How often have we found ourselves sitting with our therapist, nodding along to the most interesting and wonderful strategies for emotional regulation and grounding, (Wow, I love this!! I feel so calm /relaxed when I practice this breath /visualisation – sound familiar?) only to leave them untouched outside of our sessions? We later sheepishly or not, confess to our therapist, “Well, I didn’t practice because, you know, it was a good week and I didn’t feel like I needed them.” And what they very kindly respond with “I’m glad it was a good week, but it’s especially crucial to practice during these times.” What? Seriously? Why, I just said it was a good week, didn’t I? What’s the real deal behind their persistence?
Think of a fire drill. It’s a rehearsal without the actual fire. We walk through the steps, familiarizing ourselves with the procedure, just in case the real deal ever goes down. The aim? To ensure a smooth, safe evacuation if a fire emergency ever arises.
Now, picture this: you’re in a building, and someone hands you an emergency evacuation plan, and says, “Here’s your escape route in the event of an emergency.” You glance at it, feeling a bit bewildered, thinking, “I’ll probably never need this. Why do they think I’ll need this?” But then, one day, the shrill ringing of the fire alarm is heard. Confusion and panic sets in. Is this a drill? Is it real? Where’s that darn exit again? Amid the chaos, someone leads, everyone follows the plan, and you find safety outside. Phew!
After a few rounds of drills over time, you’re practically a pro and you can do this blindfolded! The alarm sounds again, and this time, you respond calmly and swiftly. No confusion, no doubt. You know the drill, quite literally, and you reach safety in no time. You might have even guided others out with ease along the way.
But what about a real fire? Smoke and fumes choke the air stinging your eye and nose, reducing visibility and making it almost impossible to breathe properly. Flames may be licking at your heels, radiating heat, and singeing your skin, obstacles and debris litter the path. It’s utter chaos. But those drills? Now’s the time they come in clutch. You’ve practiced the route so many times, it’s second nature. Despite the fear and discomfort, you navigate the inferno, aware of every step to take to ensure your safety.
Now, let’s talk about emotional flooding. It’s like a raging fire in your mind, overwhelming you with intense feelings and physical sensations. Your brain’s on overdrive, foggy, and shuts down, and you’re drowning in panic, sobbing uncontrollably or even raging as if you’re fighting for your very life. But just like with fire drills, your tools for regulation and grounding? They’re your lifeline. They help you weather the storm, bringing you back to calm in the midst of the chaos.
In the grand scheme of things, fire drills and mental health tools aren’t all that different. They both prepare us for the unexpected, giving us the confidence to face whatever comes our way. Let’s be honest with ourselves – although we’d all love the much hyped ideal that is all calm and Zen, it is not always what the experience of life is. So, let’s keep practicing those drills, both literal and metaphorical, because you never know when you might need them to save the day.
Written by Sumathi
Sumathi is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Individual at ABRI. She is a passionate EMDR therapist specializing in trauma work. As an artist and yogi, she integrates mindfulness and creativity into her therapeutic practice, offering a holistic approach to healing.