What are the opening hours?

Monday 7am - 4pm Tuesday 7am - 4pm Wednesday 7am - 8pm Thursday 7am - 4pm Friday 7am - 4pm Saturday 7am - 8am Sunday 7am - 8am

http://www.ptsdpeersupport.com/

PTSD Peer Support, 475 Elliotts Road, Myrtle Creek (2026)

01/06/2026

FEMALE - DEFENCE FORCE and FIRST RESPONDERS - 2nd JUNE 2026 Online meet-up tonight

WHEN: - The FIRST TUESDAY - of EVERY MONTH

START TIME: PTSD Peer Support online meet-up start times for each states / region are listed below.
6:00pm QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
5:30pmam SA, NT
4:00pm WA
Meet-up is 1 hour duration

This Online meet-up is for SERVICE WOMEN with Post Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD) is being provided in response to request from service women.

Whether you’re waiting for therapy, managing financial barriers, or simply needing support between treatment sessions, our all female Defence and First Responder PTSD meet up offers a gentle place to land.

We don't talk about the details of traumatic events. These meet-ups are recovery focused, with information on managing symptoms, participate if you feel like it in shared recovery conversations and build resilience together. It’s a warm, understanding space where women can connect, share what helps, and rebuild confidence at their own pace. No pressure - just community connection, grounding, and recovery focused support. Confidentiality is respected in this safe space.

The female moderator of this meet-up is former Law Enforcement, who is trauma informed and has lived experience of PTSD.
For more information
Visit: www.ptsdpeersupport.com
Email: [email protected]

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP?
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your chosen name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on for entering the meet-up.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, using ZOOM.COM
*** ZOOM Join online meet-up via the ZOOM WEBSITE
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID 896 0284 2233
4) Then when prompted, put the meet-up password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.ptsdpeersupport.com

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to accessing support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, we would be very grateful. You can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information share in this site is purely a resource and is not considered a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

01/06/2026

TUESDAY - KEEP IT SIMPLE AND ACHIEVABLE – 2nd JUN 2026. PTSD Peer Support Connect online meet-up start times for each states / region are listed below.
7:00am QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Meet-up is 1 hour duration

Today’s topic for the Online Meet-up focuses on keeping recovery strategies simple and achievable.

There are many combinations of evidence-based therapies, strategies, techniques and pharmaceutical treatments that can be taken or applied to help with the management and reduction of PTSD symptoms. Sometimes it can be overwhelming just thinking of where to start or what to do, especially when the impact of PTSD can reduce the activity of the brains Prefrontal Cortex. The Prefrontal Cortex is responsible for, high level thinking, decision making, planning, problem solving, emotion regulation, memory, reason and logic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/prefrontal-cortex

It really helpful me to have a trauma informed therapist to help me process the traumatic event and navigate the application of wellness strategies to help with my recovery. She provided me with information showing how trauma can impact the way the brain functions and how different treatments and strategies can be applied to help with managing and reducing the symptoms I was experiencing . Each week she provided me with a strategy that we would practice in her office, so I could practice them at home between sessions. Because my memory was not functioning well, I regularly forgot what we had practiced, so she gave me links to research information and video resources that supported the strategies or techniques she was helping me to learn.

I focused on keeping it simple and achievable each day. I would sit quietly with myself and consider what my capacity to achieve things was for that day. My capacity fluctuated every day as things like how much sleep I had and the quality of the sleep would impact my capacity. Some days I felt tired, anxious, depressed and unable to think clearly, and other days I woke up with a little more energy and a clearer mind. I realised I needed to be patient with myself and to learn to be accepting of my capacity and energy levels. For example, I found emotion regulation, challenging and I had to come to terms with the fact that what I once did so naturally with ease, I now needed to learn a strategy to help me manage. Education and understanding of the impacts of PTSD help me to have self-compassion and patience.

On days I felt overwhelmed I would say to myself, "keep it simple today, whatever I achieve today, no matter how small, is keeping me moving in the direction of my wellness goals". Then I would pick one thing I felt able to achieve or at least willing to have a go at achieving and I would try. In the early stages of PTSD my achievement was to get out of bed and wash my face. Like any form of rehabilitation, I started small, simple and achievable and then gradually increases in increments.

Sometimes I asked a friend to help me achieve things like taking a walk with me, a swim at the beach or a dear friend is a yoga instructor, and I asked her to help me with breath work. Learning new strategies was challenging when the parts of the brain I need to use to learn were impacted by PTSD. However, I understood that these treatments and strategies had been studied, and that evidence showed there are measurable benefits from applying them so that motivated me to just try and have a go. Self-compassion, patience and making use of the supports that were available to me was the key.

Keeping it simple and achievable, is not a reflection of weakness or strength. It is a sign of self-awareness, of knowing our mental, psychological and physical capacity and approaching our day with that in mind.
You are welcome to contact us for more information or help getting online. Email us at [email protected]

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, from the PTSD Peer Support website.
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, using ZOOM.COM
*** ZOOM Join online meet-up via the ZOOM WEBSITE
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted, put the meet-up password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.ptsdpeersupport.com

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to accessing support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, we would be very grateful. You can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate
www.ptsdpeersupport.com

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information share in this site is purely a resource and is not considered a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

31/05/2026

MONDAY - WELLNESS RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE DAY - 1st JUNE 2026. PTSD Peer Support Connect online meet-up start times for each states:
7:00am QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Meet-up is 1 hour duration

Todays meet-up topic is about having a Wellness Recovery Plan to help focus on the things we would like to achieve each day this week. It helps to factor in important things that we may need to do, like prepare for upcoming appointments or commitments that we have in the next 7 days. It reminds us to integrate self-care tasks and incorporate practice times for positive strategies and techniques that help us to build resilience, and manage the symptoms of PTSD. Because PTSD impacts some of the brains functions and capacities, it can be helpful to make time each day for puzzles and other activities that re-engage, and improve our brains cognitive function. It also helps us to factor in emotional reset time after a task that may be stressful or challenging.

For me it has been really important to make sure my plan is achievable, and that it is also needs to be developed by me, for me. Before writing it I need to check-in with myself to assess what my capacity to achieve it might be today. For example: maybe I am feeling tired because I didn't sleep well, or am I feeling irritable, anxious or depressed, and for some individuals it might be what degree of physical pain am I experiencing today? If I am tired, I probably won't put things on my plan that require a certain degree of patience or focus. To help prevent becoming overwhelmed I don't put to many things on my plan. I just keep it simple and achievable.

The wellness recovery Plan is not a test, so I can't fail. Its also not a "have to do list", it's just a helpful guide for me to have a go at following today. It helps me to remember the strategies my therapist has suggested. It helps me to remember and live this day with a structured routine to anchor myself to. The plan also provides me with a sense of predictability and control which can help to reduce anxiety and stabilise my mood. The brains job is to keep you safe and make decisions for your survival, so the brain likes safe, predictable routines. This is where a plan can provide a simple predictable framework that helps the brain and the body to relax a little.

Join us this morning for support and encouragement from others with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression and who understand. There are no expectation and no pressure.
COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource you can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP:
There are two ways to join the meet-up. Through the ZOOM website on your web browser, or via PTSD Peer Support website.

*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the PTSD Peer Support website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

*** ZOOM website: Join via the ZOOM website
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted put our password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).

Contact us via our website if you need help getting online, we will arrange someone to help you and so you the features of the ZOOM online meeting platform. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/contact.

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information shared on this site is shared purely as a resource and is not considered to be a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

30/05/2026

SUNDAY - CONSTRUCTIVE REFLECTION – 31th MAY 2026. PTSD Peer Support today's online meet-up:
7:00am QLD. NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Online meet-ups run for 1 hour

As the week comes to an end, it feels like a great time to pause for constructive reflection. This practice helps me gauge how I’m going and whether I’m progressing toward my wellness goals. It gives me space to recognise my successes and achievements and to celebrate every milestone in my recover.

This reflection is not about mentally pressuring myself to achieve more; it’s about encouraging myself from a place of self compassion and kindness and acknowledging the things I have achieved.

I intentionally set aside time and choose a comfortable place to reflect. I prefer using a journal or notebook, although there are also reflection tools available online if I want a more structured guide. I’m happy to share links to these if anyone would like to try them. I acknowledge all of my achievements, no matter how small they may seem. I know how much effort even the smallest tasks can take, especially when living with PTSD. During periods of crippling depression or anxiety, simply brushing my teeth might be my achievement for the day—and that is absolutely worth celebrating.
Sometimes this reflection brings up a challenge that I’m unsure how to address on my own. When that happens, I discuss it with my therapist so we can explore it safely and in more depth. She often helps me better understand my experiences and provides strategies or practical tools that support my continued growth toward my wellness goals.

For me, it’s essential to remember that this reflection tool is constructive, not destructive. Approaching it with self compassion, self care, and patience is key. Any plan for the day or the week is not a test—I cannot fail. It’s simply a guide that helps me gently monitor how I’m going in my daily and weekly recovery journey.
You are welcome to join todays ONLINE Meet-up. We all have lived or living experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Our meet-up is recovery focused.

There's no expectation or pressure to participate. You are welcome just to listen. We discuss the topic for the first 5mins and we have an open share for anyone who would like to share something about their wellness journey.

You are welcome to contact us for more information or help getting online. Email us at [email protected]

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, from the PTSD Peer Support website.
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, using ZOOM.COM
*** ZOOM Join online meet-up via the ZOOM WEBSITE
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted, put the meet-up password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.ptsdpeersupport.com

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to accessing support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, we would be very grateful. You can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate
www.ptsdpeersupport.com

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information share in this site is purely a resource and is not considered a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

29/05/2026

SATURDAY - DIFFERENT WAYS TO PRACTICE MINDFULNESS 30th MAY 2026. PTSD Peer Support Connect online meet-up start times for each states / regions are listed below.
7:00am QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Meet-up is 1 hour duration

Today we are going to chat about different ways to practice mindfulness. Knowing the different types and ways helped to broaden the opportunities for me to practice it and it also helped me to be more openminded to having a go at it.

We will chat about mindfulness that is movement based, sensory based, compassion based, open awareness practice, foundational mindfulness and informal everyday mindfulness.

Mindfulness helps to calms the nervous system and reduces stress hormones in the body. It can help the brain to process pain signals differently, it can help to manage depression and anxiety, it can help to improve sleep quality and insomnia and it can help to reduce blood pressure. Here is a link to a Mayo Clinic article that covers the benefits of mindfulness if you are interested to know more.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356?utm=

Join us today if you are interested to know more. Mindfulness is one of the evidence supported practices that can gently help with managing and improving PTSD symptoms as we progress toward recovery

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, from the PTSD Peer Support website.
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, using ZOOM.COM
*** ZOOM Join online meet-up via the ZOOM WEBSITE
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted, put the meet-up password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.ptsdpeersupport.com

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to accessing support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, we would be very grateful. You can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information share in this site is purely a resource and is not considered a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

28/05/2026

FRIDAY - ONLINE RESOURCES - 29th MAY 2026, PTSD Peer Support online meet-up start times are listed below for the various regions.
7:00am QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Meet-up is 1 hour duration

In today's online meet-up we will look at different websites, worksheets and apps that you can access helpful evidence-based information on PTSD, anxiety and depression. These resources promote and encourage healthy mental wellbeing through information and practical recovery tools. It's a great idea to have a variety of evidence-based tools in your recovery toolbox. We are all different so its good to try the different tools suggested and from having your own experience discover the ones that work for you. Chat with your psychologist or treating health professional before applying them as your health professional may have a treatment plan for you and may be able to determine which techniques could be beneficial for you at the stage of recovery you are at.

When I was diagnosed with PTSD my brain wasn't functioning like it used to. I couldn't think straight, I was as if I had a bad case of brain fog or as if my thinking processing part of the brain was off-line. I couldn't focus, I couldn't make decisions, I was constantly agitated, I couldn't sit still and all I felt was a weird combination of terror and detached from the world. I felt very vulnerable and as if I was out of control. If your mind is scattered like mine was, you may find a lot of the worksheets available on link probably won't be helpful at this stage. However, I was able to find information videos online about PTSD, that were in plain language and really helpful for me to listen too. It helped me to understand what was happening to me. Understanding the impact of PTSD on me didn't change the symptoms, but it gave me comfort to know I wasn't going mad. You can ask your psychologist or treating health professional if they have any online resources they would recommend. They may have helpful resources that will align with where you are in your personal recovery journey and that will complement your treatment plan.

Today I will share some evidence-based websites, and apps that I find informative and helpful resources that support wellbeing. We will take a look at some of the tools and information they have to offer and how it can be helpful. My psychologist introduced me to worksheets from some of these free online resources. You may have some resources that you have found helpful and would like to share your experience of them with us.

For people living in remote rural locations or who are unable to leave their homes, online resources can be a lifeline to wellness. For others who have access to the many resources available in cities you may find online resources a great addition to their wellness plan

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, from the PTSD Peer Support website.
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, using ZOOM.COM
*** ZOOM Join online meet-up via the ZOOM WEBSITE
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted, put the meet-up password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.ptsdpeersupport.com

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to accessing support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, we would be very grateful. You can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information share in this site is purely a resource and is not considered a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

27/05/2026

THURSDAY – SENSORY GROUNDING with SMELL 28th MAY 2026. PTSD Peer Support Connect online meet-up start times for each states / region are listed below.
7:00am QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS
6:30am SA, NT
5:00am WA
Meet-up is 1 hour duration

There are many ways to apply grounding techniques, and I tried most of them out to see which ones I respond to, and which ones work well for me. I was then able to apply them when I needed to help to interrupt and manage escalating anxiety, unwanted ruminating thoughts, or flashbacks.

Grounding techniques are not always effective on their own, so they aren’t a “quick fix”. They are a tool that can support emotion regulation, presence and safety. But it is important to note that at times when PTSD symptoms spike, (Intense hyperarousal, panic) grounding techniques influence might not be as effective. It may feel muted, or ineffective. This doesn’t mean a person is doing the grounding technique wrong, it simply means grounding is one tool among many, and it works best when used alongside other regulation strategies and ongoing recovery supports. However they do work well under certain situations, so they are helpful to know and practice. Today we are going to look at Sensory grounding technique using our sense of smell.

For some people certain smells can trigger an immediate activation of unpleasant PTSD symptoms and it can happen incredibly quickly. This is because our Olfactory system (sense of smell) has a direct neural connection to the limbic system in the brain which involves the:
• Amygdala- threat detection, emotion intensity (smoke alarm)
• Hippocampus-memory, context and meaning

Our sense of smell is one of our critical warning systems that helps us to identify possible danger like smoke from a fire, if food has rotten, or maybe there is a gas leak, just to mention a few. Because our sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system (responsible for emotion, threat detection, memory, survival response), we can experience intense memories and emotions in response to smells. These could be distressing memories associated with the smell if it was present during a traumatic event or pleasant ones if we had a pleasant experience in association with the smell. For example, fresh cut grass for some people might bring happy warm feelings and memories of summer. On the other hand, if a person experienced a traumatic event and the smell of fresh cut grass was present, they may have an unpleasant reaction, feelings and memories associated with that smell.

This same neural wiring is also why fragrances can be an effective grounding tool. Because smell reaches the emotional centres of the brain so quickly, a chosen scent, essential oil, incense like Peppermint, lavender, may act as a rapid sensory anchor. It can interrupt spiralling thoughts and mood by pulling the nervous system back toward the present moment. When used intentionally, grounding scents help the brain recognise “This is now and I am safe.”

Here are some basic examples of some of the scents,
*SHARP ACTIVATING SCENTS: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, fresh ginger, citrus because they stimulate the orienting reflex of the brain “look up, pay attention” response which can help to pull a person back into the present moment.
*WARM, CALMING SCENTS: lavender, vanilla, jasmine, sandalwood, chamomile,
*PERSONAL SCENTS: (associated with safety): a pet’s fur, familiar deodorant or perfume, favourite tea, a partner’s shirt, coffee beans.

I have a sandalwood incense I sometimes burn an hour before bed because I find it calming. So, I now associate it’s smell with preparing to wind down and getting ready to go to sleep. I use eucalyptus when I want my brain to be alert and present. Because sensory grounding can be a very effective tool to help me manage my PTSD symptoms, I did my own research with smells to learning what smells I responded to and how they can help me in different ways.

We are all different so if you are curious to try smell as one of your sensory grounding tools take some time to smell different things, and see how you respond. You could invite a friend to join you in the scent of smell adventure. Learning which smells bring calm for you, which bring a sense of comfort and safety, and which make you alert and focused. Also be aware of scents that trigger you so you can put in place things to keep you safe if that happens. Join us today as we talk about using smell as a grounding technique.

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, from the PTSD Peer Support website.
*** PTSD PEER SUPPORT Join via the website.
STEP by STEP - INSTRUCTION TO ACCESS THE ONLINE MEET-UP
(from your computer, similar from mobile phone)
1. Visit the website www.ptsdpeersupport.com
2. At the top of the page, click CALENDAR, then scroll down
to view CALENDAR, click on the date you would like to
attend. (check start times for your location)
3. Next click on the blue link labelled CLICK TO JOIN
4. Zoom platform will open - You can put your name in the
space "Edit your display name". Your camera will be on.
You can click on the camera icon to turn the camera off.
5. Click the blue - JOIN - button
6. You will be taken to a WAITING ROOM and the Moderator
of the Meet-Up will let you into the gathering.
7. Trouble getting access? Call 0478 022 022 for help

HOW TO JOIN THE ONLINE MEET-UP, using ZOOM.COM
*** ZOOM Join online meet-up via the ZOOM WEBSITE
1) go to zoom.com
2) click on the word JOIN.
3) in the "Meeting ID" box put our meeting ID: 843 5871 1531
4) Then when prompted, put the meet-up password - (If you do not have the password, please email [email protected] and we will send you the password).
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.ptsdpeersupport.com

COST: FREE, we don't want financial challenges to be a barrier to accessing support. If you would like to contribute towards the running costs of this resource, we would be very grateful. You can visit our website donate page. www.ptsdpeersupport.com/donate
www.ptsdpeersupport.com

NOTE: This meet-up is not a Counselling, diagnosis or crisis support service. PTSD PEER SUPPORT is a mutual peer support recovery community for people with lived experience of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Any information share in this site is purely a resource and is not considered a substitute for professional mental health support. PTSD Peer Support encourages the use of evidence-based research on wellness strategies for PTSD, anxiety and depression. For urgent crisis support call LIFELINE 13-11-14

PTSD Peer Support

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

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Monday	7am - 4pm
Tuesday	7am - 4pm
Wednesday	7am - 8pm
Thursday	7am - 4pm
Friday	7am - 4pm
Saturday	7am - 8am
Sunday	7am - 8am