Hi Riger....

I can't even imagine the hell that you guys have been through in combat. The things you have seen, and have had to do. Myheart goes out to all of you....

Triggers are triggers. Weather they are combat related or not. You still need to deal with them. Just remember that the emotions you are feeling are just that............. emotions, and they are from a previous trauma. They can't hurt you. You are in the here and now. When your anxiety level gets going.....Try and keep youself gounded. Keeping grounded will help to hold your anxiety level from getting to overwhelming.

I stayed grounded doing things... Touching things, feeling how they feel in my hands. I used to carry snadlewood with me, because it has a strong smell. Smelling it will bring the senses into the here and now. Repeating to myself over and over that these are just emotions from a previous trauma. They can't hurt me, I am in the here and now...I am safe.

I know it will be hard, but just take the first step, and after that it will be a little easier.

Your doing a great job already just opening up here....

Wendy