[1976kitchenfloor]

Have you been diagnosed with DID? Are there things that you do that make your situation more stable? Do any of you use music or art or yoga or exercise to help reinforce a sense of being in control and connected of your own body and more centered/focused in your thoughts and feelings?

[TrailRunner14]

When I first started this, I started walking. It was a way to "go away" and be by myself. I first thought it grounded me but realized it was just a safe place to got I be away.

I started coloring a few months ago. It may sound silly, but I started with a primary coloring book that had the numbers for the colors you should use. That was really nice for me to not have to decide what color to use. It was kind of brainless. Something to do with the left brain right brain thing. I don't know. Now I like to color with pencils and shade. Don't know if that makes sense or not.

I also listen music most of the time. I can't hang with tv too much. Can't really explain why, it just disturbs me. Seems to be a running joke with my guys here.

It seems to be a healing place.

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Exercise, swimming, walking, taking naps, yoga, coloring, doing things we enjoy (we take turns, if we can't decide on something we all like), cooking, talking to our therapist, reading, massages

[1976kitchenfloor]

Originally Posted by Starry_Night

Exercise, swimming, walking, taking naps, yoga, coloring, doing things we enjoy (we take turns, if we can't decide on something we all like), cooking, talking to our therapist, reading, massages

These all sound like good tools to use. Thank you.

[Shaly78]

Depends on what you have happening in your life if you work a 9 to 5, and go to T , and family you already got alot on your plate. In that instance, yes make sure you are making time for yourselves keeping yourself healthy is important then yes absolutely. Sleep and exercise are important. I don't think it is good, for me, I have a lot of free time to stay cooped up at home listening to the headspace ALL the time...I make sure I get out if only just to walk in my neighborhood, but also other stuff shopping, movies, church, also writing, reading...At the same time, when something seems to be not be centered correctly then being outside can be dangerous. We don't want to end up with a massive switch headache/fainting on the side walk with someone calling an ambulance for us, that almost happened, at least two times in the past few years. Saying yes to SSDI, when you know it will get worst so that time or getting lost isn't an issue. Going at you guys rate until your healed enough to make another huge decision to either come off SSDI, or stick with part time employment, if everything doesn't past us by like with technology interview skills etc....Out dated= experience in a fierce economy already I often worry about if SSDI is the long term answer...I got student loans out the wazoo, so unless something happens soon I might choose corporate american in the next few years...I don't think I'm a candidate for student loan forgiveness cause I'm not permanently disabled, as per SSA definition, but if the world keeps the way it is, that very well maybe another benefit if that happens.....Maybe fostering, if I qualify is a good idea, who knows? lol

[1976kitchenfloor]

Originally Posted by Shaly78

Depends on what you have happening in your life if you work a 9 to 5, and go to T , and family you already got alot on your plate. In that instance, yes make sure you are making time for yourselves keeping yourself healthy is important then yes absolutely. Sleep and exercise are important. I don't think it is good, for me, I have a lot of free time to stay cooped up at home listening to the headspace ALL the time...I make sure I get out if only just to walk in my neighborhood, but also other stuff shopping, movies, church, also writing, reading...At the same time, when something seems to be not be centered correctly then being outside can be dangerous. We don't want to end up with a massive switch headache/fainting on the side walk with someone calling an ambulance for us, that almost happened, at least two times in the past few years. Saying yes to SSDI, when you know it will get worst so that time or getting lost isn't an issue. Going at you guys rate until your healed enough to make another huge decision to either come off SSDI, or stick with part time employment, if everything doesn't past us by like with technology interview skills etc....Out dated= experience in a fierce economy already I often worry about if SSDI is the long term answer...I got student loans out the wazoo, so unless something happens soon I might choose corporate american in the next few years...I don't think I'm a candidate for student loan forgiveness cause I'm not permanently disabled, as per SSA definition, but if the world keeps the way it is, that very well maybe another benefit if that happens.....Maybe fostering, if I qualify is a good idea, who knows? lol

Hello. Thanks for answering. I note you struggle with anxiety/awareness that you can 'switch' in public. This is a big deal, I know. BUT in spite of this you also get out and interact with people and enge in acitivities outside your 'head.' I just want to tell you I really admire you for working with this condition as you are. ITs not easy. thats for sure. And while it is useless to sit and feel sorry for ourselves or ask why me? This condition is definitely a trial which brings out our truly strong we are inside.

Again, thank you. Take care

[cheshiregrins]

Something that really helped, as crazy as it sounds, is reading children's books out loud. (I'm a librarian so I have an excuse to sign out picture books!) I find that my younger parts feel like they're being read to and it makes my whole system feel soothed/calm as a result.

[TrailRunner14]

Originally Posted by cheshiregrins

Something that really helped, as crazy as it sounds, is reading children's books out loud. (I'm a librarian so I have an excuse to sign out picture books!) I find that my younger parts feel like they're being read to and it makes my whole system feel soothed/calm as a result.

I've had that same thought myself! I color when the "want to" comes over me. I don't think I was read to. I can't remember any books that are near to me.

I do know the books I read to my boys. Maybe I'll read those again.

[yagr]

Originally Posted by cheshiregrins

Something that really helped, as crazy as it sounds, is reading children's books out loud. (I'm a librarian so I have an excuse to sign out picture books!) I find that my younger parts feel like they're being read to and it makes my whole system feel soothed/calm as a result.

My computer tower sits on my desk and there is a plushie astride it that represents a child alter. When we took our first steps towards a loving, rather than adversarial relationship, I would talk to the plushie because it was easier to have an external place to focus on. She liked the idea because the plushie gave her a 'body' that was 100% hers - plus it is a fierce mountain lion cub and she likes that too.

Anyway, we're often on the computer and I can look up and see 'her'. She asks to be petted quite a lot; in fact I never sit down at the computer without a rub behind the ears. We both know that the plushie is not her - but it gives us some tradition and a feeling of structure. The scratch behind the ears always grounds both of us. Folded up underneath her is her favorite shirt I bought her and within easy reach is her favorite book, which I read to her often. It is 'The Monster at the end of this Book' starring lovable, furry old Grover (from Sesame Street).

The plushie is going to be twenty-four years old next month, but she still looks six years old.

[1976kitchenfloor]

Originally Posted by cheshiregrins

Something that really helped, as crazy as it sounds, is reading children's books out loud. (I'm a librarian so I have an excuse to sign out picture books!) I find that my younger parts feel like they're being read to and it makes my whole system feel soothed/calm as a result.

Yes! I can see that.

[1976kitchenfloor]

Originally Posted by cheshiregrins

Something that really helped, as crazy as it sounds, is reading children's books out loud. (I'm a librarian so I have an excuse to sign out picture books!) I find that my younger parts feel like they're being read to and it makes my whole system feel soothed/calm as a result.

thank you for adding this. sharing with other kids and connecting via chidlrens activities and books to the child parts inside! That is so obvious now that you rbing this up--how that would be a way to access and connect safely as a child/child part.
Isnt it incredible how the mind comes up with answers and ways to accomodate the special needs of someone with this condition?

Writing this, I just remembered how I used to swing and swing on the swings in the parks and how when I did I found some connection/relief/ safety even via this.

SO maybe there are both cerebral and physical means to be employed that would make living actively as DID easier on.. oneselves? as well as this facilitating therapy and what is needed by the DID person going through therapy.

Thank you for your contribution. I really want to understand how this works and ahs worked for others. I think that our talking about this on this forum might even help those who in therapy and are actively living with DID?

[1976kitchenfloor]

Originally Posted by yagr

My computer tower sits on my desk and there is a plushie astride it that represents a child alter. When we took our first steps towards a loving, rather than adversarial relationship, I would talk to the plushie because it was easier to have an external place to focus on. She liked the idea because the plushie gave her a 'body' that was 100% hers - plus it is a fierce mountain lion cub and she likes that too.

Anyway, we're often on the computer and I can look up and see 'her'. She asks to be petted quite a lot; in fact I never sit down at the computer without a rub behind the ears. We both know that the plushie is not her - but it gives us some tradition and a feeling of structure. The scratch behind the ears always grounds both of us. Folded up underneath her is her favorite shirt I bought her and within easy reach is her favorite book, which I read to her often. It is 'The Monster at the end of this Book' starring lovable, furry old Grover (from Sesame Street).

The plushie is going to be twenty-four years old next month, but she still looks six years old.

Thank you for this. How wonderful and sweet. Grounding is a big deal in the world of DID, not to mention you have shared something so personally and uniquely your own.

[flockpride]

Embodied activities help. Long walks, gardening, tai chi. Creative activities: painting, drawing, writing. Social activities: community volunteering, support group.

The catch is can you be ready for the given activity when the activity is available to you???

[cheshiregrins]

I keep my schedule on three different computers (at work, home, volunteering) as well as on my phone and a paper version. That way I'm never late nor do I forget any appt., which could easily happen, as I lose track of time often.

Also, ever since I was little I liked to have a clock on every wall, so whatever direction I turned, I knew what time it was. I never understood why I did this, but now it makes sense! In my one bedroom apt. I have 8 clocks, again, that way I don't lose track of time.

[cheshiregrins]

Originally Posted by yagr

My computer tower sits on my desk and there is a plushie astride it that represents a child alter. When we took our first steps towards a loving, rather than adversarial relationship, I would talk to the plushie because it was easier to have an external place to focus on. She liked the idea because the plushie gave her a 'body' that was 100% hers - plus it is a fierce mountain lion cub and she likes that too.

Anyway, we're often on the computer and I can look up and see 'her'. She asks to be petted quite a lot; in fact I never sit down at the computer without a rub behind the ears. We both know that the plushie is not her - but it gives us some tradition and a feeling of structure. The scratch behind the ears always grounds both of us. Folded up underneath her is her favorite shirt I bought her and within easy reach is her favorite book, which I read to her often. It is 'The Monster at the end of this Book' starring lovable, furry old Grover (from Sesame Street).

The plushie is going to be twenty-four years old next month, but she still looks six years old.

That's a really sweet idea

I have a stuffed rabbit and owl in my bedroom; they don't represent my child alters, but when I switch to one of my child alters and need comforting, I have the toys handy.

[cheshiregrins]

Just wanted to mention that I've tried a ton of different things to ground myself. Meditation helps. What I found to work best, surprisingly, is weight lifting. I just use free weights. I don't know why exactly- maybe because you're so focused on your breathing and the movements and just on the here and now, and maybe because there's a bit of pain to bring you back to reality? Not sure, but this is the most effective thing I've found so far.