What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a term for certain psychological consequences of exposure to, or confrontation with, stressful experiences that the person experiences as h...
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how to tell/warn people about dissociative episode
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I'm going to a professional conference in a few days, far from home. I'm really scared given my PTSD, but also really excited and want to go. My question is how and when do I tell people that I have dissociative episodes? I don't want that to be the first thing they know about me, but I feel it's important to tell them in advance so if I have one they don't worry and know what's going on and that I'll be o.k. Should I mention PTSD or just say that I have "episodes" and not be specific about the cause. Why do I feel so ashamed of this iillness -- why isn't it just like telling someone I have high blood pressure or epilepsy or something? It feels so personal to talk about with people I don't know and have a professional relationship with.
Any advice would be appreciated! \ Posted on 11/10/09, 09:11 am |
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This is tough. It really depends on whether you're going to be there with friends or strangers.
Personally, if friends, I'd tell the one I trust the most, then hope that nothing happens. If strangers, I'd perhaps make sure that the first aiders ( if there are any ) at the conference know so can be prepared should anything happen, then leave it at that. People cannot understand, and often will be "What the ****... Why are they telling me this ?". IMO, Far better to keep it to yourself and just do what you can to make sure you dont have any episodes. Good luck whatever you decide. It's a brave thing to do... Sammers 
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Thanks sammers. I think you give good advice. I wish I had more control of these episodes (I'm working on it!!!) so I wouldn't have to go through this. But I'm trying to just give myself credit for taking the risk and going to the conference at all (which as I said I'm really looking forward to). I'll just try to take it one step at a time. More importantly, if I have an episode, I have to forgive myself and move on. Most people have seen much worse, I'm sure.
Thanks again for your support and advice.
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Clairl,
I have to agree with Sammers over there.... I'm not sure I'd offer any information unless you're among friends or close colleagues. Disassociation is known by many as "the thousand yard stare" and just seems like you're zoning out or deep in thought to many people. When it happens to me and someone says something, I usually snap out of it and just say something like "Wow.. sorry... I was somewhere else for a minute there" or "Heh.. I guess I was really lost in thought". I have had this happen at a conference, a couple of times when I was the speaker. Once I went on automagic mode in a session and continued the talk for almost a half hour without missing a beat (Practice makes perfect). And if I miss something in a session and someone else mentions it, I usually say.. Sheesh, my memory must be going already... I missed that somehow, can YOU elaborate on that point and tell me your thoughts? I hope this helps somehow.... remember, be gentle to yourself. Be excited about going, and let someone else have the fear. YOU will be fine! D.
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