Dissociation Worsening? What To Do?

[Storm-ridden]

Hey, so recently it seems like my dissociation is worsening. I'm not even sure why. I was doing ok up until a couple of weeks ago, then had a bad episode (anxiety, then 24 hours of almost catatonia before coming back slowly). This prior weekend I had a moderate problem with anxiety- had an anxiety attack in the mall, but focused on my dog (who I trained to go in stores with me when I"m anxious- he's a real help) and was able to continue shopping for stuff after awhile. I was still anxious, but I could breathe again.

The past few days have seemed almost foggy to me, and I can't quite bring myself to focus sometimes, and other times it gets bad enough I don't hear others talking to me. Its almost painful at times. I don't know what to do about it, and right now anxiety and depression are starting to rule me again. I started on Zoloft yesterday, but don't know if that'll help at all- even if it does, I've got weeks to go before I can tell for sure.

Can anyone help? I lost myself in a fog at work yesterday for a bit, right as the doctor wanted me to run a cytology, and I came-to a few seconds later, but both she and my coworker were looking at me like I'd grown 2 heads!

 

[Nonexistent]

Hi and welcome.

I'm most on my own figuring out my PTSD and life with the help of books, so unlike many, I've never used any pills or seriously gone to any professional, so it's now up to you whether you'll want to believe my words or not. However, I've done a hell lot of thinking.

What I think: Increasing dissociation is your body dealing with the anxiety. Anxiety signalizes about that unresolved pain. Depression really takes you closer to that pain. All you gotta do is find the source of it. Think about how sad it was for you as a kid. Then cry about it. (Please don't laugh, it's not a joke:)) And voila! Depression, anxiety and dissociation reduced.

Report if that helped or if you have any problems with that. (It does help me.)

Best of luck.

 

[James Carson]

Hello,

Dissociation (as mentioned above) is a response to circumstances, feelings or sensations that are perceived as overwhelming, this causes you to shutdown in response, it is your nervous systems method of protecting you from being hurt.

Peter Levine, has developed a theory of PTSD and also a therapeutic method for its resolution. I'd advise you to seek a somatic experiencing professional who will help you explore and untangle the deep, underlying causes of your dissociation and anxiety. For now however, If you would like, I could sense you a 1 hour video, by Levine, on youtube. In the video he describes methods that will help you to reconnect with your body, thus lessening your dissociation and the mental fog that accompanies it. He also introduces methods to help you to create a sense of safety within yourself, which increases your ability to manage difficult emotions and sensations, thus reducing the likelihood of your shutting down and dissociating.

Private message me, if you would like a link to this video.

Best wishes.

James.