Dissociation Sucks

[corgi_SDiT]

I dissociate about every other day. I often do not know what triggers it. I need help. Any suggestions?

 

[Movingforward10]

I think dissaosciation looks different for us all, in terms of what happens, the depths of it, the frequency etc.

Do you want to share more about what it is like for you? That may help with some responses that can be targeted to things that might help you.

For me, learning that disassociation was even a thing I was doing was a new revelation. It had always just been there as part of me so I wasn't aware. So it's great you are aware.

Do you feel it coming on? Sometimes catching it before it takes route can help.
Or do you know what triggers it? And then working on those triggers.
Or, once you are in it, is there a part of you that can still be in the moment and help bring you back? Which then reduces the length or maybe the depth.

 

[parrotthepolly]

It's possible that nothing triggered it and it's just the fact that you realise you're still alive after experiencing the more horrible side of the world.

 

[corgi_SDiT]

Do you feel it coming on? Sometimes catching it before it takes route can help.
Or do you know what triggers it? And then working on those triggers.
Or, once you are in it, is there a part of you that can still be in the moment and help bring you back? Which then reduces the length or maybe the depth.

@Movingforward10

Often when I dissociate the only thing that gets me back is tactile stimulation. My therapist will lightly kick my shin to help get me back. When it is about to come on I typically start looking at something else than what I am supposed to focus on and I get quite.

 

[whiteraven]

When it is about to come on I typically start looking at something else than what I am supposed to focus on and I get quite.

When I learned that what I was doing was dissociating, I was surprised. I thought everyone just zoned out much of the time. It felt so normal. Now that I know and I don't do it as much, I miss it. I could never tell it was happening because I was dissociating most of the time.

What about it do you find uncomfortable or difficult?

I learned not to do it as much by studying mindfulness. It's best to do that with help, though, 'cause it can backfire if you don't do and understand it correctly.

 

[corgi_SDiT]

I am just missing out on so much of life

 

[FFnerd]

This might sound a little silly, but when I’m at home and trying to keep myself on track instead of mentally falling into a void - I’ll put on a candle or incense. The constant smell is something my mind can’t ignore, so it grounds me just enough to stay in the present. Set routines for eating and getting a little active everyday also helps you stay in tune with your physical body. Over time, you’ll be more likely to stay present in other ways (work, friends, personal hobbies/activities).

Also if you find just need a moment to dissociate, find a nice spot you enjoy at a favorite shop/cafe/park - and do exactly that. Nothing wrong with scheduling in some regulated dissociative time.

Wishing you progress, uncontrollable dissociation is awful to deal with.