Do you struggle with dissociation or detachment? How do you cope?

Hayley Sykes — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:38:28 -0400

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Response by SFC George Smith made Aug 30 at 2016 5:40 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:40:53 -0400

Relax and listen to music

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2016 6:59 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 18:59:08 -0400

Are you speaking of clinical dissociation/detachment? Or of isolating? There's a huge difference in how to approach an answer depending on definitions. Dissociation as a PTSD sub-type is a quite complicated condition that can only be diagnosed by a qualified provider. Likewise with detachment. But in regards to isolation, Generally, I approach this aspect from the spiritual perspective (Remembering we are physical, social, psychological, and spiritual creatures). Spiritually speaking there are three relationships I'm concerned about: relationship to self, to others and to the sacred (and the sacred differs among individuals). As I reflect over those relationships and determine which of them is not healthy (it could be all of them), or which of them is causing me to isolate or want to withdraw, more than likely it is the relationship that I have with myself where I find the first problem. Do I love? Am I lovable? Do I have value? When I'm honest with myself the answer to those questions are "Yes." So then what is keeping me from relating to others? Am I focused on what gives me purpose and hope? That is the sacred. For some it's God, for some it's family, for other's it's service to humanity, etc., it can be anything that gives you hope beyond yourself. So then, what is my relationship to the sacred like at that moment? If those two relationships to self/sacred are healthy, then the only thing left is relationship with others. When I feel like I have something to offer, e.g. love, value, hope, etc., then I'm more inclined to want to be around others. And then there are the times when I know all of these things to be true and yet still isolate. One psychologist once told, very humorously (he is a Vietnam combat Marine) that we unwisely tell ourselves that when we feel like being alone and we know we're depressed, we will feel better if we stay home and read or watch t.v. when the the cure is found at the mall! My $.02

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made Aug 30 at 2016 7:51 PM

Sgt Christopher Wenzel — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 19:51:50 -0400

I am naturally introverted, so I have difficulty connecting with people on the regular.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2016 10:43 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 22:43:10 -0400

Honestly I feel better when I am by myself. I always had issues connecting with people. War definitely made me more of a detached person.

Response by SPC David Dupey made Aug 31 at 2016 2:35 AM

SPC David Dupey — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 02:35:18 -0400

yes i only talk to and deal with a small amount of people mostly vets. other than that i try to stay to my self and just play facebook games lison to music and go to church.

Response by SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee made Aug 31 at 2016 8:50 AM

SrA Chris "Shadow" McGee — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 08:50:28 -0400

i generally just stay home, read, watch tv, talk to the dog as well SPC Andrea De La Cruz or get out on the motorcycle. Between constantly feeling like not belonging and although I am a people person, not wanting to be around people, there isn't much else to do. I have started spending more time on RP to "be around" people without actually being near them.

Response by SrA Mandy Snyder made Aug 31 at 2016 1:22 PM

SrA Mandy Snyder — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 13:22:04 -0400

I do, I am forcing me to find people with similar interest. But I have no face to face individuals I call friends, just a few acquaintances.