Triggering: Dissociation

[WhisperingSilence]

Okay long story short I have BPD/EUPD (borderline personality disorder/emotionally unstable personality disorder), I keep dissociating it will happen like 6 or so times a day. Sometimes I realise I am entering a episode of dissociation and be able to like stop myself... and distract, but more often than not I will not be able to realise I am entering a dissociative episode... and will find myself going 'floaty' like I am no longer in my body and am looking at myself through a clouded or misted up mirror, it doesn't feel real, its like I am elsewhere, I've tried to like work out triggers etc but can't find any... I know things have been like quite stressful for me recently... and I've been quite paranoid. But those for me are just general anxiety symptoms.. the dissociation is leaving me with big gaps in my day and I can't always account for what's happened during the period. grounding techniques and distractions don't like really seem to be working.. I dont know what to do...

[still surviving]

Hey it's so brave of you to open up, back when I was being overworked twice the normal workweek when I would get anxious I would write down a list of accomplishments (ANY KIND) like 8-10 tops, and whenever I had a dark, gloomy thought, I would look at one of the accomplishments I had and my mood would change instantly.

Tbh I've slacked off and haven't done so in like two years, but I promise to do it when I wake up and uh, update everyone here for sure

[Royallie]

Originally Posted by still surviving

Hey it's so brave of you to open up, back when I was being overworked twice the normal workweek when I would get anxious I would write down a list of accomplishments (ANY KIND) like 8-10 tops, and whenever I had a dark, gloomy thought, I would look at one of the accomplishments I had and my mood would change instantly.

Tbh I've slacked off and haven't done so in like two years, but I promise to do it when I wake up and uh, update everyone here for sure

i like what you said

[Stacey]

Hi there.
I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with an increase in dissociation, that can be difficult to manage. I'm not sure how you're managing your BPD/EUPD but if you aren't already - therapy can be an incredibly important and necessary part of your treatment and management plan. Things like DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are particularly helpful for BPD and dissociation. If you're taking medication, you may wish to discuss with your doctor or mental health professional this increase in dissociation as it may indicate you need to adjust your medication.

Dissociation is a common, and often a harmless symptom of many mental health concerns, but when it becomes excessive and disruptive to your daily life as you've suggested it has - that typically indicates that you need to speak to your mental health care professional or doctor.

For the time being, if you're finding your usual grounding techniques aren't working, explore something like bilateral stimulation - search on youtube or Spotify for bilateral stimulation and you'll find a bunch of playlists (sometimes also called EMDR music). I'm not someone that can meditate, but I use this as an alternative to help with relaxation and sleep and it may be helpful for you if your usual coping mechanisms aren't helping at the moment.

[QueenElsa]

I have one simple technique that helps anyone who is dissociating:

Grasp your left forearm with your right hand.

This will help you feel real in your body.

Loving self-touch is the medicine that stops us from dissociating.

Much love, Queen Elsa