Dissociation After Long Conversation

[ssw]

I had found, despite the topic, a conversation extending more than 30 minuets or so tends to make me dissociate.

Would anyone know why perhaps?

 

[Killashandra]

I'm wondering perhaps if you had endless lectures as a child?

I tend to disassociate during a long conversation, and I was thinking it had something to do with having family discussions.. which were mainly long-winded lecture on how I wasn't good enough. .

 

[Friday]

If my stress levels are rising enough, talking, or if the subject matter is difficult -for whatever reason, including talking about normal things when my head is stuck in a different gear- then I tend to start zoning out.

 

[anthony]

Boredom? Are you referring to dissociation from trauma, or normal dissociation that occurs in every human being?

There is a difference. Is your dissociation due to something trauma related at the time you do it? If not, then it is considered normal human dissociation, where we all just zone out for our own reasons.

 

[Snowflake]

Happens to me too. It happens with tv shows and movies too.

 

[Seasounds]

I echo the above responses.

I think that the normal attention span is less than 30 min?
Add to that, extraneous stresses that you are worried about, and any conscious, subconscious, or unconscious memories that are being stimulated, in the situation. Closed room? With an authority figure? Similar sounds or scents that are present?

You might note the sensations, subject matter, and physical situation, and talk about it in therapy. Exercises like this have helped memories surface, that I could then process in therapy.

I always have found that is is helpful to pay attention to my body signals (including not being able to concentrate) and use that information to take some action to help me feel safer, or to help me concentrate better (e.g. take a bathroom break, state a boundary, change the subject, etc). Before I developed my voice and self-awareness, I used to feel almost 'pinned down' when someone would not stop talking.

You can also try making a plan, to help bring your attention back to the conversation (e.g. touching your wrist, etc.)

 

[Killashandra]

You can also try making a plan, to help bring your attention back to the conversation (e.g. touching your wrist, etc.)

That's a great idea, I tend to remove myself from the conversation for a toilet break, cigarette break etc just to change the environment for a few minutes.

 

[ssw]

You guys are fantastic.

I'll reply tomorrow.
I'm kind of in and out of dissociation right now. This is too much right now unfortunately.

Be peaceful. Thank you all so much.

 

[ssw]

Boredom? Are you referring to dissociation from trauma, or normal dissociation that occurs in every human b...

Trauma

When I was 15 - Ivebeen dissociating periodically since then.
And a previous trauma. 7months ago.

New everything -
New house new job new friends new city.
Last trauma was an abusive relationship I was isolated for 3.5 years from all my friends.

So. A lots going on. This isn't normal.

 

[ssw]

God.
It's already been 7months?

......where the f*ck have I been.


I can't lie. That just breaks my soul and makes me bawl. I have lost so much of my life because of my ex. A total of 4 years ....
What the f*ck is this life. This is not a life.

 

[chant2012]

@ssw

Sorry you're feeling that way. It's not your fault. I can relate so much. Feel free to PM me if you want to. You're brave for sharing.