Dissociative disorders, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DPDR), involve disruptions in memory, identity, and consciousness. Supporting someone with these conditions requires empathy, patience, and understanding.
Educate yourself:
Learn about dissociative disorders to better understand what your loved one is experiencing. Use resources to know more about their disorder. Encourage them to talk about their experiences and what would help them best.
Be patient and listen actively.
Offer a safe space for them to express their feelings without judgment. Practice active listening—acknowledge their emotions and validate their experiences, even if you don’t fully understand them.
Help them maintain a routine.
Establishing a daily routine can provide stability and predictability, making it easier to navigate their symptoms. Support them in creating a structured schedule and participate in shared activities to reinforce this routine.
Help them to seek support.
Encourage them to connect with mental health professionals or support groups. Offer to assist in finding resources or attending appointments if they feel comfortable. Then help them to follow their treatment plan and commit to their therapy sessions.
Pay attention to their current state.
Be mindful of their emotional and physical state. If you notice them spacing out or showing signs of anxiety, gently steer them towards grounding techniques. Encourage practices such as deep breathing, focusing on their senses, or engaging in mindfulness exercises to help them reconnect with the present moment.
Recognize their triggers.
Encourage them to identify and track their triggers, helping them understand what situations or stimuli may lead to dissociation. Create a shared list of triggers so that both of you can be more aware and prepared to manage these moments.
Create a Safety Plan
Work together to develop a safety plan for times when symptoms escalate. Identify specific coping strategies, such as grounding techniques or safe spaces, and compile a list of emergency contacts. Having a clear plan can provide reassurance and help them feel more secure.
Recognizing Risky Behavior
When supporting someone with a dissociative disorder, it’s essential to be vigilant about potentially risky behaviors that may arise during episodes of dissociation or heightened stress. Signs of risky behavior can include:
Self-Harm: Engaging in actions that cause physical harm as a way to cope with emotional pain.
Substance Abuse: Increasing reliance on alcohol or drugs to numb feelings or escape reality.
Impulsive Actions: Making sudden decisions that could jeopardize their safety or well-being, such as reckless driving or unsafe relationships.
Withdrawal: Isolating themselves from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and distress.
Take care of yourself.
Supporting someone with a dissociative disorder can be emotionally demanding. Ensure you prioritize your own well-being by seeking support, setting boundaries, and engaging in self-care practices. This will enable you to be a more effective in helping them.
How can we Help?
At Mind Clinic, we provide comprehensive support tailored to individuals experiencing dissociative disorders. Our Psychiatrists and therapists offer a professional space for exploring symptoms, feelings and behaviors, and help to address underlying trauma and develop healthier coping strategies through therapy and medical assessments.
We also provide immediate crisis intervention for those exhibiting risky behaviors, creating personalized safety plans and offering resources and interventions for urgent situations.
References:
Mind.org.uk. (n. d.) What is Dissociation? https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/dissociation-and-dissociative-disorders/about-dissociation/
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, September 29). Depersonalisation- Derealisation Disorder https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9791-depersonalization-derealization-disorder
Clevelandclinic. (2023, July 6). Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9792-dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder