I'm very similar. I reaently had a period of doing really well and actually felt comfortable being myself. The last few days have been tough, it's been hard to stay present, I don't feel like doing anything, headaches, sleep disturbances, body aches and food has gotten out of control. I've been doing really well with both food and SI. I'm also having urges to SI. I think I have a traumatic memory trying to come out. That's usually what happens first, but this time the physical and emotional reactions are worse than usual.

I am struggling with the same issues. I have been in an angry state or I guess I switched to my angry protector for two days over this father's day weekend. What a surprise. I was so mean to my wonderful family. And I even talked back to my boss a bit. It wasn't good. Unfortunately I have no advice for you because I was just dx and I have no idea what I am doing and am waiting till I see my therapist tmw. I do have many coping mechanisms. But this particular alter is very resistant to this type of intervention. Maybe just some good old deep breaths would have done the trick. I just panic and forget. And actually I don't want to stop benign angry when I am like that.

Jessica I am sorry you are having such a difficult time. Switching is so overwhelming and frustrating. I don't know if you are newly dx but when I was first dx I was switching all over the place; however,once me and my t starting to communicate with the alters there was less switching. Once the alters started trusting me and t they were ok with becoming co-conscious so i was more aware of what was going on. The more communication, understanding, validation and loving of the alters the more we were able to make agreements as to when it was ok to switch--making sure we are in a safe place, etc. Communication is the key to the system settling down and have the alters know you are behind them all the way.

Jessica~ I'm sorry your going through this. I have a similar experience to dual force. When in chaos, I was switching all over the place and things seemed out of control, but now that we communicate through our journal and have as open dialog as we can, the switching is less and reserved more for the night. I was more of a co-pilot and visa versa.

Holding things together takes immense energy. I think if you can come to some agreement in your journal hey all, if we get through this week we can do something nice together and explain the importance of that, you might gain some headway.

Good luck.
~K and Destany's House

take breaks often. clear your mind of stressful pressures for a few minutes. keep notes around to help you if you do switch. keep talking to the alters so they feel validated, but also so they stay informed of system needs and safety rules. grounding exercises. learn to be mindful. breathe deeply. try to remember you have been like this and been coping pretty well for a lot longer than you have been diagnosed. eat right. sleep when possible. sorry so long.

I saw my therapist yesterday and told her what was going on and that I think I was about to have a memory come back. I was even dissociating there and she noticed it right away. We worked on grounding exercises. It was interesting and seems like they will be helpful.

Thanks for all the feed back everyone. I will use your suggestions! It is so nice to have friends that truly know what you are going through. I don't feel so weird and alone! Just weird with friends! LOL

luv you Jess