Looking at memories and images

HOW TO USE IMAGERY TO HELP WITH FEELING IT’S YOUR FAULT

• Riley was having thoughts of ‘I should have done more to prevent the accident’ and images of the accident.  

• Riley imagined a conversation with Charlie, thinking about if it were the reverse situation what Charlie would want for Riley.

Tip:

• Working with images can be distressing.

• If it feels like it’s too upsetting, please skip forward to page 6 of this module.

• It’s important to know we’re not trying to pretend the loss didn’t occur in our imagination, but we’re taking control of the images we have in our mind.

• Playing around with the images in our mind can help us to work with the loss.

Tip: Looking at memories and images can be confronting. If you start to feel very distressed or spaced out, ‘ground’ yourself in the and here and now by trying one of these ideas, or think of your own idea:

• Touching a stone or pebble.

• Use a room perfume or burn a scented candle.

• Eat a sour lolly or a strong mint.

• Listen to music turned up loud.

• Use five senses (list what you see, hear, smell, touch, taste here and now)

• Use a weighted/heavy blanket.

• Pick up an object near you and focus on it.

• Play with an object e.g., a ‘fidget’ spinner or stress ball.

If you are finding this section very distressing and difficult to complete on your own, consider talking to your GP (i.e., family doctor) about a referral to a mental health practitioner to help you work through it. You can also see resources here and here. You can also skip forward if it feels like too much, to the section on problem-solving.

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