Struggling with Dissociation and Triggers

Lately I’ve been dissociating a lot. I’m not sure if it’s ptsd or anxiety related, or even from something else. But it’s getting bad. I dissociated for like whole day a few days ago. I thought leaving the house would help but I ended up buying things I didn’t need and embarrassing myself at the store in front of strangers. There’s been a new thing going on at home that’s triggering me, but I feel like I’m not myself anymore bc I’m so stressed all the time. I’m not too familiar with dissociating, but I’m almost positive that’s what’s going on. I’ll know things are real, but they don’t feel real. Sometimes it feels like this world is real but I’m only half here. Other times it feels like nothing is real and I feel like I’m dreaming and when I wake up everything will be normal. I know I’ll regret things later, but it feels like it doesn’t matter what I do. I’m scared I’m going to do something I’ll regret. Does any one have any tips for in the moment? I can’t figure out to pull myself out of it and be able to function. I can’t get rid of the trigger, so I have to find ways to cope with it. I can’t handle feeling so off all the time

Your answer

ALT_95

2y ago

I can relate to this because I've been dissociating so much lately that I have large gaps in my memory and can't remember if I've thought things or had actual conversations with someone. It's important to have a trusted friend, partner, or family member who can help give you "reality checks" when you aren't able to discern between thoughts and events. Also, learning triggers, becoming aware of the times you first start to dissociate, and trying some grounding exercises can help to over time prevent severe dissociative episodes. (I've struggled with this process myself) You're not alone and you can do anything you put your mind to 🤗❤️

ChronicWitch2.0

2y ago

That’s a good idea Sleepyqueen. I like to carry a fidget in my pocket when I leave the house, but I didn’t all summer bc I don’t always have pockets in summer clothes. Now that it’s winter though, I should start carrying different things in my pockets to help

ChronicWitch2.0

2y ago

Catloafing, I do take naps sometimes when things get bad. It’s not always an option though, and it’s not really the healthiest. Sometimes when I get really stressed I get tired and want to take a nap bc I’ve trained my body to sleep when it gets bad

Sleepyqueen

2y ago

Like a few people have mentioned, grounding helps me the most! But personally the 54321 method doesn’t work too much for me, I have to create new sensations that are a bit stronger to help- I carry around peppermint essential oil for scent and for touch I purchased these squishy/grainy sensory toys, those two tend to help me the most (especially peppermint since when I do come back I tend to be anxious, and peppermint helps with nausea that comes with that)

Catloafing

2y ago

I don’t know if this would be helpful but I’ve just been taking naps when this happens to me I know that isn’t always an option

ChronicWitch2.0

2y ago

Thank you, UnluckyUnicorn. I’ve been having newer health problems lately and when I put all my symptoms into webmd, it says it’s most likely hypoglycemia and diabetes. I want to talk to my doctor about that, but I don’t see her until February and I already have so much to talk about. I feel so needy. I want to just ignore my problems until they go away, but they’re not going away

UnluckyUnicorn

2y ago

(Yes! You are correct about the reply haha) That sounds very relatable! I also don’t drive and have to find rides. It’s overwhelming, the physical health problems, mental health, and trying treatments/organizing appointments. It’s easy to disconnect or want to disconnect from all that stress. I know I sure do. It’s annoying and quite the process but you are not alone! I hope you get the right support and treatment you need! ❤️

ChronicWitch2.0

2y ago

(Again, I don’t quite know how to reply. I think I need to say who I’m replying to. This one is for UnluckyUnicorn) I’ve tried things like that and it doesn’t really seem to help that much. I’ve touched things around me and tried to focus on the texture and different things around me. I try telling myself I’m here and it’s real, which helps enough that I don’t do really dumb things but I still don’t feel any better. Maybe it’s bc I’m not medicated for it why that’s not working, or maybe it is a physical health problem causing it. It’s just so frustrating. Thank you 💜

ChronicWitch2.0

2y ago

(I super new to this app, I think I just reply like this and you’ll get a notification? I hope so lol) I’ve had friends before that day when they dissociate it feels like this. I’ve looked it up a little bit and it seems right. I just feel so annoying that I have so many health problems and being up so many things in each appointment. And I don’t drive so it’s hard for me to find rides to those appointments. I know I need to tell my doctor, but we’re still currently looking into other health problems I’m having. The list just keeps growing. I feel like I can at least try to manage my symptoms on my own, unless it’s really bad you know

UnluckyUnicorn

2y ago

One thing that might help is when you notice you are half in and half out of self is to try grounding. Like the 54321. Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you can taste. Or just deep breathing and saying to yourself “I am here, I am present, I am real” while sitting on the floor or holding onto something can be anchoring. It feels silly/weird at first but it’s helped me. Dissociation is hard and scary so I hope you are able to get to a better place soon, whatever that looks like for you ❤️

Angie

2y ago

Hi, so sorry to read what you’re going through. Maybe it could be dissociative but I think it could be other things as well. I think it’s really important you reach out for treatment, even start with your family physician so you make sure you will start getting the help you need💜

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