[*PeaceLily*]

I just looked at this Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) | Discussing Dissociation hich had been posted on another thread. I have almost all of these. i thought this was an aspect of ptsd. Is this a separate thing? It's a major part of my life. I have this VERY strongly and always have done.I have been able to put myself in a trance since I was a toddler by holding string in my hand and I've done that ever since.I will hold a shoelace and fall into a trance.That's when I choose to diassociate.I slip into a trance whether I like it or not at numerous other times.Choosing to disassociate makes it an enjoyable trance.Not choosing to and falling into it makes it unenjoyable and it has a 'dark' and out of control quality to it when I don't choose it.

I have had times when I literally didn't recognise myself in the mirror.I've always been detached from the person I see in the mirror,and never felt like it was really me,but I've always known the image is connected to me, but I'm talking on one occasion actually seeing myself and thinking 'who's that??' Its when I had ran away from an abusive situation and briefly did 'escort work' and there were mirrors oppsite me and the client, and i didnt know who that girl was or what she was doing there.

I don't have distinct personalities which come out. Not that I'm aware of anyway.

Is this an aspect of ptsd?or is a seperate thing? xxxx

[geis]

Dissociation can be part of PTSD, but sometimes when it's severe or pervasive enough, it can become a separate diagnosis. It's all under the same trauma umbrella, though. Not everyone with PTSD dissociates, but everyone I've ever met who dissociates has PTSD. It develops in response to trauma.

There are more types of dissociative disorders than just DID, so you don't have to have separate parts to have a dissociative disorder. There's a whole range of dissociative experiences, and DID is just on one end of the spectrum. There's a lot in between.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by *PeaceLily*

I just looked at this Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) | Discussing Dissociation hich had been posted on another thread. I have almost all of these. i thought this was an aspect of ptsd. Is this a separate thing? It's a major part of my life. I have this VERY strongly and always have done.I have been able to put myself in a trance since I was a toddler by holding string in my hand and I've done that ever since.I will hold a shoelace and fall into a trance.That's when I choose to diassociate.I slip into a trance whether I like it or not at numerous other times.Choosing to disassociate makes it an enjoyable trance.Not choosing to and falling into it makes it unenjoyable and it has a 'dark' and out of control quality to it when I don't choose it.

I have had times when I literally didn't recognise myself in the mirror.I've always been detached from the person I see in the mirror,and never felt like it was really me,but I've always known the image is connected to me, but I'm talking on one occasion actually seeing myself and thinking 'who's that??' Its when I had ran away from an abusive situation and briefly did 'escort work' and there were mirrors oppsite me and the client, and i didnt know who that girl was or what she was doing there.

I don't have distinct personalities which come out. Not that I'm aware of anyway.

Is this an aspect of ptsd?or is a seperate thing? xxxx

in regards to the online tests....

Earlier this year the USA converted over to a new standard of diagnostics, criteria and labeling for mental disorders. this process has basically invalidated any online tests you may find.

there is also the situation that the online tests are missing key components of the testing process. therefore no matter whether someone has the mental disorder its testing for its going to tell that person they may or may not have that disorder. its very unreliable and inaccurate.

another thing about these online tests they dont tell you long term results. they only tell you how you are at that very moment of taking that test and how you have decided to answer the test.

example I took the DES online it told me I had a high likely hood the problems I was having at the time I took the test was/may be a dissociative disorder. the problem turned out to be a physical health problem...Multiple Sclerosis which is a neuromuscular disease where the covering of nerves degenerate leaving nerve cells unprotected.

other times I took the DES many times in one day and each time it gave me a different scoring.

if you really want to know what your diagnosis is and what to do about it you will need to contact a treatment provider (ie psychiatrist, therapist, medical doctor) in your off line location and go through the actual diagnostic process.

as for the rest of the post whether its PTSD or not , sorry we can not diagnose you/tell you what the problems are with in you.

what I can say is what you posted...

for some people is completely normal
for some people this is any number of mental disorders
for some people this is any number of physical health problems,

my suggestion if this continues to bother you contact your or a treatment provider in your off line location they can help you figure out what this is with in you.

[Beachlady52]

I understand what you mean about looking in the mirror, years ago, I did that and still do on occasion, and at times, I think it is a really bad image, and other times,a great image. so I think it is a perceptions thing. really. I do guess it is because of the ptsd, for sure. thanks.