Have you ever found yourself lost or confused about your whereabouts, without any recollection of how you got to where you currently are? If so, then there is a chance that you have experienced a dissociative fugue state. This rare condition refers to a temporary disarray in the mind that can often cause amnesia, confusion, or identity issues.

What is a fugue state?

During a fugue state, a person may unexpectedly and temporarily lose their autobiographical memory, personal identity, and awareness of their past. They may also engage in impulsive travel or wandering.

They may suddenly leave their home or workplace, travel to a new location, and assume a new identity or adopt a different name. They often have no recollection of their previous life, including their personal relationships, responsibilities, or events that occurred prior to the fugue state. This state of dissociation can be perplexing and disorienting for both the individual experiencing it and those around them.

Stress, Trauma, and Dissociative Fugue States

Although researchers continue to explore the core triggers behind the onset of a fugue state, most psychologists today believe that high-stress levels and trauma are often the root cause. However, this is hardly a surprise. Stress and trauma significantly impact our mental health and often lie at the center of various mental health conditions that most people face today.

When we come face-to-face with overwhelming levels of stress or trauma, such as sexual assault or the violent loss of a loved one, our brain may choose to react in one of many ways. Sometimes, people become flooded with anger or despair in the face of this intense trauma, while others may become lost in incoming waves of depression.

However, in some cases, some people take a more mysterious path. If our mind believes that facing this trauma head-on may be too overwhelming, it may completely disconnect from the situation as a way of protecting itself. This disassociation is often so powerful that the person who experienced the trauma does not only disconnect from this event but also their core identity.

So, while this level of disassociation may vary from person to person, people that experience a fugue state may go as far as taking on a newborn persona during this period. This disassociation allows us to forget this overwhelming trauma or stress and continue to live a life of blissful ignorance.

Stress Management to Control Fugue State

While it is rare for anyone to experience fugue states, some may battle constant episodes of this condition.

There are various ways to manage a dissociative fugue state, such as stress management or trauma support. These psychological methods help you get back in the driving seat of life by teaching you healthy coping mechanisms you can rely on when facing high-stress levels.

These adaptive strategies should make it easier to maintain control of your life and reduce the chances of slipping into a fugue state.

1. Therapy: Engaging in therapy, particularly with a mental health professional experienced in treating dissociative disorders, can be crucial in preventing fugue states. Different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or trauma-focused therapy, may be utilized to address underlying trauma, improve coping mechanisms, and develop strategies to manage stress.
2. Stress management: Learning effective stress management techniques can be beneficial in reducing the likelihood of dissociative episodes. This may include practicing relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and identifying and managing stress triggers.
3. Self-care and support: Prioritizing self-care activities, such as getting sufficient sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, can contribute to overall emotional well-being and resilience. Building a support network of trusted friends, family, or support groups can also provide a sense of connection and assistance during challenging times.
4. Addressing trauma: If the fugue state is associated with past trauma, seeking specialized trauma-focused therapy can be helpful in processing and resolving the underlying traumatic experiences. Therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) can assist in healing trauma-related wounds and reducing the risk of dissociative episodes.

Help for Dissociative Disorders in Newport Beach

Dissociative fugue is considered to be one subtype of dissociative disorders, which also include dissociative amnesia, dissociative identity disorder, and depersonalization/derealization disorder. If you want to talk to someone about your options for IOP treatment in Newport Beach for fugue state triggers, call Lido Wellness today. Our experienced team is ready to help you understand your options and give you the help you need for the next step in your journey.

The hope is that we can live with purpose. We can find joy, and we can look forward to another day. But it is just not always the case. Some people have not had joy or happiness in so long that they feel like maybe it isn’t even a possibility. And it might even get to the point that they decide that there is so much pain; it is just better to try to stop it all. Suicidal thoughts, or contemplating suicide, is a serious mental health concern. It’s scary for the person having them and those who love them.

Understanding suicidal thoughts is a difficult prospect. But there are some ways you can reflect and inspect to find out where they might be coming from and recognize when they might become dangerous. As well as where to get help when things feel like they are at their worst.

*Please note: If you are thinking, “I have Suicidal Thoughts,” we want to help. But If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, reaching out to mental health professionals or trusted individuals in your life is crucial. Use crisis resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (dial 988 on your phone) or Crisis Text Line if immediate help is needed. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help but a brave step toward healing.

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal ideation is another way to talk about suicidal thoughts. It refers to thinking about self-harm, ranging from fleeting considerations to detailed plans.

There could be lots of reasons for a person to consider suicide. Some of the most common stem from chronic depression or anxiety. These conditions are overwhelming, and it seems like there is no way out or any hope. Stressful life events also may play a part, such as losing a job or a loved one. Trauma is also extremely painful and can impact a person daily, making someone feel trapped in a cage of their past.

Ultimately thoughts of suicide occur when despair, hopelessness, or unbearable pain feel like they are never going away. There is no way to cope with what is happening or what has happened, and the person feels they have no other options to alleviate their suffering.

Recognizing Suicide Danger

Suicidal ideation becomes more dangerous when passive thoughts become active plans or actions. Is there a plan in place? As well, have they lost or had protection removed? Protective measures are people who care about them or a safe environment to find the ability to self-soothe.

There are some other signs to look for:

Crisis: has there been a loss in their life or a traumatic event?

Previous attempts: previous attempts are a clear sign—especially if they were recent.

Mental health: are there other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, or personality disorders?

Access: do they have access to lethal means, e.g., Firearms or medications?

Help for Someone Who Says, “I’m Having Suicidal Thoughts”

Identifying signs of suicidal ideation in loved ones can be challenging. Look for changes in behavior, expressions of hopelessness, or references to death or suicide. Look for the above signs and notice if they spend their time in isolation.

But the most important is that they feel safe to talk to you. If you fear for someone’s life, ask them. Hiding from it or pretending it is not there creates more pain.

What do you ask? Keep it straightforward:

Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

Approaching a loved one who is experiencing suicidal thoughts requires compassion and care. Be ready to listen and offer nonjudgmental support. Make sure you have some resources available and options for professional help.

Treatment Options for Suicidal Ideation

Numerous treatment options exist for managing suicidal ideation. Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, can help people build the skills to learn how to cope with these thoughts. Medications, particularly antidepressants, can be helpful for various mental health disorders.

In acute cases, an intervention may be necessary. This might include hospitalization or residential treatment programs. These provide a safe environment and intensive treatment to navigate the crisis.

Support networks such as family or friends that love the person are crucial. While mental health professionals offer necessary therapeutic interventions and support groups provide a space to share experiences and learn from others who’ve faced similar struggles, loved ones offer ongoing support, reminding the individual they are not alone.

Getting Help With Suicidal Thoughts

When someone is thinking of suicide or is afraid of their thoughts, it is time to take action. It is always a big deal and should be considered an emergency. Understanding when it is most dangerous is important, but even more, understanding the options for yourself or your loved one is vital. At Lido Wellness, we have professionals that can help. Again, if you are thinking of harming yourself right now, call 911 or the 988. But if you are scared of the underlying factors or see your despair getting deeper and deeper, please call Lido Wellness today. Recovery is possible. There is hope. Our team can help you find the path toward a life worth living with joy and purpose.

Both depersonalization and derealization are signs of psychological distress and are considered dissociative disorder. Depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPDR) is a term used to describe the combination of these symptoms.

Depersonalization is the experience of distancing oneself from one’s own identity. The experience can be akin to looking at yourself on a movie screen or standing on the sidelines while your life unfolds.

Derealization is the experience of disconnection from one’s immediate surroundings and the people and things within them. Feelings of isolation from those who matter to you may intensify. You feel as though you are looking at the world through a twisted and surreal veil.

DPDR Causes

There is a lack of consensus on what triggers DPDR. Hereditary and environmental variables may make some persons more prone to depersonalization-derealization than others.

Childhood trauma or other experiences or situations that produce extreme emotional stress or suffering may contribute to developing DPDR symptoms in adulthood.

It may also stem from alcohol use disorder, extreme emotional or financial stress, or prolonged periods of despair or anxiety. Personality problems and other mental health issues or physical diseases, including epilepsy, can also set off DPDR.

DPDR Symptoms

DPDR symptoms differ based on depersonalization or derealization.

Depersonalization Signs

DPDR depersonalization symptoms include:

• Alexithymia—inability to identify or explain emotions
• Physical numbness
• Being unable to control one’s speech or actions common to those with alcohol use disorder
• Disconnection from one’s physicality, mentality, feelings, and senses
• Inability to feel anything about past events
• Feeling like cotton has been stuffed into your skull

Derealization Signs

DPDR derealization symptoms entail:

• Distance and object size/shape distortions
• Increased sensitivity to your environment
• A sense that recent occurrences belong to another era
• A world that is distorted, flat, monochromatic, unrealistic, oversized, or cartoonish

Practical Coping Strategies for Managing DPDR

As difficult as these symptoms are, there are some things you can do that will help alleviate them when they occur. Here are ways to cope with DPDR:

Grounding Workouts

Maintaining a solid relationship with your immediate surroundings. Making sure you are applying intentional mindfulness and awareness. For instance:

• Reaching out and touching the earth
• Being in physical contact with something
• Doing something relaxing, like listening to music and singing

Engage in Mindful Activity

Meditation and other forms of mindfulness can also help you with a sense of presence and bodily awareness. Experts say that these methods teach one to securely and quietly monitor physical and emotional sensations.

Adopting a Healthy Routine

Getting enough sleep can be a good stress management and anxiety reduction technique. Aerobic exercise has been shown to alleviate burnout, and since depersonalization is a hallmark of burnout, this is encouraging news. It would help if you also considered making and sticking with some dietary changes.

Getting Help With DPDR in Newport Beach

DPDR is a serious condition. It is incredibly isolating and can contribute to clinical depression and more. Living life as if your reality is like a dream is not a healthy way to experience being alive.

Getting help from a DPDR center such as Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach is crucial in managing your symptoms and regaining a sense of wellness. Our CBT therapy in Newport Beach, as well as our EMDR center in Newport Beach, have both proven successful in treating DPDR. Call us today to talk to a mental health specialist and see your best options.

 

Sources:

1. “Depersonalization and Derealization” – from the National Institute of Mental Health (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/index.shtml)
2. “Depersonalization Disorder: A Guide to Symptoms, Treatment and Hope” – from the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (https://www.isst-d.org/resources/depersonalization-disorder-a-guide-to-symptoms-treatment-and-hope/)
3. “Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder” – from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depersonalization-derealization-disorder)
4. “Depersonalization-derealization disorder: what we know so far” – from the journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5960172/)

 

Trigger warning … we are going to talk a little about vomiting. Though if you already know what emetophobia is, you already know that.

Emetophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense fear of vomiting.

It is often so bad it can significantly impact a person’s daily life. They might have to avoid certain foods, social situations, and even travel because of the potential (or perceived potential) of vomit.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety.

Can you see the connection?

Potential Connection between Emetophobia and OCD

Though not always, there are certainly times emetophobia can manifest as a specific type of OCD in which the obsessions and compulsions are centered around the fear of vomiting. For example, individuals with emetophobia and OCD may engage in excessive checking behaviors, such as checking expiration dates on food or avoiding contact with people who are sick, to prevent the possibility of vomiting.

They may compulsively check their temperature, pulse, or other physical sensations for signs of illness. This can cause them to miss work, school, or other important commitments.

Impact on Daily Life

 The emetophobia and OCD connection can profoundly impact people’s lives, causing significant limitations in their daily activities. For those with emetophobia, it’s not uncommon to avoid certain foods or restaurants, leading to feelings of social isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships. In severe cases, some individuals may feel too anxious to leave their homes, which can mean loneliness and depression.

Social situations can be particularly challenging for individuals with emetophobia-OCD. Fear of vomiting can cause anxiety in public places, parties, and public transportation. This can cause significant distress, social isolation, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships. Furthermore, OCD compulsions such as excessive cleaning or handwashing can be socially stigmatizing, leading to embarrassment and shame.

Impact on Eating Habits and More

The fear of vomiting can significantly impact an individual’s eating habits, leading to restrictive diets, malnutrition, and weight loss. Emetophobic people may avoid certain foods or food groups, such as meat or dairy, because they associate them with vomiting. Furthermore, the fear of vomiting can cause anxiety around mealtimes, resulting in nausea, loss of appetite, or even vomiting.

They may obsessively clean and disinfect their environment, clothes, and personal belongings to avoid any risk of contamination or infection. Cleaning all day long can be time-consuming and expensive and interfere with their daily life and routines.

Treatment Options for Emetophobia and OCD

It makes sense that someone with emetophobia may think they have OCD. And they might. But the good news is there is treatment for both.

The emetophobia-OCD connection requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the specific phobia and the OCD symptoms. Treatment options may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication. CBT can help individuals challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs about vomiting, while ERP can help them gradually face their fears and reduce avoidance behaviors.

If you want to know more about emetophobia and OCD, call us today to talk to a mental health care advisor.

 

Sources:

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Emetophobia: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/emetophobia-fear-of-vomiting/index.shtml
• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) – Emetophobia: https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/emetophobia/
• Verywell Mind – How Emetophobia and OCD Are Connected: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-connection-between-emetophobia-and-ocd-2510574
• Medical News Today – What is Emetophobia and How is it Treated? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/emetophobia