Hi Rex,
Welcome to the group. I am one of the 9/11 WTC survivors in this support
group.

I have triggers just like yours. Sights, sounds, smells, flashbacks and
nightmares, day mares etc.

First, I can only tell you what worked for me after working in counseling. My
first step, Like Amy said is to identify the triggers that set off the PTSD
rollercoaster ride. I use a rollercoaster as a metaphor because sometimes its
an up ride and sometimes a total down ride. I remember back to the good things
I accomplished at Ground Zero and the pride feels good but when I get a trigger,
I go on a downward spiral at times so fast that it hurts too much and just
leaves me shattered.

Everyone in this forum has at one time felt some rollercoaster ride related to
PTSD so just try to understand we are here for support, to listen, to provide a
shoulder and an ear.

Second, once you identify the trigger, try to accept that its a small part of
what happened at Ground Zero. Our service there was essential and positive.
For every negative or trigger, focus on a positive. Try to also if you can talk
about it. Every time you speak to someone or discuss it here, the trigger at
least for me lost power. Since I had identified it, when it came/showed up, I
knew it was what set me off and tried to replace it with positive thoughts.
There is a cartoon that constantly repeats "find a happy place" and I try to go
there when I get a trigger.

On another note, I hope that you are also seeking counseling. PTSD can affect
so much of your life that sometimes our relationships become affected and people
take advantage of the fact we are not as sharp as we use to be.

This group open 24 7 365 and our members come from all over the world.

What is said here is for our support and like most 12 step programs stays
here. Kinda like Vegas.

Reggie Cervantes
WTC Survivor Rescue Worker
now in Yukon, OK

Rex Burton <raburtongdyr@...> wrote:
Are any of you getting flashbacks from 9-11 and the pile from certain
smells in the air? I am and it brings back so many memories and recall of people
suffering after the attacks. Please let me know when you can, I can't seem to
shake the flashbacks one damn bit. Any thoughts on how I can better deal with
it? I currently reside in Arizona...

Thanks,

Rex






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