Many experiences associated with dissociation are not unique to dissociation. Difficulties with memory, concentration, emotional connection, awareness, and attention can occur for many reasons. This tool is not designed to…
Once you have a sense of whether you are experiencing anxiety, dissociation, or both, it can be easier to identify strategies that may help. No strategy works for everyone. The…
Anxiety and dissociation often occur together, especially in trauma survivors. This can make it difficult to determine what you are experiencing in a particular moment.One helpful distinction is that anxiety…
Dissociative time loss is not always recognized while it is happening. Sometimes people notice it later through patterns, inconsistencies, gaps, or disruptions in continuity. 1. Direct awareness of missing time…
Emotional abuse can take many different forms. Some forms are obvious or overt, while others are subtle, normalized, inconsistent, or difficult to recognize while they are happening. Emotionally harmful environments…
Many people try to respond to overwhelm by pushing themselves harder. But when the nervous system is overloaded, increasing pressure can sometimes deepen shutdown, dissociation, exhaustion, or loss of functioning.…
Feeling helpless or having no sense of control are common experiences for trauma survivors, particularly when dissociation is involved. This isn’t the “I have too many things to do” kind…
Dissociative systems often function best when daily life is predictable. Creating small routines and signals of safety can reduce internal strain and make it easier for parts to coordinate. Identify…
Often, subtle signs of approaching decompensation go unnoticed. Many systems do not recognize what is happening until decompensation is already well underway. Recovering from decompensation is usually easier when the…
These 5 steps will help you identify possible ways you can help yourself when you are distressed. 1. Start with the environment (Orienting) When dysregulated, the nervous system may still…