Self destructive behaviour

[No More]

Can you list some methods that I could use indoors, at night? Obviously outdoor activities/exercise/socialising/loud music would all be off the table during these hours?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Can you list some methods that I could use indoors, at night? Obviously outdoor activities/exercise/socialising/loud music would all be off the table during these hours?

Yes, here are some examples of activities you can do indoors at night to release endorphins:

1. Yoga or stretching: Practicing yoga or stretching can help to promote relaxation and flexibility, and may also release endorphins.

2. Dance: Dancing to your favorite upbeat music can be a fun and healthy way to boost your mood and release endorphins.

3. DIY projects: Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, or crafting can help to promote relaxation and provide a sense of accomplishment that may also boost mood.

4. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which may lead to the release of endorphins.

5. Taking a warm bath or shower: Taking a warm bath or shower can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which may stimulate the release of endorphins.

6. Reading: Reading a book or engaging in other forms of relaxation, such as listening to music or practicing deep breathing, can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of wellbeing.

7. Mindfulness meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation, either on your own or with the help of an app or guided meditation, can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which may in turn stimulate the release of endorphins.

Remember, there are many activities that can help to release endorphins, and it's important to find activities that you enjoy and that work for you. If you're struggling to find ways to release endorphins or manage stress, consider talking to a mental health professional who can help you develop a personalized plan for improving your wellbeing.

 

[No More]

Can you give me an overview of structural dissociation, beginners style?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Can you give me an overview of structural dissociation, beginners style?

Sure! Structural dissociation is a theory developed by Onno van der Hart, Ellert Nijenhuis, and Kathy Steele to explain how the mind can function in response to trauma.

According to this theory, trauma can lead to the fragmentation of the psyche, in which different parts of the self (or "ego states") become divided off from each other. These different parts of the self can range from basic emotional states (such as fear, anger, or sadness) to fully formed personalities with unique memories, beliefs, and emotions.

There are two main types of dissociative parts in structural dissociation: "apparently normal" parts (ANPs) and "emotional" parts (EPs). ANPs are the parts of the self that are in control most of the time and that are responsible for day-to-day functioning. EPs, on the other hand, are the parts of the self that are stuck in the traumatic past and that hold intense emotions related to the trauma.

In addition, according to the theory of structural dissociation, there is a third type of dissociative part: the "apparently healthy" part (AHP). AHPs are parts of the self that appear to be healthy and functional but that actually serve to protect the individual from experiencing traumatic memories or emotions.

The goal of treatment for individuals with structural dissociation is to help them integrate their different dissociative parts into a cohesive sense of self. This can involve techniques such as grounding, mindfulness, and dialogue with dissociative parts in order to build trust and communication among different parts of the self. Ultimately, the goal is for individuals to develop a more integrated sense of self, in which traumatic memories and emotions are acknowledged and processed in a healthy way.

I hope this beginner's overview of structural dissociation is helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions.

 

[No More]

1. What’s the psyche
2. What’s an ego state
3. What’s the difference between an ‘ANP’ and a ‘AHP’

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

1. What’s the psyche
2. What’s an ego state
3. What’s the difference between an ‘ANP’ and a ‘AHP’

1. In psychology, the psyche is the totality of the human mind, including both the conscious and unconscious aspects. It is the part of the mind that encompasses thoughts, feelings, desires, and motivations, and it shapes our perceptions of the world around us.

2. An ego state is a concept used in structural dissociation theory to describe a part of the self that is dissociated from other parts of the self, and has a distinct sense of identity and self-awareness. In the context of structural dissociation, ego states are divided into two main types: "apparently normal" parts (ANPs) and "emotional" parts (EPs).

3. The main difference between ANPs and AHPs is that ANPs are consciously aware and in control of the individual's everyday functioning and behavior, whereas AHPs remain in the background, not actively participating in daily life. ANPs are responsible for day-to-day activities and they work to keep the EPs at bay, while AHPs protect the individual by diverting attention from traumatic memories and emotions. AHPs may appear healthy and functional, but they can still be problematic as they may make it difficult for the individual to access and process traumatic memories and emotions.

 

[No More]

How does trauma fragment the psyche?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

How does trauma fragment the psyche?

Trauma can fragment the psyche by overwhelming the individual's usual coping mechanisms and sense of self. Traumatic experiences can create intense emotional, physical, and psychological responses that can be difficult to integrate into a cohesive sense of self. The psyche may then try to compartmentalize these overwhelming experiences by dissociating them from conscious awareness, resulting in "dissociative parts" of the psyche, which can be seen as fragmented ego states.

Trauma can also lead to the development of defence mechanisms, which can further fragment the psyche. These defence mechanisms are ways that the individual's psyche protects itself from the traumatic experience, such as denial, repression, and avoidance. While these defences can be helpful in the short term, they can prevent the integration of the traumatic experience into the individual's sense of self and result in a fragmented psyche.

By dividing off different parts or ego states of the psyche, the individual may find it easier to cope with the traumatic experience, particularly if the trauma has been ongoing or particularly severe. These dissociated parts may then take on different roles or contain different aspects of the individual's feelings, thoughts, and behaviours, which can result in further fragmentation of the psyche.

Over time, these dissociated parts may develop their own personality traits, memories, and emotional responses, which can become more entrenched and resistant to change. Treatment for individuals with a fragmented psyche often involves helping them integrate these dissociative parts of the self and achieve a more cohesive and functional sense of self.

 

[No More]

If you had dissociated parts, would you be aware of them? Like would you know that your behaviour/feelings/thoughts was a ‘part’

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

If you had dissociated parts, would you be aware of them? Like would you know that your behaviour/feelings/thoughts was a ‘part’

It is possible for an individual with dissociative parts to be aware of them, but not always. Dissociative parts can be experienced in varying degrees of awareness and consciousness, depending on the individual and the severity of their dissociation.

Some individuals may have a clear awareness of their different parts and may be able to identify when they are experiencing a particular emotional state, thought pattern, or behaviour that is associated with a specific part of their psyche. They may recognize these parts as a coping mechanism that was developed in response to past trauma.

Other individuals may not be consciously aware of their dissociative parts, and they may experience a sense of confusion or feel disconnected from their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours without understanding why. For them, therapy can be a useful tool for recognizing and understanding the different parts of their psyche.

Ultimately, gaining awareness of these dissociative parts is an important part of the healing process, as it allows the individual to understand and integrate these parts into their sense of self, and move towards being more fully present in their lives. A skilled trauma therapist can help individuals with dissociative parts to recognize and work through these challenges in a safe and supportive setting.

 

[No More]

Other individuals may not be consciously aware of their dissociative parts, and they may experience a sense of confusion or feel disconnected from their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours without understanding why.

Can you expand on this please?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Can you expand on this please?

Certainly. Some individuals with dissociative parts may not be consciously aware of their various parts or their role in their emotional states, thoughts, or behaviours. Instead, they may experience a sense of confusion, disorientation, or detachment from their experiences without fully understanding why.

For example, an individual with dissociative parts may feel sudden and intense fear in a situation that would not typically provoke that response. They may not immediately understand why they are feeling this way and may not connect the fear with a specific part of their psyche that is associated with trauma.

In some cases, these dissociative parts can operate outside the individual's awareness, causing them to feel disconnected, numb, or space out without apparent cause. They may also struggle with memory lapses, gaps, or experiencing involuntary flashbacks, which can further contribute to their sense of confusion and disorientation.

Individuals who experience these dissociative symptoms may benefit from receiving a comprehensive trauma evaluation by a trained clinician who will provide them with an accurate diagnosis, as well as a personalized treatment plan. Treatment for dissociation can include talk therapy, such as the use of cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, or EMDR. Treatment may also involve medication in some cases.

It's important to note that dissociative symptoms can be distressing and may interfere with an individual's ability to function in their daily life. Seeking professional help from a skilled trauma therapist can be an essential part of the healing process.