Search results

Dissociation exists on a spectrum. At the 'normal' level we have so-called "highway hypnosis". At the far extreme of the spectrum we have the trauma-related DID and the non-trauma related forms we note in people such as Einstein.

I agree. I wouldn't pursue the diagnosis, though; if you have it, you have it, and your therapist will let you know when it's time. Just try to sit with yourself, wherever you are in the moment, and don't worry about a diagnosis.

I also have earplugs and isolation headphones in my arsenal. Have you tried either? They are uncomfortable when worn for long periods, but they do give me a sense of control.

:)

I agree. That's why I wrote 'dissociation'. Dissociation is not limited to trauma survivors. Some people - especially highly intelligent, creative people, dissociate easily. I dissociate when I study - and that has nothing to do with trauma. I just 'go deep'. If one concentrates so deeply that...

Kaluki, I hear you moving to a softer, more understanding place in your heart. I note positive growth in the right direction. My therapist let me sit on his lap once. We quickly found out I was too heavy. :) After that point, I sat close to him when he read me stories.

Oh, I so relate! I also tiptoe around with my shoes off, watch movies or listen to music only with my headphones on! Even though I technically no longer have PTSD, the noise my downstairs neighbors make drives me up the wall. They sound like Neanderthals and that makes me anxious. What do you...

Yes, I also heard he thought driving required too much concentration; he resented anything that took his mind off his research The perfect response!

But it's all true. That's what's so beautiful about it all. :)

Hi, This doesn't sound anything like DID or, as we used to call it, Multiple Personality Disorder. It does sound like you are losing touch with reality, are hallucinating.

Please try to step up the appointment with your counselor. Believe it or not, you will feel some relief once a responsible adult knows the truth. It's really hard to sit with such feeling all alone; telling even one safe responsive adult will take some of the weight off your shoulders. If the...

Hi Matthew, EMDR is, from my experience, one of those treatments that either works or doesn't - and you know for sure which way the wind blows when when you're done. EMDR is something of an art; some practitioners are better than others. You might try a more experienced practioner, someone...

I've been in that place many many times. Each time, I was convinced I'd die. Each time, I came out ok on the other end. Just remember: This will NOT last forever. Breathe in, breathe out, repeat. Ice cubes in the hand or on your neck - even a cold can of soda on you neck - can help. There is...

Perhaps this is the reason Einstein never learned to drive a car.

Sort of puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

It is fairly well documented that Albert Einstein used to get lost easily just walking around the (then) small town of Princeton. He was so caught up in his thoughts, he often didn't know where he was and so couldn't find his way home. A Princeton business owner said Einstein once walked into...

This reminds me a little bit of something that happened to me. I was teaching, both in a high school classroom and outside in private practice. Unbeknownst to my students, I was severely depressed, dissociating heavily (this is when my DID symptoms were at their worst), and suffering tremendous...

Do we know he's not at high risk? This is not something he (or any mental health professional) would tell you about. If I remember correctly, you said he's no longer seeing clients. If so, no, he hasn't returned to work, rather he has segued to a much less stressful position. I'd say he's...

Here's something to consider. I understand, given your attachment issues and past experiences, that you fear the worst about this relationship. Out of fear, you have put together a story about his actions and intentions that reflect your fear. Makes sense. May I propose another plausible...

Like Joey, I'm glad you are taking positive steps towards closure. Kudos. But wait: You said you've been out of therapy for almost nine weeks; how does this attachment therapist fit in? And, if she's not your therapist, why is she drafting this letter? I do want to point out that you're...

I've had the same trouble at school. The only accommodation that I have is extended exam time. It doesn't really take care of the problem but it does allow me to stop, put my head down and rest, or even go out for a walk when having trouble. At my worst point, I had triple time for exams...

I struggled with depression and suicidal ideation for some thirty years. I have three ways of fighting depression: 1. Make sure to do something I love everyday. For that matter, spend as much time as possible doing what I love. 2. Practice smiling. I wrote about this elsewhere. I put a pencil...

Great idea! Here's a similar one.... When we smile, certain nerves are triggered and they send a message to the brain to release those happy chemicals, certain neurotransmitters. So, yes, smiling really does help depression greatly. Problem is, most depressed people have a really hard time...

Other than the highly responsible steps you've already taken (kudos!), I'd talk to the alter. If you don't have a relationship with this alter yet, you can still talk aloud to him/her about what happened, the dangers involved, and better ways to cope than self-injury. Usually, when I don't know...

Well, I had DID for many many years, so I'm pretty knowledgeable about dissociation, but I've never experienced anything like that. Does sound like you were delusional at the time, and that's a form of psychosis. If you have DID, you could have a delusional alter. Do check out your...