Disassociation, lost hours.

Hi @strong.

I just wanted to welcome you to the forums. I know some of the members here experience dissociation, although I don't have any experience with it myself.

Is it something that you've discussed with the therapist that you're doing EMDR with?

Hi @TheVorticon, thanks for the welcome 😊

Yes, this is definitely something my Psychologist knows about. It is something she recognises during a session and is very good at talking me through it or just staying with me in support. It is my ‘alone’ time that is my biggest concern, I don’t have the ability to control it, as I struggle to even recognise that I am on the verge of disassociation.

i have never spoken to anyone else who has experienced disassociation, I know how odd it all sounds to others. But, it would be nice not to feel so isolated and hear how others cope.

Glad to hear that it's something you can work with your psychologist with @strong. Did they have any ideas about how you might recognise it coming on?

I've heard people mention "grounding objects" before... Like keeping a fidget toy or something textured like a stone in their pocket, and using that as a way to check-in with their senses and body regularly throughout the day. Have you tried anything like that? Although it wouldn't be an instant fix, I'm wondering if it might be something that could help over time.

Hi @TheVorticon

A rock is exactly what I keep with me, I also keep a citrus based hand cream close to try and keep me grounded.

When I am vigilant about being focused on my surroundings I can use these ‘tools’. It is really hard to keep that focus up all of the time, that is when I seem to ‘slip’.

Do you mind me asking you @TheVorticon what you use as your calming or controlling your emotions when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

That sounds a soothing routine, stretching is something I hadn’t thought about as a calming technique, but I could see the benefit, thanks for the idea.

Meditation I guess would be an extension of stretching, is this something you’ve tried or do as part of your overall well-being? It is something I’ve never tried, not sure if it is too quiet, if that makes sense?

it appeals to me to be calm and centred, it would take a lot to achieve that point I am imagining.

Have you or anyone got any suggestions on starting out with meditation? I am too far from town to go to a gym.

Thank you @TheVortico for those app ideas. I appreciate your help.

i hope you have a great weekend. 😊

hello @strong, @TheVorticon

hope your weekend was ok ,

Hi strong

I experience dissociation. I have a real hard time usuing the actually term and just usually call it 'when I go' or 'tuning out' but deep down I know that is what it is. I think my psychologist knows it is too but kniws for now im not ready to use that term.

I dont tend to leave situations though, that i know of, I more just become a blob from what ive been told.

I find it scary too. Sometimes I have hurt myself when ive been gone and then came to realising. It certainky makes you feel out of control of your own life.

I am sorry you experience this too but very glad you have support.

D x