How Grounding Techniques Can Help You with Trauma
Those who’ve experienced a traumatic event are often taught employ grounding techniques as a means of managing trauma symptoms. They are also helpful for people suffering from PTSD.
The idea behind grounding techniques is that they help you stay focused on the present.
For people who have experienced some kind of trauma, it’s easy to sometimes slip back into that moment through flashbacks or memories. Grounding techniques help you when it comes to remaining rooted in reality.
While grounding techniques aren’t meant to “cure” the effects of trauma, they can help you to cope on a daily basis to make your symptoms more manageable.
So, how can grounding techniques really help?
Finding Relief at Home or On the Go
One of the best things about using grounding techniques to cope with trauma is you can use them any time, anywhere. If something has triggered your symptoms, you’re not always going to be able to talk to a therapist or find other forms of help right away.
So, using grounding techniques can be a great self-help resource. They are different for everyone, and some are easier to work into your regular routine than others. Yet, they are all meant to give you some relief and comfort when you need it most.
Different Grounding Techniques to Try
Again, grounding techniques are different for everyone. There are some simple ones you can try if you’re struggling with the effects of trauma. These are easy to do almost anywhere, and only take minutes:
- Turn on a diffuser with relaxing essential oils
- Light candles
- Surround yourself in soft, secure blankets
- Find different soothing textures to touch
- Practice deep breathing
- Journal your thoughts
- Splashing cool water on your face
If you try some of these techniques, you’ll quickly find which ones work better for you than others. Don’t be afraid to find your own techniques, too. These are just some common suggestions to keep you focused on the moment so your mind doesn’t wander down a dark, scary path.
How to Be Prepared
Once you do start to realize which techniques work best for you, always be prepared.
If journaling helps, for example, make sure you always keep a notebook and pen with you. If you have something soothing to touch or grasp, keep it with you at all times.
It can provide a lot of comfort just knowing you have that piece of “security” with you.
Whatever you do decide to take with you, you can even make it small enough so it won’t become noticeable by others or a burden to you. That will make it easier to bring it with you wherever you go without constantly having to think about it.
Do Grounding Techniques Replace Trauma Treatment Options?
Grounding techniques are great for getting you through high-stress moments. They can make all the difference between feeling struck with fear and anxiety and being able to get through the day. However, it’s not a solid idea to use grounding techniques as a replacement for trauma therapy.
Trauma therapy will help you to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. From there, it’s meant to help you get through your daily life knowing the reality of the traumatic event, and working through it anyway.
Trauma therapy can also help you to develop the skills that will make it harder to “relapse” and let the traumatic event paralyze you once more. Once you find that freedom, you’ll never want to look back. You can start living your life in peace once again.
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If you’ve been through some type of trauma, try using some grounding techniques to manage your symptoms and make things feel less overwhelming.
If you’re struggling and would like support, feel free to contact me to learn more about trauma therapy and how it can help.
