Do you dissociate?
What do you think dissociation is? Do you have moments where you stare into the distance, or you don’t know how you got somewhere, or unexplained seizures? You may have dissociative seizures, also known as Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) or non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD), these can feel and look like epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. If you have been diagnosed with this condition or believe you or someone you know may have it, then it is best to get a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan done first to rule out epileptic seizures. Dissociative seizures are believed to be a physical manifestation of psychological distress, this distress may not be occurring when the seizure does but in previous times where the distress was not dealt with.
I was diagnosed with this condition quite a few years ago and it took several years of not knowing what was happening to me before I happened upon a diagnosis. I have recently written a book on the whole experience if you would like to know more. The Magic Within: A Tale of Resilience, Healing, and Emotional Discovery eBook : King, Lilli: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
What does dissociation look like?
Some characteristics and symptoms of dissociative seizures can include convulsions similar to tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures, staring spells, uncontrollable movement of the limbs, loss of consciousness or blackout episodes, temporary paralysis or inability to speak. The key difference is that unlike epileptic seizures, dissociative seizures do not have the associated electroencephalogram (EEG) changes, electrical activity in the brain. The exact cause of dissociative seizures isn’t always clear, but they are linked to traumatic experiences, ongoing stress, or mental health issues such as: depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or history of abuse.
I have found that my condition is also exacerbated by other types of stress on the body not just mental stress but physical overload (too much exercise), or toxins (too much sugar, too much chlorine). The toxic overload is seen in my book as mentioned above where I had episodes around the times that I was swimming a lot.
How to treat dissociative episodes
Treatment within the medical world primarily addresses the underlying psychological triggers; counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can get one started. I know that education and understanding the condition helped me greatly, it wasn’t until I got a diagnosis that I began to get a bit more control over it. Stress management and coping techniques can of course help too, using mindfulness, relaxation techniques, meditation can help to keep the body and mind calm. Some people prefer to take medications, however, there isn’t a specific medication that treats dissociative seizures, some medications can help with anxiety or depression.
My experience of these medications was not good, I was prescribed anxiety medication as a young adult and I found it horrible, I lasted a week or two and stopped taking them, I just felt numb to the world. Anyone that asks for my advice around these medications I would advise against them. They merely numb your emotions and can cause other horrible side effects, getting into a healthy exercise and healthy eating regime, making sure that you are getting the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs are more important and more effective.
My experience of dissociation
Most people that suffer with non-epileptic seizures (this is how I describe mine as most people don’t understand dissociation) can see reductions in frequency and severity of episodes with improvements to their lifestyle through healthy eating, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques.
However, in my experience I found the greatest reduction in frequency and severity was when I began to really listen to my emotions and allow them to be rather than ignoring them. I found this by just learning and educating myself on emotions, the different types, how we need them all in certain times and how they pass through you and go away if you just allow them to be. I know from first hand experience just how hard this is. After beginning to practice this for a while I then found Emogic (Emotional Magic), a way that I could find the emotions within my mind and body that had caused me turmoil in the past, feel them properly and facilitate them to be released from myself. Truly lightening my mind and soul.
If you feel like Emogic would benefit you (I can guarantee it will) then please get in touch for a free consultation/chat.