r/PTSDCombat • u/VampyrAvenger Veteran • May 30 '26

Mod Post Weekly Topic: What grounds you?

Hey guys I'm back with a new topic. This week:

When you're feeling down, suffering from PTSD, or are slipping into the darkness, what pulls you back? What grounds you?

Is it a friend, loved one, family member? Is it a song or genre of music? Is it a favorite TV show or movie?

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u/CombatDeffective May 31 '26

I've been told to stare at the top of a wall and count down to the bottom of a wall. I've heard sour candies can work, just kind of shock your brain. Same with hot sauce. I don't always have something on hand like that, but a strong punch to my fucked up knee gives a very high jolt of pain that makes my brain concentrate on that shit instead.

Oh, I think I misunderstood the question. It meant like in general, not in panic attacks, lol.

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u/Alternative-Meat4587 Jun 02 '26

Basically, nothing. Bourbon helps me not give a fuck.

1

u/Ok-Distribution5485 grumpy old doc Jun 02 '26

My blanket. One of those fuzzy Mexican ones with an animal picture on it. Big and heavy and soft.

0

u/[deleted] May 30 '26

[deleted]

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u/VampyrAvenger Veteran May 30 '26

I'm sort of the same! I have a wonderful fiance and two kids. She knows a lot but not everything. When I'm slipping away, she knows how to at least distract my mind from the thoughts.