherapy with your therapist. It can be very beneficial, but be sure to use someone who is properly trained and accredited to work with the health service.

You may never forget what occurred. But you can learn to cope with the memories and move on.

Good luck x

You’re so kind- thank you. I am looking up techniques now- I’ve never considered or tried it before, but definitely looks interesting! X

Exactly what they said to do is one of the processes of yoga. It’s all about calming your breathing and relaxing your mind/body. There are really create videos on youtube and TV that show yoga. Also could buy the Wii game if you have that system. I actually had to write about this for my psychology class about what to do with someone who has fears of something. You start off with that technique. It may take weeks or months to really relax yourself especially with this crazy recession going on. I know it’s hard for everyone to relax. After that you should just slowly, and I mean slowly, take baby steps in going against your fears. I mean I don’t exactly know what tragic event happened to you, but for an example with kids who are afraid dogs, taking baby steps they will eventually overcome that fear.

:) your welcome!