Understanding Dissociation: A Key Symptom of Complex PTSD

@resolvetorise For more information go to www.resolvetorise.com/ or get my book Resolve to Rise: Become Greater than Your Circumstances. Complex PTSD's hallmark symptom is Dissociation. Some degree of dissociation is normal, like getting lost in thought on your drive somewhere and not remembering the drive; however, when your dissociation starts interfering with your life it becomes a problem. Many individuals who have experienced abuse learn to check out to survive the psychological overwhelm. While it may have helped you survive during dangerous moments, when it becomes the way you show up or actually the way you don't show up, it can make your life hard. Here are 13 signs you're dissociating and some grounding techniques to try to minimize those symptoms!
Feel free to ask questions and make comments. I will respond.
#dissociation #cptsd #complexptsd #trauma #traumahealing #traumainformed #traumarecovery #domesticviolence #warveteran #firstresponders #survivor

[@TheAsvarduilProject]

The reason I talk to myself is to focus my thoughts. Also, I didn't have safe relationships growing up. I don't have a lot of close connections in my social life now that I'm older. I need to hear a voice, so I use my own, since I usually can't rely on other people. I talk to myself on purpose.

[@resolvetorise]

It seems many people do the same for similar reasons. I don't think that talking to yourself outloud (in and of itself) is a bad thing. Actually, dissociation is often adaptive. When these things start interfering with the core areas of your life, that's when it deserves attention. Sounds like it's been helpful for you.

[@suedarr197]

i think thats a pretty good assessment of yourself.😊

[@laurenpoolman3277]

The first time I made the decision to leave my reality, truly knowing and making that decision, was a powerful moment. I learned to use that power to survive my worst parts.

[@resolvetorise]

Dissociation is always the result of adapting; sounds like you were very intentional in making that shift. It does serve a purpose!

[@MizrahiChick]

It's remarkable to find your comment, thank you . I am dealing with C-PTSD , in a long term stalking without legal remedy , no restraining order possible. Dissociation was tearing me apart until I made it a friend . I can now walk outdoors knowing perfectly well the stalker is often around and feel little. I have come to embrace the freedom in emotional numbing . No one can feel fear 24/7/365 so I just don't. Wishing you well.

[@resolvetorise]

@@MizrahiChick That makes a lot of sense.

[@MizrahiChick]

@@resolvetorise Thanks for what you do and the discussions that come from it.

[@jesussaves1827]

Turn to Jesus He loves you, He is the healer of the body And savior of the soul, There is True Hope in Jesus, God protects Psalms 91, He is the God of miracles Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved Jesus alone saves Trust Him with your salvation John 3:16 1 Corinthians 15 1-4 Moreover Brethren, i declare unto you the gospel which i preached unto you, which also ye have received, and with wherein ye stand By which also ye are saved, if you keep in memory what i preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain, For i delivered unto you first of all that which i also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures, Take care

[@sunburstrose7860]

Glad to know that I am not going senile, but "only" experiencing dissociation a lot of times after years-long chronic traumatic stress (and loneliness which, for primates, is extremely stressful on the brain.) Grounding, yes, helpful. Working on reducing stress and healing from stress, critical.

[@rnedlo9909]

Thank you for a clear and understandable description of a condition we are all susceptible to. Here is a POV from the perch of experience: Have you ever been physically close to an explosion? Have you ever had a soul wrenching life experience? I have had both happen to me. I can report that they have similar effects but on different parts of you. Disorienting is a term that can be applied to both physical and emotional trauma, only, the physical recovers in a more predictable and observable way. The emotional/mental/spiritual trauma is more subtle, often less observable, but can take a longer time to recover from.

[@resolvetorise]

I like how you framed that out. By physical trauma, I assume you are talking about physical injuries. If so, I agree entirely. I only ask that because the impact to your nervous system can be significant and complex to treat... because some treatments that help some a lot, trigger others. So, finding the right approach can take a bit of effort.

[@bareleebrittany1466]

I have parts, lots of parts. Over the years dissociation was my way of truly surviving; horrific things. I remember the 1st time I left my body all the pain disappeared and I could see Monster hurting my body. Dissociation is a very honed in skill of ours. A quick, magical escape. But see time is different in a dissociative state. It doesn't move, it doesn't matter, it doesn't give you a "heads-up" either. I'm free from the horrors now. I'm safe and far away. But 27 years of abuse and torture is stored inside me. As if the trauma is every hair on my body! I'm safe, but my body doesn't know safe. My senses don't know safe. My brain doesn't know safe. I'm safe now. -- but I can't help but ask myself.. or my parts, "what the hell is safe?"

[@resolvetorise]

That is really well said! I think it really captures the nature and function of dissociation. It sounds like you've reconnected some just to be in touch with the question of what safe is!!

[@noturbo]

🫂🫂 i read this just started crying🫂🫂 i understand 🫂🫂 sorry 🫂🫂

[@MizrahiChick]

I so understand this. I tell myself that safety was always an illusion and to learn to live without it, like being in a very cold place but dressed warmly. I have to be own safety.

[@Grombow45]

💗🙏💗 For all of us.

[@elainstill1671]

My heart hurts for you and am so sorry terrible things happened to you, please know, we who are stranger's to you really do care and shed tears for you and others who were helpless. 🥺

[@glenbateman5960]

I have 8 of those symptoms on a regular basis. I'm diagnosed with Depression and CPTSD. I never thought of those things as forms of dissociation. I do feel more grounded and more "myself" when I'm playing my guitars. It's become like a therapy for me. I should probably talk this over with someone. Thanks for the insights.👍

[@resolvetorise]

That is so great that you found the guitar!! I think music is such a powerful tool for healing!

[@deborahlarson2650]

Many people talk out loud to themselves

[@PolishBehemoth]

many people have mental problems. Straight up.

[@resolvetorise]

I absolutely agree.

[@lisamoag6548]

It is a sign of intelligence. You are reasoning , organizing your thoughts verbally. For example, practicing speaking skills before a speech, or studying for a test , memorizing important facts. This is recommended by teachers and professors to learn new information or practice verbal presentations. Thinking out loud is not an illness. Ridiculous!

[@resolvetorise]

@@lisamoag6548 I don't know anyone who thinks talking out loud to yourself is an illness; however, it can be a sign of dissociation.

[@tracyziesmer6097]

They need expert advice!

[@2_blAck]

Once I move from a place or quit a job. I disconnect from everyone and everything. I can literally forget about people, which feels great. I try to never look back😒🤦🏽‍♀️ Unfortunately, other people can’t let go and move on. I keep everyone at a distance because I don’t have time for the nonsense that people indulge in🥴

[@sxwrtr918]

Similar deal here. Also with exes. I've heard so much from people who are still 'friends' with exes. Why? Truly, I don't get it. It's like keeping a dead plant around. What are they clinging to? Not to mention that subsequent gf/bfs are forced to see/deal with/hear about their old baggage they're still inexplicably lugging around, which is very unfair and disrespectful to the new person. For me, once we are broken up, you simply cease to exist. Over and out, like I never knew you, no matter how long we were together It's very easy.

[@resolvetorise]

Do you have some people you know who do not indulge in nonsense? Or have you found yourself surrounded by only people you want to move on from period?

[@justagirlnamedshawn]

This is sorta me..I leave people behind after I have left a job. I this is how many friends I have:0.

[@resolvetorise]

@@justagirlnamedshawn One of the recommendations to help heal from C-PTSD is social support and I have heard from many people that is an absolute "no go" for them. Seems like there are many people who experience that.

[@justagirlnamedshawn]

@resolvetorise I think, or at least for myself, I lost trust in people. I am just numb anymore.

[@DeborahThird-og1uo]

At 62 I’ve learned there’s no such thing as “safe”. Ever.

[@janinejohnstone468]

There is no true peace - except in the Lord Jesus Christ. And the world itself shall not be at peace until He returns. He's given me my life back, and the strength to carry on.

[@ZuerstJesus]

@@janinejohnstone468 And because Jesus lives in me therefore I can find peace in me. You don't need to be safe in this world to feel safe (and to know that you are saved).

[@ahmedfa9004]

I’m in awe of this video.

[@resolvetorise]

Thank you!

[@SoLongSpaceCat]

Yeah, basically all of this. Sent this to friends and family so they can better understand what's happening with us on the day-to-day. Thank you 😊

[@resolvetorise]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Red-jj7xf]

Have talked to myself most of my life. Always thought of it as thinking out loud. I am ADD and have an issue with processing. I don't have a conversation with myself. Just work through things in my head outloud. Have spaced out when driving. It usually happened when very stressed out. Also forget things all the time. I also attribute that to my ADD. I am easily distracted. I don'feel dissociative. As a former clinician I have worked with people who have DID and would see severely dissociate. Very differen't from the simple stuff.

[@resolvetorise]

I agree. Dissociation absolutely varies from mild to severe. The most extreme forms presenting as DID. Also, most people dissociate a bit here and there with no negative impacts to their life.

[@pipsuki]

i can sit on a plane and stare at the flight tracker the entire time. i should put this super power to good use, maybe make somethinf of myself.

[@resolvetorise]

If you have enough presence of mind, maybe you could be air traffic control! :)

[@PolishBehemoth]

you could be a yoga insyructor and have them do the hum in a relaxed pose with the stare at object in the room. Easy money. Every busy yoga instructorni know makes great money. Austin has tons of them.

[@heatherthompson769]

I found this video very helpful. Thank you!

[@resolvetorise]

Thank you for taking the time to let me know!

[@Sovereignlupi]

Thank you

[@annahgibbus8]

Is it wrong to enjoy disassociating? I have no intention of even trying to recover from disassociating unlike how much I'd like to recover from my off the charts anxiety, depression & CPTSD. Except for the clumps of memory losses I find dissociating very pleasant.

[@annahgibbus8]

I just looked at your list of videos & read your description. I've subbed & looking forward to watching all your videos. Blessings to you & your new channel🤍

[@resolvetorise]

It is not wrong to want to continue dissociating at all! It is completely understandable! After all it develops as a means of coping with extreme stress and psychological overwhelm. And the anxiety and depression that can come with CPTSD can be extremely disruptive (to say the least). And, I've seen individuals lessen the dissociation before they are able to self-regulate and it can be pretty rough. All that said, it doesn't mean doing things to decrease the fight or flight (hyperarousal) isn't worthy of doing... as that lessens than your need to dissociate does too.

[@simpleflight34]

I hope this feeling never ends. It's so freeing

[@annahgibbus8]

@@resolvetorise Thank you that's very good to hear.

[@N8_R]

I call it unravelling. Being half out of body half the time does help the chronic pain tho.

[@resolvetorise]

"Unravelling"... that's an interesting term and likely very descriptive of your experience. Dissociation is adaptive mechanism that disconnects us from ourselves and our pain for sure. This is why working to lessen it needs to be done in a manner that respects its adaptive function.

[@N8_R]

@@resolvetorise Yeah if my life were at a point where I could work on it thatd be nice. My situation wont let me heal.

[@resolvetorise]

@@N8_R I'm sorry to hear that, and I understand. I'm sending you positive vibes. Hope things change for the better.

[@privateprivate8366]

I’m unsure if I’m experiencing dissociation or just depression. The typical not being able to bring myself to care about much. Could be a part of getting older. That lack of relevancy they say you get although, I’m pretty content, I’m not being relevant, to the nothing that I see going on nowadays.

[@resolvetorise]

Not being able to care may or may not indicate you are experiencing depression; however, whether it is depression or dissociation, the fact that you're "pretty content" seems positive.

[@SunnyAquamarine2]

You know we're being told we live in a sumulation, right? I don't have relationships, and I constantly talk to myself. Out loud. This is all the least of my worries.

[@maryswanson9982]

Oh, no! I talk to myself all the time! I even have imaginary conversations with other people. They never respond, though. It helps me clarify my own response to conflict and how I could have responded to it differently. Sometimes, it’s hilarious!

[@resolvetorise]

You seem to be in good company! As dissociation is adaptive, it would so, especially is talking to oneself (out loud)! I'm honestly in awe of how people have used this particular item to cope with some pretty troubling circumstances.

[@TerraAnn44]

I can't remember most of my childhood and it had gotten to a point I couldn't make it through a 20 second conversation

[@TerraAnn44]

I have been healing for the last several yrs though so it's so much better

[@resolvetorise]

I'm assuming since you mentioned the conversation issue in the past tense, things are improving. Memory loss is all to common when you have a troubling childhood; it's actually adaptive.

[@TerraAnn44]

@@resolvetorise yes much better. Thank you.

[@resolvetorise]

@@TerraAnn44 I'm so glad!!

[@REXXSEVEN]

#2 sometimes #9 sometimes #10 sometimes #11 always, everyday #12 sometimes I often cannot completely account for what I did, watched, ate or drank during most of the last 24 to 36 hours. I just can't remember. I often can only remember the past few days or weeks in small pieces. I started to wonder whether it was early signs of Alzheimer's or something. Maybe its the PTSD.

[@resolvetorise]

It's definitely easier to treat than alzheimers!

[@louisetaylor493]

Can you get too far and not be able to get yourself back?

[@resolvetorise]

Dissociation can absolutely become profound and impactful and it can be extremely difficult to get yourself back for sure. I have not experienced a case that was irretrievable. I love brainspotting, heartmath, and other approaches that help to self-regulate to start the journey back to yourself. It should be a slow and thoughtful effort.

[@jasonvoorheis1332]

If you can get that far, why come back?

[@janinejohnstone468]

@@jasonvoorheis1332 to not be at the mercy of others.

[@andrewrees8749]

I seem to experience lots of these issues, but never took much notice of it, some days i wont look at myself in a mirror, no idea why ?

[@resolvetorise]

Maybe it's enough for now to be curious.

[@MrChristianDT]

Was that list at the beginning a progression in order? Because I deal with random points on that list from all over.

[@resolvetorise]

The four types of dissociation go from least impactful to most; however, the symptoms of dissociation are not in least to worst order necessarily.

[@michaelgarrow3239]

What is the difference between disassociation and a psychotic break? I was put through some pretty severe trauma by a long term partner that didn’t like my new career path.

[@resolvetorise]

When dissociation is severe it can be hard to differentiate from a psychotic break. That being said, disconnecting to protect yourself from the psychological impacts of trauma when the trauma is severe and repetitive is commonplace. Psychological testing can sometimes help you differentiate, but is somewhat limited.

[@michaelgarrow3239]

@@resolvetorise - The damage is done. The bad people are gone. I’m trying to get my life back. 🤕

[@resolvetorise]

@@michaelgarrow3239 Sounds like a worthy focus

[@michaelgarrow3239]

@@resolvetorise - I have lost millions.

[@MizrahiChick]

@@michaelgarrow3239 Never give up. We'll find our way back.

[@Gwendeline]

All of it

[@resolvetorise]

I get it. Good thing new approaches are emerging everyday that actually help make things better.

[@Dawnarow]

All these things aren't grounded in reality for they're reported from people that are susceptible to being irrational after something happened to their body. Notice how I said body rather than "them"? That's a clue for you. Good luck.

[@katjongeward7155]

can this be caused by living with a narccasist that makes you die a little daily?

[@resolvetorise]

Living with a narcissistic person can be exceedingly damaging, absolutely! I can totally see how someone in that circumstance might dissociate.

[@lisamoag6548]

Balderdash! Do you know this from experience? If not you do not know.

[@EllyTaliesinBingle]

Not sure what's wrong with talking out loud yourself from time to time. The others tho are way too common in me to be normal. *Sigh*

[@sunburstrose7860]

I don't think the doc said anything about talking out loud to yourself as something wrong. It is a coping strategy. I think the doc was simply informing that this can be a coping strategy that *may* become maladaptive, but isn't necessarily. Talk away! To yourself, I mean. I do. (lol)

[@resolvetorise]

I would imagine talking to yourself out-loud is one of those things people just sometimes do... not necessarily (on its own) out of the ordinary. Remember, that dissociation is a pretty powerful adaptive mechanism... it's the reason it is so common with complex PTSD... checking out can protect you from the impact of psychological overwhelm.

[@MizrahiChick]

I am really isolated . I haven't seen a visitor in five years , had a hug since my best friend died in 2019. My health keeps me shut in most of the time , point being , I was beginning to fall into my own mind from days and days of not talking to anyone. I had to devise a method to cope with walls of silence ..so I began to talk out loud, laid on my bed and talked to my best friend now gone, for hours. Prayed out loud, sang songs and it really helped. Let me organise all of it, let me hear a voice, hear myself and helped me survive. I believe there is research on why it helps as a Gestalt type therapy.

[@resolvetorise]

@@MizrahiChick The way you put that is beautiful and makes so much sense. What an incredible way to cope with so much and find solace in the silence. Thank you for sharing that! It's truly inspiring.

[@MizrahiChick]

@@resolvetorise Thank you for your kind and understanding words. It has been powerful to do. Many cultures recognise the power fo connecting with our lost ones by speaking it out, It caused pleasant memories to combat the presence of the nightmare. I laughed with my lost friend, remembered all the wonderful , all the magical things she ever said or did, her beautiful soul and it made the grief worth it. It placed me in the prsence of her remarkable love and kindness and made the monsters go away for awhile. Best wishes to all here 💕. Never give up !! #WeCanWeWill.

[@waterpkmnmstr]

Oh shit

[@resolvetorise]

Haha

[@berechee1387]

Ok..ok...Just lock me up.....but you got to find me first...😊🕺🤸‍♀️🏃‍➡️

[@resolvetorise]

😂

[@TheRealValus]

You need a new camera. 😅

[@resolvetorise]

I learned I needed to make sure things buffered entirely first... HAHA!! Got to love learning!

[@officialWWM]

Is one of the signs seeing a poor quality, fuzzy video? 🤔

[@resolvetorise]

It might be... I cannot confirm or deny that reality. 🤭

[@elizabethk3238]

Way too much hand movements! Distrscting.

[@resolvetorise]

Thanks for your feedback. I do tend to move my hands when I speak. :)

[@nadineelizabeth195]

😂😂

[@angelwings7930]

@@nadineelizabeth195need a video for that 😂

[@nadineelizabeth195]

@@angelwings7930 mine are waving all the time 😅

[@angelwings7930]

@@nadineelizabeth195 I use my hands too.

[@christinastein2817]

The video quality is horrible and it's bothersome to look at!

[@resolvetorise]

Don't I know it!! Drives me crazy, but it was a little late in the game when I realized it didn't finish buffering. Sorry it was so hard to look at!