Need Help: Trouble Coming Out Of Dissociation

[orangeweezel]

I've been experiencing both dissociation and emotional flashbacks frequently throughout the last couple weeks. I've tried grounding myself, deep breathing, hugging a loved one, etc, and can't seem to reconnect. I feel tired constantly, even thought I get enough sleep, having trouble focusing, even on things extremely important to me, brain is fuzzy (having trouble even writing this without erasing 1000 typos), my skin sensitivity is dulled, as are my emotions -- but once my emotions do start to come, it turns into an emotional flashback.

Does anyone have suggestions for me?

Edit: Just FYI I am a T and see my own T as well.

 

[Abstract]

Do you know what it is that has triggered off this worsening of symptoms for you? Or is your general stress level higher and thats what has done it? It usually helps me if I can figure out what is happening and why,

When I can use my brain that much I usually try to remove myself from what is setting me off and then do grounding and get myself back into balance before I move towards it again, When I feel like that one of my useful things is to go under my heavy furry blanket entirely and rock. Its like I need to create a space between the world and me. I hope you find something that works.

 

[orangeweezel]

Hi @Abstract

I was trying to think of a way to describe my situation without revealing too much on the public forum, but would you be willing to have a side conversation to help me through some of this? It's hard for me to ask for help and my situation is quite confusing, but you seem very kind and helpful, so I thought I'd ask.

 

[Gs172003]

Hi @Abstract

I was trying to think of a way to describe my situation without r...

One thing that helps me when I remember to do it is singing. I don't know why but it does. I've been a mess this past week and I'm not sure why.

 

[Muted]

First off, I think the best T's are the ones that also work on their own issues as well. I commend you for doing that. I think being a T would be extremely challenging and potentially emotionally draining at times.

I'm wondering if the things that are triggering you are maybe things that aren't fully resolved. I think if you can identify your triggers (sights, smells, times of day, noises, etc) that might help.

Has there been any changes prior to the last couple of weeks or strong feelings that you can trace back to other times you've felt the same way? It kind of sounds almost like you are shutting down somewhat emotionally like a protection mechanism until it gets to be too much or you get triggered enough that you are almosted getting flooded emotionally w flashbacks and stuff.

I'm not a T., but have experienced trauma, disassociation and am trying to go to therapy. Are you familiar with EMDR at all? I empathize with you, because I can feel when I'm shutting down and it's really hard for me to ask for help. I think it would even be harder for a T., because so many people rely on you. But, everyone needs people to be objective and be able to process through things with.

 

[EveHarrington]

Have you tried tapping into your 5 senses?

Get cold/hot.

East something super hot/sugary.

Listen to something loud.

Smell something strong.

Etc.

If you can't reconnect you may just have to wait it out.

:hug:

 

[Abstract]

Hi @orangeweezel I am so sorry. For not answering before or being more helpful. I do truly hear hear you and do care. Unknown to you pm's have been an issue for me personally. I am much improved and its possible I would be ok (have been deliberating what to answer you) but the truth is that I have demanding stuff happening in real life right now for the next month (hopefully) so cant risk being knocked off the precarious good spot on my perch. It wouldn't be anyone elses responsibility than mine but I do need to be in control of it as much as I can at present.

I truly hear you about privacy and still needing to be heard.

I hope you can share here as no one knows who you are (never did me any good hearing that ;-) ) and I hope you can throw the therapist stuff into the wind. You are a human being and deserve support like anyone. No one knows who you are. I get how hard that is as I don't walk the talk. There is also an anonymous forum if that helps.

It sounds like circumstances are part of this . I do care what is happening for you and believe many others would do so too. Sorry again for not being able to help more but if you want to chat here would be more than willing.

 

[estelle beninson]

I have had ptsd for forty years, and still dissociate. The first thing you have to do
is release your mind from the trauma. You dissociate because your mental energies
are still tied up in the event and also, you dont want to experience more pain.

It helped me to go over and over the events in a safe relaxed space with someone who
supported and believed me. It helped me to stay in the real world when I went to
Budapest, its just a very interesting place and I came out of myself to explore my surroun dings
and not gt lost.

I also meditate. Ken Mellor, Grounding meditation is a good place to start

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

Intense exercise can help.

And honestly? Often, I just weather the storm. I don't know how long this has been happening for you, but for me, it has been a lifetime, so I've become accustomed to a certain level of disconnect, and I also have become accustomed to the idea that it will eventually pass. I think I am actually more uncomfortable with being connected than disconnected in many ways. Breathe deep. The goal isn't to connect all at once, but gradually through these sorts of mindfulness exercises - as you stated, feeling your emotions right now is totally overwhelming (but not feeling them is also awful). You don't want to go from 0 to 100 - maybe just 0 to 10, and then maybe to 20 ....