Tips for meditating when you have PTSD

[Mike B 625]

By Sian Ferguson

Indeed, a number of studies have suggested that meditation can reduce the symptoms of PTSD, particularly in war veterans. These studies show that meditation reduces stress hormones by calming the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our ‘fight-or-flight’ responses to danger.

But for some reason, when I first tried meditation, it brought a deluge of painful flashbacks. Slowing my mind down and focusing on my thoughts seemed to invite in images of my rape. They flashed before my eyes, turning my quiet meditation sessions into nightmares. Still, I was determined to meditate, so I told my meditation circle’s leader about my flashbacks. It turns out, I wasn’t alone. Trauma can make meditation difficult in the beginning, but there are steps you can take to experience the benefits of meditation, and even have it aid in your recovery from the trauma....

https://www.headspace.com/blog/2016/12/11/meditating-with-ptsd/