Living with trauma and dissociative disorders

Note: Information on this website should not be considered medical advice. This page includes information that other people have found useful in coping with trauma and dissociative disorders. Advice should only be provided by a trained and qualified clinican.

Books

Coping with Difficult Emotions

Coping animation of cartoons with messages - made from images by EMM not Emma which were used with permission. Teddy bear holding a blue balloon says You emotions are valid

It is very common for people who have experienced trauma to find it hard to manage their emotions, particularly people with Complex PTSD; this is described as difficulties in emotional regulation. [3]

Distress and negative emotions (particularly fear, guilt, sadness, shame, confusion) are a symptom of PTSD.[4]:271-272 Reactive Attachment Disorder, another Trauma and Stressor-related Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder are also associated with difficulty managing emotions. [4]:265,766,265,664

Emotions evolved to help us survive- Plutnick's Nature of Emotions explained

Negative mood is a symptom of many disorders caused by trauma, and Major Depression is commonly diagnosed in people with Trauma or Dissociative Disorders. [4]:165,271-298

The diagram shows that all negative feelings can lead to actions with positive effects. According to Plutchik, who developed this understanding, successfully adapting to the environment "implies the ability to feel and express all emotions in appropriate setting". This means that feeling and expressing negative emotions is important.

Can you identify the emotion(s) you are feeling? They may be one of the eight basic emotions of fear, amger, joy, sadness, acceptance (trust), disgust, expectation (anticipation) and surprise, or a mix of several of these.

Grounding techniques and Flashbacks

Relaxation and calming

Grounding Yourself during a flashback

from the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

Watch more

PTSD self-help tools

External links to the Veteran's Association
PTSD Coach online PTSD and Mindfulness mobile apps

Medical Information Cards

Helpful cards for medical and dental appointments or to show in an emergency.
More Info cards

Emergency resource downloads - free customizable DID information cards, emotional thermometer and more.
Emergency resources

Information leaflet for professionals

Blogs

Trauma Dissociation
C PTSD A Way Out, A place to check in daily.
DID Dispatches, A personal perspective on living with Dissociative identity disorder.
Wounded Times, the news source for veterans.

Denial and DID

Coming soon.

Finding a therapist

Therapists with a professional interest in working with people with Trauma and Dissociative Disorders are listed on the find a therapist page of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. These are not recommendations or endorsements but a list of professionals who have joined the organization from across the world.[1] The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) provides a similar online tool,[2] find a clinician. Other organizations which may help you find a therapist with a particular interest in the field are listed below by region.

Books

Books: Recovery and Self-Help have moved to the Books page.
Books for therapists and other professionals are on the Professionals page.
Please update your bookmarks.

Help keep this list up to date. Report broken links or suggest a professional organization using the feedback form.