Dissociation isn't working anymore?

[user56674]

When I was younger, I used to start dissociating when going through traumatic events. It was something for me to dive into to make me feel safe? But now, its no longer a comfort zone for me?

Ive stopped dissociating, and the rare times that I do, its not a safe feeling. This was a sudden change in my comfort zone. Ive been getting more anxiety too.
Now that im in the present most of these days instead of being In my head i dont know what to do. Its like i've realized I'm living my actual life?

I dont want to go back. But im having a hard time stepping forward? Its no longer comforting, it's traumatizing.

Has anyone else gone through this? If so what helped you?

 

[Friday]

I think most people do?

It seems to be a “safety catch” / “emergency exit” most people have / their brains use?

Not entirely dissimilar to most coping mechanisms… where it works, until it doesn’t.

 

[arfie]

hello ethereal. welcome to the forum.

a recurring --perhaps even dominant-- theme of my recovery has been remediating the many habits which worked for helping me survive childhood but are thoroughly counterproductive in my adult life. "daydreaming" in a sandbox full of bullies is a whole different event than dissociating on a freeway full of bullies.

in general, my own approach to the phenom has been to replace the dysfunctional childhood habits with more productive adult habits. my own dissociation was a byproduct of repressing emotions. crying and/or getting angry in a sandbox full of bullies nets some powerfully negative reactions, so i learned to repress the need and a psychotic dissociation was born. during recovery i replaced the habit of repressing emotions with open honesty and emotional channeling.

but that is me and every case is unique.

steadying support while you sort your own case. welcome aboard.

 

[parrotthepolly]

Ive stopped dissociating, and the rare times that I do, its not a safe feeling. This was a sudden change in my comfort zone. Ive been getting more anxiety too.
Now that im in the present most of these days instead of being In my head i dont know what to do. Its like i've realized I'm living my actual life?

I switch between this realisation and full on dream mode. Mostly cause a lot of everyday stuff brings up uncomfortable sensations for me that my brain's probably over exaggerating but at least I'm fully aware.

Just knowing I'll die one day and it won't matter in the end cause I'm not famous and anywhere near important has eased the pain a bit.

 

[MelissaESisemore]

hello ethereal. welcome to the forum.

a recurring --perhaps even dominant-- theme of my recovery has been remediating the many habits which worked for helping me survive childhood but are thoroughly counterproductive in my adult life. "daydreaming" in a sandbox full of bullies is a whole different event than dissociating on a freeway full of bullies.

in general, my own approach to the phenom has been to replace the dysfunctional childhood habits with more productive adult habits. my own dissociation was a byproduct of repressing emotions. crying and/or getting angry in a sandbox full of bullies nets some powerfully negative reactions, so i learned to repress the need and a psychotic dissociation was born. during recovery i replaced the habit of repressing emotions with open honesty and emotional channeling.

but that is me and every case is unique.

steadying support while you sort your own case. welcome aboard.

Thank you so much!

 

[MelissaESisemore]

I switch between this realisation and full on dream mode. Mostly cause a lot of everyday stuff brings up uncomfortable sensations for me that my brain's probably over exaggerating but at least I'm fully aware.
geometry dash scratch
Just knowing I'll die one day and it won't matter in the end cause I'm not famous and anywhere near important has eased the pain a bit.

Great