Dredging up old memories can trigger your PTSD symptoms that you work to manage,

My “friend” discovered that when his mind is left to wander to a dark place he tends to dig up all the poor decisions he has made in his life, wallow in their outcomes and  how “if only I had done  this and not that”.  “If only I had said this”…

What to do about unproductive rumination:  Damn good question..

My ideas are to recognize when these thoughts are taking over.  Try to change these thoughts by ‘distraction’.  Activities such as EXERCISE (did I seriously just squeeze the E word into this report); listen to cool music that puts you in a happy place; reach out to a friend.  What doesn’t work is alcohol or trying to solve problems that can’t to solved from decades ago (yes, maybe I should have joined the Marines!). My ‘friend’s” problem is these thoughts always seem to arrive in the middle of the night. Walking around the house or a quick slap of cold water seems to help.

ANYHOW, think positive thoughts and keep your powder dry.  Oh, and reduce how much news you read, watch or hear at the diner!.