I struggle with this as well. As this all is somewhat new to me I have to say that I was worried about the very same things. I really trusted my therapist so it took a while but it happened. I have to say though that it felt safer -and still does- when in person.
It feels much less safe to...
This. While I encourage you to bring it up to your doctor/therapist, what you're experiencing seems to me very much a mix of hypervigilance+flashbacks.
Those can be disorienting and scary. You're definitely not alone in struggling with that.
I have had 2 kids. Vaginal delivery and planned c-section.
Because of the severe tearing during the 1st, a c-section was highly recommended.
I would 100% prefer the c-section -again, I had many complications during the 1st delivery-. The recovery was easier as well -although not a walk in the...
There is a very fine line between OSDD and DID. Fragmentation occurs in a continuum so your parts haven't changed. Focusing on diagnosis sometimes leads to more confusion.
I've told my current therapist many times that I want a roadmap...It would come handy to us all huh.
I have experienced...
Some severe dissociative symptoms such as "hearing" voices (or having thoughts that are not your own) and other dissociative PTSD like symptoms such as flashbacks (that can be auditive) are relatively common. DDNOS/OSDD sounds like something possible if there has been traumatic experiences but I...
My protector is verbal but she generally communicates in writing. She has participated in therapy sessions though.
There are 2 other parts that are mostly non verbal for now. I don't know if it is just because thay are not ready to be verbal or if they will never be. Hoping for the 1st one...
Fear. I cannot handle fear. It is too much and I just go away.
Anger. I simply do not feel anger. A different part of me does.
Sadness: I can feel sad to an extent but I generally shut down if I'm at the verge of crying.
I understand there is a continuum for every emotion so even though I do...
I agree with what was said. Our therapist has worked with everyone. She has set boundaries but has not been afraid to interact or communicate with anyone. The continuous interactions have made a big impact on them, and me:
*From changing their name from "critical part" to "protector".
*To these...
I communicate with them by journaling mainly. Other than that is sensations and becoming aware of how differently I perceive things. Sometimes I "hear" thoughts but we mainly journal.
I would just wrote about topics they might he interested in or about something you know they want to say...
Yeah I guess it is. But it left me very confused and shocked because she was getting consultation and I didn't think this would happen.
The phone call went good and I have a 1st appt scheduled for next week on Friday. I just have to be hopeful. It may work out. I just need to keep telling...
Yes. I think that plays a role in therapy. To get to know about a few things... However, brace yourself, it is not easy. I'm grateful to have had a great therapist to process all this. Thankful you have one as well.
My therapist of 3 years is referring me out. She has been getting consultation for my case because even though she is an amazing professional she is not specialized in dissociative disorders and she has decided to not go back in person.
She told me 2 weeks ago and gave me a list of referrals...
I would also add that many tines my homework for the week was to write down anything that didn't get said, mostly because I was so spaced out and dissociated that I couldn't articulate my thoughts and/or because some/a certain part talked more than others and so the others didn't get to...
A lot packed here!
OSDD here as well. We started -just did it a few times- getting acquainted with the different EMDR tools. The tappers are recommended for heavy dissociation and I enjoy them because they physically ground me while doing the bilateral movements.
I have to say I barely...
Woah, it sounds like you are making SO MUCH progress!! Kuddos to you and your hard work. I believe that now that you are less numb, it is completely normal to feel more raw and for emotions to start coming back. Even though it is uncomfortable, it is progress!!
I am sure you have tried, but...
I too struggle with dissociation so I look forward to reading the responses you'll get.
Have you tried grounding right before journaling and once you are a bit more settled try to answer a prompt? Maybe it could be something specific (it always helps me if it is more specific rather than broad...
I do this at times when stress becomes almost unbearable. It happens more now with the added stress of the pandemic. I try to work on self care, soothing and grounding. It helps a bit.
I agree dissociation presents in many different ways, even for the same individual.
For myself, sometimes it doesn't matter if my eyes are open or not because I am immersed in memories. Some other times I am just so spaced out that I can't hear, talk or move. At other times I feel my eyes kind...
I guess everything altogether but when dissociation gets bad...I can't think, hear, talk or move. But at the same time, I am kind of aware I can't do anything at times and that brings up shame as well...
Hi there.
I have been diagnosed with PTSD and a dissociative disorder. I am still working on accepting that.
I am, as many of you, highly functional. I have a masters and 2 bachelors. I am a teacher, have 2 wonderful kids and nobody would know how much I struggle...
Reflecting back I have...
Hi. It does sound like PTSD, but I would encourage you to check with a mental health professional, preferably someone trauma informed.
I am sorry you went through all that. You are not alone. Sending love.
Not being able to talk is one of the things that happen to me when I dissociate. Talking is regulated by an area of the brain called Broca's area which shuts down very often if we are experiencing flashbacks or heavy dissociation.
At that time, most parts of your brain have shut off, especially...