Hi Rex. I was a Ground Zero survivor AND a responder. Smells (sights
and sounds too) do indeed trigger flashbacks. There are a couple of
things i do to control my reactions. The first is to move away from the
trigger and avoid it. This is NOT always easy. I work in the public
safety area and still encounter many things that flash to 9-11.

The other thing I do.....and it's very effective...is to
start "tactical breathing".
The four simple steps to this breathing are:

* In through the nose, two, three, four.
* Hold two, three, four.
* Out through the lips two, three, four.
* Hold two, three, four.

This tactical breathing sequence is most effective when repeated at
least four times. You heartbeat will lower and you'll calm down.
give it a try.

And welcome to our virtual group!


--- In emsfirepoliceptsd@yahoogroups.com, "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
>