Disassociation: How To Lessen It!

[Dylan]

Hi Trishok - Have you read "Trauma and Recovery" by Judith Herman? She poses the possibility that BP disorder may be part of the (C)PTSD continuum. I found that interesting and very relevant as, apparently, many PTSDers are first dx'd with BP disorder (I was), as well as DID sometimes before getting to the root dx of PTSD.

This routine thread is interesting. If I get too much routine, not enough novelty, I go into that passivity/numb/auto pilot place. I need some routine, certainly, and if there is too much novelty/newness stress my symptoms skyrocket, but I have found that it's a very delicate balance - one that, if mastered, I think would greatly reduce symptoms.

Thanks for highlighting this subject. If I make 'balance' my priority, I do much, much better. I'd lost sight of that....

-Dylan

 

[trishok]

Dylan, thanks for stressing the "balance" - I can relate to the passivity/numb/autopilot place from too much routine now that you mention it, and can see how it does stem from too much routine. It seems I am becoming aware of the almost compulsive habit of my routine and therefore feel uncomfortable and "out of place" , particularly in the mornings, when I don't "perform" the automatic things I do, such as turn the jug on, make coffee, have cigarettes, and do the same at least 3 times before thinking of anything else.
I will seek out the book Trauma and Recovery, thank you.

From this forum I have found comfort in learning that dissociation/depersonalisation/derealization is so widespread and common - I was thinking I was a real "freak" and quite ashamed about it before the forum.

So, thanks everyone for sharing.

Trish

 

[Annie]

Cecilia - that's called grounding...and it is NOT insane, it is an actual coping skill.

Bevcan - I am in an Acute Partial Hospitalization Program, or as I like to call it, Crazy Camp.

It's a 4 week out patient basis program. For 4 weeks I go there 4 days a week and learn all kinds of life coping skills. The number one thing they centre on is ROUTINE. On Mondays we have to set a weekly goal and then say how we will achieve that goal by taking specific actions that are measurable. the following Monday we rate our week's performance by whether or not we were able to get tasks done, etc... On Thursday's we also have a weekend sheet that we fill out our schedule.
Every morning we have a 'therapy' session with our group- this is usually 6 people. The whole program only has 12 people at a time.

Anyway, where I was going with this....LOL is that it is as simple as ROUTINE...I am in week 4 of the program and will be discharged on Thursday, if not for the routine, setting a bedtime, getting up at the same time, no matter what my plans for that day are, I would be more lost than I am.

It works, if you truly give it a try, you will be shockingly amazed!

Annie
:)

 

[Auburngirl]

Annie that sounds like a really good programme. I had a friend in Ottawa with depression and she also attended an outpatient programme that was really helpful- and a really nice alternative to being an inpatient, or just having an hour of therapy a week (both for her, and for those of us who were living with her and trying to support her)

I wonder to what extent I can construct something similar for myself. I'm trying to set up meetings and tie goals and deadlines to them.

 

[ruby]

hi

I am interested in your information re dissociation and find it very hard to form habits at the moment. I feel like I am suffering from my agoraphobia or something cause I am staying in the house alot and feel afraid to meet up with people without creating conflict.

any way thanks for your post

ruby

 

[cyndi]

The routine idea is a good one-hard because my work schedule is all over the place...I have been wearing a hair rubber band on my wrist to remind me to stay present. If I catch myself starting to disassociate, I pop it. The physical sensation brings me back to earth. My therapist suggested it.

 

[suzie q]

Thanks for the answer to one of my long time questions. It all makes sense, but with all this garbage (my emotions), I often miss the obvious. I know this post has some time on it so, do you have any updates in this arena??

Info would be greatly appreciated...suzie q

 

[LikeCharlotte]

That makes perfect sense! I love it. If you are actively engaged in something and "in the drivers seat" so to speak it seems logical that it would be harder to disassociate. Once it is routine to be engaged you retrain your brain.

My question is simply: Does this work for someone who tends to dissacosiate with over stimulation?

I tend to keep a tight routine but when it is broken I can get very symptomatic. I feel that these routines keep me in my comfort one and I need to be (more) okay with change and unpredictability. I can limit the stressors in my life to some degree but I cannot be in control of everything at all times. I become dependent on these routines for my own sanity and if and when they fail everything crashes down on, in and around me. In the past I have created a comfortable sanctuary and routine that protects me and keeps me engaged thereby helping my symptoms but I honestly think it stunted my progress. I start therepy again soon (I am waiting on new insurance) and I am going to bring this up. Maybe I am missing something!

I'd love to hear how this is working for you. Keep us updated Bec.

 

[NomadHeart]

This is so encouraging. Thank you so much. I am about to enter IP treatment in two weeks which will force routine on me, and knowing it has helped you makes me look forward to it. I am a walking zombie most days I am that disassociated. And when i return I must rebuild my life from scratch, so this routine concept seems manageable.
Thank you again.

 

[Perspective11]

I completely "check out" when I'm dissociating... I go for hours sometimes literally not knowing where I am or who I am. It's scary. I know when I have things to do (writing, school, taking care of family, etc) I dissociate a lot less. Now that I don't have those things to do, it feels as if my dissociating is becoming a lot worse. I won't be taking any college classes this Winter term, and that alone worries me (most of my self harm happens while I'm dissociating) - I can't work due to my anxiety issues currently. I've let both my counselor and Dr know about needing to stay busy... now its just a matter of keeping myself busy during the next three months and hopefully will be returning back to school by then.