almost recovered

hey everyone,

I haven't posted here before (to my knowledge). I once depersonalized a great deal, in any social situation that made me uncomfortable. Like, I'd be in a conversation with someone and then suddenly realize i "went away" for a few minutes and had heard nothing the other person said. It was like i was nowhere. It was very intense at times. And quite embarrassing as it seemed I hadn't been paying any attention which I suppose in reality I hadn't.

After 4 years of gestalt therapy I find myself dissociating a lot less. I've learned to be present during uncomfortable moments. But I'm curious:

What has helped you? Modes of therapy? Meds? What has gotten you through?

Nothing has helped me. I've had DP for as long as I can remember so no cure expected here.

Am curious though, what did you do in gestalt therapy?

well...

my therapy has largely centered on being present as I said. we address (speak about) things that make me dissociate: uncomfortable social situations, past traumas, fears, worries etc. I've spent years talking about them and now they just don't have the same effect. I can be "in the room" with my therapist without going numb/disappearing/leaving my body/blanking out. it's a safe space, and that has helped me deal with what's so triggering. it has been a TON of work.and took a lot of courage if I do say so. but my T is so good at leading me through it. he kind of gave me permission to dissociate as much as I needed to... which was so helpful. I just found I needed it less and less over time.

this practice has helped me not dissociate in real life as much... in fact I can't remember the last time I needed to.