[Catlovers141]

I was stuck on some things for a few weeks and then last night I had a therapy session where I dissociated so badly I couldn't move or talk. When our time was up I had to drive home, which didn't really go well and it was five hours later until I felt like I could move well enough to take a shower. This has happened in the past but not as bad as this. It is helpful to have hugs from people or interact with animals but my friends from college have left the area and I'm not allowed to have pets in my apartment. I'm not sure what else would be helpful and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions?

[winter4me]

I am surprised the therapist let you leave in this condition.
I would suggest not driving when like this if at all possible (walking, public transport, other...)
Is there anyplace near your t's, that you could go afterwards where you could be around animals (pet store, animal shelter, zoo?) or people for a time?
If you could make a case for a pet being a needed therapeutic companion, you might be allowed to keep one in your apt. (I don't know how this works, but talk to your t about how someone goes about being approved for this) Sorry you are going through this---hugs for you.

[Claritytoo]

I gave my therapist an ice pack. She keeps it in her fridge freezer that she has in the office. When I have a session where I dissociate and can't get back, my t will get the ice pack for me to hold. It grounds me. Also I will sit in the parking lot sometimes after session until I am able to drive. I think it might be good if you mention to your t that you were not really able to drive when you left and that you and her/him put a plan together as to how to ground you at the end of a difficult session. We did try sour candy but that did not work as well as the ice pack. Feel better.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Catlovers141

I was stuck on some things for a few weeks and then last night I had a therapy session where I dissociated so badly I couldn't move or talk. When our time was up I had to drive home, which didn't really go well and it was five hours later until I felt like I could move well enough to take a shower. This has happened in the past but not as bad as this. It is helpful to have hugs from people or interact with animals but my friends from college have left the area and I'm not allowed to have pets in my apartment. I'm not sure what else would be helpful and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions?

the first thing I and my treatment providers do is assess whether this is what is called catatonic here where I live and work....catatonic is a psychotic reaction to stress, medications, triggering things....it is similar to dissociating but is different. if it turns out this is a catatonic reaction in me my treatment providers prescribe /change/adjust my medications. this helps me a lot.

if this kind of thing turns out to be a dissociative issue my treatment providers and I do many things....

adjust/change/prescribe medication (right now it gets a bit tricky because Im on medications that are of the herbal variety rather than those that can harm my nursing babies. but with time we get the right combo.

I too use things like interacting with my cats and dogs, closeness with my wife but like you that isnt always possible so I do other tactile physical activities like ....

taking a walk, rowing my boat, going to the gym, cooking, arts and crafts, window shopping, ......

[Catlovers141]

Winter4me: I was surprised that she had me leave as well. Maybe she had somewhere she had to go? The issue is that it sometimes lasts for hours, and there is not really a lot around that is open when I get out of therapy. No zoos or pet stores or anything. I have thought about the therapeutic animal idea before, and might bring it up with my therapist next time.

Claritytoo: The ice pack idea is a good one. Sometimes I also do sit in the parking lot. The issue is that it lasts a long time, and even when I sit in the parking lot for a while, it isn't long enough to have it be effective. The only thing that really works for me is touch by others, either people or animals, because it re-engages me in good things in the environment around me.

[Claritytoo]

Originally Posted by Catlovers141

Winter4me: I was surprised that she had me leave as well. Maybe she had somewhere she had to go? The issue is that it sometimes lasts for hours, and there is not really a lot around that is open when I get out of therapy. No zoos or pet stores or anything. I have thought about the therapeutic animal idea before, and might bring it up with my therapist next time.

Claritytoo: The ice pack idea is a good one. Sometimes I also do sit in the parking lot. The issue is that it lasts a long time, and even when I sit in the parking lot for a while, it isn't long enough to have it be effective. The only thing that really works for me is touch by others, either people or animals, because it re-engages me in good things in the environment around me.

I would mention that to your t. Maybe at the end of the session your t would shake your hand. I am the opposite of you. I don't want to be touched when I am not grounded. It creates a negative response for me. I hope everything works out for you.

[winter4me]

Let us know how it goes. Hug.

[happiedasiy]

Originally Posted by Catlovers141

Winter4me: I was surprised that she had me leave as well. Maybe she had somewhere she had to go? The issue is that it sometimes lasts for hours, and there is not really a lot around that is open when I get out of therapy. No zoos or pet stores or anything. I have thought about the therapeutic animal idea before, and might bring it up with my therapist next time.

Claritytoo: The ice pack idea is a good one. Sometimes I also do sit in the parking lot. The issue is that it lasts a long time, and even when I sit in the parking lot for a while, it isn't long enough to have it be effective. The only thing that really works for me is touch by others, either people or animals, because it re-engages me in good things in the environment around me.

I like the idea of the ice pack, I would continue to use this method any time you feel necessary. It would be nice if therapeutic massage could be included with your treatment plan. Therapeutic Animals have proven beneficial.
Go online and see if there is a park that is close to T that you can go to until you feel up to driving. Also ask T if they are willing to do phone sessions.
Hugs. Happie

[Wren_]

finding things to reconnect to like you mentioned helps me sometimes in situations like you mentioned; other times not as much
for me heat packs help more than ice usually ... depends on what is going on; soft toys/stuffiness can help as well if there are no available pets to hug
noise like singing or talking out loud in the car to yourself might feel weird to do but could also be calming and help as well ... sometimes does for me
keep looking for what else helps you and see if your t has ideas especially before driving

[yellowted]

just a thought and i know it is not quite the same as a real animal, but a furry animal shaped hot water bottle is an alternative when animals are not allowed, the warmth from the hot bottle or wheat pad inside makes the fur warm like a real animal, so they can be useful for grounding too. you could heat one up before your session and keep it in the car so you can ground yourself after a session before attempting to drive.

[possum220]

After a bad response wherever it may be............ I will get to my car and stay in it and not drive for as long as it takes me to get back. I will hug a large stuffed polar bear called Sebastian. If a very long time has passed and I am still stuck I will start to look at my surroundings, talk to myself. Drive home and go to bed and sleep. Luckily I do not live far away from my carers.

Last time I left my T I was walking like a drunk, even just to get to the car. I slept for 40 minutes in the car. Sessions are not easy.

I think it would be a very good idea if we had some-one to drive us to appointments where possible.

[AllHere63]

My therapist always allows "me" to go into another room after my session to get my selves together. I'm usually there for 30-40 minutes with a stuffed animal, a few other toys, and some art supplies so the ones who feel sad, angry, or unstable can work towards stability again. If you can't go into another room, is there somewhere else to go with something to make you safe/together again?

[Antiself]

Hey, Catlovers..I was browsing these threads, and what you described sounds very similar to what I've been experiencing for almost two years and have never found out what it is...I was wondering if there were any other symptoms you have in this condition?...if you can, do you think you might be able to pm me? Thanks, I'd appreciate it, cause I don't know anyone else who I can relate to.

[Catlovers141]

Antiself, you can pm me if you would like. The only other dissociative symptom I have besides that is sometimes feeling unreal, like a live in a movie, and hearing other parts of myself talking. I also have anxiety, dysthymia, and a history of self-harm and eating disorders. Feel free to pm me if you want to. It's nice to find someone who can relate!

[Big Mama]

You sound alot like me. It usually take animals to pull me out of what ever stuckness I am going threw. I get dissocation and can't focus enough to window shop or walk around at a park. It just keeps the dissocation going. Touch form people is something I try to avoid, but from animals is another case.

That is the one way to bring me back. I know you said you can't have animals. Does that count for small caged animals to. Guinea Pigs, hamsters, rats, even iguana's provide that textile need, and the desired connection. Dwarf rabbits or ferrets are also a good choice. Though ferrets can be a handful. Just wondering if any of there would help for you.

[Catlovers141]

Big Mama, that does sound like me. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to have pets of any kind, including fish. It's really terrible. I am hoping to move as soon as I can so I can at least get a cat.

[dragonfly2]

Catlovers - FYI:

http://www.mhlac.org/Docs/service_animals.pdf

and...

http://www.bazelon.org/LinkClick.asp...I4c%3D&tabid=2

Talk to your therapist about petitioning for an emotional support animal for you. Your landlord legally needs to let you have one if it is deemed necessary for your emotional health. Any animal would qualify for "emotional support". It does not need to be a specially-trained service dog or anything.

[innocentjoy]

I had an experience in the ER a couple weeks ago where I couldn't speak, or process what people were saying/asking me, or even really move. The staff were really frustrated with me because I don't let them know about the dissociation (stigma). Luckily my dad had come down to take me, and while he didn't stick up for me, at least I wasn't trying to function alone.

I have to drive 1 hour away to see my therapist each week, and I have had sessions where I don't feel able to drive. Luckily I have some safe numbers to call. One day I was able to get ahold of my case worker, and she was great. She knows I like singing, and I've created a bunch of cds for my car to sing along to. It helps ground me to the moment, and driving itself grounds me to an adult.

One thing I've learned over the years is to have a "safety" bag that I bring with me. I will put in activities for me to do if I'm ever feeling vulnerable, that help ground me. I will put in a book I'm reading, colouring pages and bright coloured markers, pen and paper, crocheting, etc. Whatever will help me to focus outside myself. I even have a brush that I bring with me because having my hair brushed/played with was always soothing, and I can sometimes do that for myself. Then, if I need to I will stop somewhere near my appointments, grab a drink/food and do the activity until I feel safe going home.

I really hope that you are able to get a pet somehow. I know how helpful they can be. It's kind of trial and error finding things that help.

I would definitely let your t know how you were after session. Hope it works out well!!
IJ

[innocentjoy]

Another thought would be to google sensory activities and see if any of them would help? Like playing with playdoh or something similar perhaps.