5 alarm fire but ok emotional regulation

[Recovery4Me]

First need to say- People, building, ect is Ok. Those unsung heroes were full force and put it out quickly as we live in a high rise. That was a blessing.

But I couldn’t remember any of the phone numbers that I would need to call (as my phone was inside) and I disassociated. My dog was busy licking my hand as I froze in the chair watching the ladders, ambulances, inspectors cars and many more Fire Trucks arrive. When I didn’t respond he stood up on his hind legs and continued to nudge and bark until I snapped out of the zombie like mode. When I acknowledged him, he sat right down quietly and watched. It felt like I just woke up.

I never did remember the phone numbers ? however, as the fire was out it wasn’t critical anymore. It was a trigger after all the wildfires last few years and I felt uneasy for a bit for a couple of reasons. One being... have you ever wondered how long your disassociate periods extend? I mean if you live alone, how could you tell?

Any thoughts? Probably seems silly to some but I was a little frightened because I didn’t even realize I phased until my dog assisted.

*admin sorry wasn’t sure where to place this.

 

[blackemerald1]

Whoa! That's a bad experience. I'm so glad you are ok @Recovery4Me - that sounds very scary.

Fires are a problem for me too.

I've often wondered how often and for how long I day-dream, dissociate too. Even the triggers can be hard to identify and even avoid if that's possible.

Sometimes I can work out how much time has transpired by how far I've driven, distance over time etc., but yeah at home... all I do know is when the day has slipped away and my 'to do' list is still there with not much done that I know I've zoned out. Fortunately I only have myself to blame and generally nothing too important has slid by... except another day of my life. lol...

I'm glad your dog was there to gently remind you that you were ok. What a blessing they are.

 

[Recovery4Me]

Thank you @blackemerald1 ?. You have always extended a private part of your life to assist others. Peer support is so valuable in the fact, that we walk the walk. And although everyone is an individual with uniqueness in their challenges- it can often boil down to relating on symptoms. Our ‘new normal’ can be often perplexing at times and our hijacks or loss of momentary (or longer) control... darn frightening with onset.
Hope you are doing well. Luv and light.

 

[Ronin]

Glad you are safe, Rec.

Damn glad you have your doggie, too.

Is there a way for you to simplify, re. numbers? Like, ONE number, not more. Dispatch can sort it who to connect to, fast.

Not sure how to answer your question, fires for one wake me something rapid / it's after I'm completely checked out, but where I do space out? Hours. Days. Weeks. Or I act, just fine. Just not there for it. Oft not even sure who was, if anyone. Figure it out in hindsight, usually. Or if someone asks, needs to know, is trusted nuff.

 

[Freida]

I'm not quite sure I understand your question -- hopefully this helps

I did the 911 thing for decades and people dissociating the minute I said "911 where is your emergency" was pretty common. It even happened to a couple of my fellow dispatchers when they were trying to call in a really bad accident.

Its a big part of the training I gave the new kids - how to wake people up out of that state. Of course we didn't have any idea it was called dissociating. We just called it checked out :laugh:

It usually happened when what people saw/felt/experienced was simply more than their brain could process. And fires were a HUGE thing for most people because humans are hardwired to fear fire. Callers would lose the ability to remember how to dial 911, couldn't say their own name, couldn't tell us their address even though they had lived in that house for 20 years. So our job was basically to do what your dog did -- keep pawing at them until they snapped out of it.

So ya -- from my viewpoint what happened to you was pretty normal in that kind of situation,

 

[Recovery4Me]

@Ronin First one arm open great big hug!

Glad you are safe, Rec.
Is there a way for you to simplify, re. numbers? Like, ONE number, not more. Dispatch can sort it who to connect .

Thanks Ronin. Nice suggestions. My speed dial (one number ) was on my ? inside the building. You did however make me smile with your personal story. I could relate. ? Good to read you dear.

So our job was basically to do what your dog did -- keep pawing at them until they snapped out of it.

? Your a kind and humorous soul! And your post did assist. Thanks Freida.? (if you accept)

I have been thinking about how to have a back up plan. I am going to get my son’s and/or daughter-in-law’s phone number on a dog tag for my key ring. In this manner if I am separated from my phone... I can still phone my rescuers with another device. Lol. It will just look like the rest of the tags and no one will be the wiser. I can make it in a pet store on a ? tag. I guess it is unrealistic to expect a lessened disassociated state with more exposures to natural disasters.

Thanks everyone you helped me to giggle and to reevaluate.??

 

[shimmerz]

I am really sorry I missed this R4Me. I am also happy to hear that you are here to be able to reflect on such a scary incident. Man, you have had a real go with fires in the past few years. I agree with Frieda, that fires in general bring out that type of state in people because we are hardwired for this fear and it is real. That on top of the trauma's you have gone through in the past? Well done to your pooch for literally saving you. He deserves lots and lots of doggy treats.

I freeze a ton. It is dangerous. Having enough space between my trauma and life these days, I have been able to reflect quite extensively on what I need to do to help protect myself from what I now know is a 1st line freeze defense, I have changed up some of my 'policies and procedures' for keeping myself safe regardless of my tendency for this response.

You're 10 steps ahead of me with the dog. Well done.
I have an agenda (HappyPlanner style) that I have created to help me in case of an emergency. I have written down my medical information; doctor's phone number; my therapist's number; specific contacts who know about my 'issues'; bank account numbers; customer numbers etc. I keep this in my car at all times.

There are more strategies I have used to accommodate my freeze response, but I think this is actually what you were asking about specifically. I hope it is helpful to you and I am so thankful that you were safe in the end.

Bell well my friend.
Shimmerz

 

[Recovery4Me]

@shimmerz ? Thanks for that personal as well as thoughtful share.
Good to see you warrior : stay strong.

 

[shatter eyes]

Glad you and pup is safe. Thanks for sharing about what happen and your emotional response.

I am learning regulation....