One of your senses transmits its sensory information directly to your amygdala. Because of this, this sense is the quickest trigger for flashbacks. This sense is also the quickest way to interrupt a flashback. Which sense is it?
Use This Sense to Help You Interupt Flashbacks
Your sense of smell is a powerful trigger, for positive and negative associations. To use your sense of smell to help ground when you are triggered, identify a scent that you associate with safety. Keep a cotton ball with that scent in a plastic zippered bag that you can grab if needed. For example, if your grandmother wore a perfume that you associate with her and this is calming to you, you might put some on a cotton ball and keep it in a sealed bag.
About trauma responses and safety
Knowing you’re safe doesn’t always stop trauma responses from happening. Trauma memories and nervous system reactions can operate independently of conscious understanding. This page explains why responses can persist even when danger has passed:
Why Do Trauma Responses Show Up Even When You Know You’re Safe?
Why Do Trauma Responses Show Up Even When You Know You’re Safe?