Dissociation When Something Is Good?

[Watts]

Hi,

I have times when I dissociate like many on the forums. During moments of stress, during therapy when discussing the hard things. But I also seem to dissociate when my therapist is trying to relay helpful information to me, or trying to comment in a positive way.. compliment my strength etc...

Does this happen to anyone else? Why do you think this is happening?

With thanks,

Watts.

 

[Abstract]

Yes it does Watts. I think sometimes I do it out of habit and other times positive input such as you mention actually can feel threatening to me in a sense. Its probably the closeness and I guess my instinctive questioning of motives. Distrust essentially I guess. Does your therapist know?

 

[Watts]

Hi.

Thanks for replying. I haven"t told her just yet....

 

[Venusian]

It happens to me also. Any time I get singled out and draw attention to myself. When I say something funny at work and people laugh, when someone gives me a compliment, sometimes just when a stranger walks past and says "hi" and keeps on walking.

In my case I know where it originated. I was singled out before the abuse happened. I think whenever something bad happens to a person there is a sense that you were singled out, that it wasn't random chance. Even if it was random there is that question "Why me?" that goes through everyone's mind. Attention has more bad overtones than good ones. I had to realize that before I could start relaxing a little bit. I still don't like compliments and I hate being the center of attention but at least in small groups it doesn't get so bad anymore. I still hate charades.

 

[safenow]

I tend to think, when someone says something nice, that something bad is going to happen next. It's hard to accept it when people are so kind and show any type caring. But, since coming here, I"m beginning to accept that kindness and support without waiting for that "bad" to show up.