Archive for Researched Topics
Forums, Blogs, and Internet Libel
Recently, I formally requested that a forum owner remove libelous statements about me from her website. Some statements were particularly damaging – I was reeking havoc on a website, I was stalking someone’s family member, I was hacking and crashing her computer. Among other things.
The first step in pursuing legal action is to request in writing that the individual remove the libelous material. This I did.
As a result of my request, she banned my IP address, and I am unable to see if she complied by removing the libelous material. She has not contacted me via email. As the damaging information may still be on her site, I have no choice but to rebut her accusations here.
HALT – one method to break the cycle of anger and rage
I read an interesting post on Catatonic Kid’s blog called, HALT: Bursting Anger’s Bubble. I thought it was interesting, but found myself spontaneously using the technique in my own life to cope with fluctuations in mood. Surprisingly, it worked!
Making depression a habit – breaking the downward spiral
I don’t know what’s worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
I don’t know why I instigate
And say what I don’t mean
I don’t know how I got this way
I know it’s not alright
So I’m breaking the habit
I’m breaking the habit
Tonight
- from Linkin Park’s “Breaking the Habit”
Myers Briggs and Keirsey Personality Tests in Dissociative Identity Disorder
Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Keirsey Temperaments are two different personality questionnaires to help people understand themselves and to assess psychological differences. I had struggled taking the Myers Briggs before my diagnosis (“This test sucks – I feel two ways about MOST of these questions!”). After my DX, I wondered if different personalities in DID have different types, so I decided to test it out. Survey says, Yup!
Lamictal – a drug for DID?
“Although there are no medications that specifically treat dissociative identity disorder, [some drugs] may be prescribed to help control the …symptoms associated with it.” [Stephens]
Oh yeah? Check out Lamictal.
De-escalating angry or protective alters – use of code words or magic phrases in DID
I was in an airport with my husband and was triggered – triggered by the sense of being trapped and not in control. Much later, we talked about things he could have done to bring me back. What word, what gesture, that would not make me worse.
This is critical when protective or out-of-control alters come out. This article deals with methods friends and family can use to de-escalate the situation.
The ability to trust with DID in therapy and in real life
A huge barrier for survivors of abuse, especially child abuse, is the issue of trust. How do you ever establish trust with a therapist, friends and family, and how do you repair it when it falters? Since trust is the first cornerstone of therapy, lack of trust leaves the individual stalled in making therapeutic progress.
Turns out the cycle of trust and lack of trust is normal in DID. Here are my research findings with ties to my own experiences.
Changing therapists – what to consider
I am evaluating if I should change therapists. The information gatherer in me wants some concrete advice to make the decision. Part of me wants to stay, and another part wants just as strongly to go.
Changing therapists is a difficult decision for anyone. But it becomes even more challenging if you are a multiple.
This article is about my research in order to make this decision. That maybe will help you with the decision as well.
Thoughts on Integration – What does integration feel like?
Discussion of metaphors for integration that may help those without DID understand that most of us are not discretely different “people” and that integration is a process and not an event. Through “post traumatic growth,” which includes awareness and cooperation of the parts, individuals can become stronger
Dear Ms. DID: Regarding a dissociative episode and diagnoses vs Bipolar III and PTSD
Question:
Is it very common for someone with retraumitized PTSD with a recent dissociative episode (connected w/the retraumitization) to be diagnosed with Bipolar III Disorder instead of PTSD? If you know of any studies discerning one from another, please let me know. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Karen
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