Learning About PTSD 4

PTSD Survivors --

find Grounding Techniques and Mindfulness!​

Information from the Horsham Clinic (Philadelphia, Pa.): 

Grounding techniques – strategies that can help survivors stay connected to their present moment. Such techniques are extremely helpful whenever PTSD symptoms are triggered unexpectedly. A very successful grounding technique is called the 5-4-3-2-1 method. This method calls for the triggered survivor to identify five things they can see; then, four things they can touch; then, three things they can hear; then, two things they can smell and finally one thing they can taste. This method pulls the mind away from the symptoms caused by the trigger to concentrate on the mundane which results in a calming effect. 

Mindfulness – this involves the survivor in focusing their thoughts upon their breathing or other body sensations. Mindfulness leads to, again, the survivor becoming more grounded and turns them away from their symptoms.  

These two methods of dealing with triggered PTSD symptoms have been proven to help survivors reduce the intensity of those symptoms. 

Still, in Canada: 

ALWAYS REMEMBER: If you or someone you know is in crisis, having thoughts of suicide or needs a safe place to talk, you can call 988.  

988 is the number to call if someone is worried about a person they know OR if you yourself are thinking about suicide.  

Call or text 988 for toll free help without judgement. Support can be accessed in English or in French. 

Lastly: 

Kids Help Phone can also support you. Call 1-800-668-6868 (24 hours a day/seven days a week.) 

OR text CONNECT to 686868 

Kidshelpphone.ca offers live chat from 7pm. To midnight ET.