Survivors of violent, personal crimes - when those memories return, how do you distract yourself?

[Deja Q]

I keep saying "No, the memory has no power!" to myself and then turn on loud music or something - anything - to distract myself.

If it wasn't for ADHD, I suspect life would be rather different, ironically.

What do you do?

[LaurenG]

1. Just realize that I can't ignore it -

allow the pain to surface and then go with it for a few moments. I'm nuts though - I talk to the feelings and ask what I can do to help. Also, I remind myself that the things that happened were long ago and that I'm safe now.

I hope you feel better soon.

[lildreamer316]

2. That's a cool idea.

Does it work for you?
I'm making a note of that. Thanks!

[LaurenG]

3. Yes it does work for me - I think it gives validity to the feelings without

going into anxiety over it.
I try to be logical and stay in that logical space. Plus it subsides after a few minutes once I allow the feelings to be recognized. :hi:

[Deja Q]

4. Thank you

It happens from time to time; sometimes with an incident that triggers a memory or the memory comes back of its own accord.

It was long ago and people do survive these things. But it's too easy for other people to think there are no lasting repercussions.

Time to listen to some Brulé...

[exman]

5. Oh shit..

I hate it when this stuff surfaces. Try as I might to put them in the past, these memories DO have power, lots of it. Soooo... I embrace that power and try to turn it to constructive ends. Not easily done,but necessary for any hope of peace of mind. Good luck, God bless.