Just A Thought, But Frightening Anyway.

[Jen93]

So, I recently have started trying to process some memories which are quite difficult to deal with. Anyway, a few minutes ago I scraped myself in the car (I don't know how) but it hurt, but it kind of gave me an adrenaline rush, and I knew if I was badly dissociated or something, that ow feeling could definitely bring me out of it. I really don't want to start something where I deliberately cut myself or something- that actually triggers me in itself. Does anybody have any coping strategies of what to do in the meantime? Anything like, short of hurting myself, but that could give me the same effect to get me out of "dreamland" (that's what my parents think happens when I dissociate: they think it's just daydreaming) in a safe way that's just as effective?

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

Wear an elastic band around the wrist - when you need it, pull it far away and release - it hurts, its pretty discrete and very portable. It's unlikely to cause scarring or marks, but you can burst blood vessels under the skin if you do it hard or often enough, maybe even enough to break the skin (and therefore cause scarring) if used excessively.

You could also try to hold an ice cube/pack until it hurts.

My only worry is that these could be a stepping stone to other self-injurous behaviours.

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

Overwhelming other senses may also cause you to snap out of it. Strong smells; lemon, orange, lavender, tea-tree oil, peppermint etc. Strong flavours; a teaspoon (or satchet) of ketchup is one that is particularly effective for me, mints, ginger, cinnamon gum, lemon/lime, a few grains of salt. Strong sounds overwhelm me and worsen my dissociation but you could listen to loud music with headphones. Look around and focus on bright colours or light for your eyes. Pinching yourself or the aforementioned sensory shocks.

 

[Littlemissbrit]

I have a "grounding device" I like to think of it a bit like inception. It is just a neclace that I always wear that my brother and his girlfriend gave me which I love and has a really positive meaning, when I dissociate or go "out of my body" I rub the necklace, and play with it, it reminds me I am awake and I am here and I am safe - you could try that.....

On another note I also quite like pain, not in a self harming way, and I think it can be addictive....so if you liked the rush it gave - I would definitely avoid doing anything pain wise to snap out of dissociation otherwise you might start harming I guess....

I don't really know much about self harm to be honest, except one of my students in my tutor group does it...

 

[Meadowsweet]

kas-can-fly gives most of the ways that seem to work, if you are with it enough to notice you are dissociating.

It seems to be the suddeness or strength of stimulation to the senses that brings the mind back to them.

 

[NukaGirl]

Endorphins are the thing that makes pain bearable. It's like adrenaline. They're addictive because they make you feel good. Makes you feel alive.

There are support groups you can go to to help you with these feelings.