Send Your Replies about Rapid Switching to Amber

Dear Amber,

I experience violent switching. It's awful,scary,I hate it! Lately I found a way to secure myself. I walk around my house and find what I call anchors to the present, an object or 2 that I like in each room. As I do this I settle. I realise my parts want to talk They are suffering feelings from trauma. I also try to envision all the feelings going into a safe box to keep and work on with my therapist.

Sorry it's so hard, Amber.

Julia

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Hi Amber,

One thing to keep in mind about rapid dissociation is that it is, essentially, reflective of intense stress and anxiety. So,
whatever helps anxiety will likely help--medication, hot tea, don't forget to breathe! Learning to "sit with" the distress
is a big part of becoming more at ease and able to manage the stresses. Tich Nhat Han has a saying about "inviting
your anger in for tea," in other words--talk to the emotion, "what's going on?" "what is this really about?" Sit with the
feelings, help them to be expressed in healthy ways. It isn't simple--I know. But, your awareness of the rapid switching
is already a benefit--because you can begin to notice what triggers it and what soothes you.

I hope this tidbit helps.

Me

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Hi Amber,
Yes, I too, had problems with rapid switching some years ago. I remember when it seemed that all the Parts were talking at the same time, or in rapid succession. I felt so terribly out of control. The technique my therapist used for this was "Talking Through." In other words, He looked directly at me and said "I want to talk to everyone inside......You each can get your turn to talk, but we need to do this slowly and without fighting for control.......First, I want everyone to be quiet for now.....so that Jan (me) and I can help each of you.......I want you all to promise that you'll wait until we give you your turn."
When my therapist said this, the switching stopped, and I felt more in control. I guess because each of the Parts knew they WOULD get to be heard.
Anyway, so whenever this Rapid Switching occurred again.....Then I was able to use this technique on myself. I would either say those words out loud, or write it in my journal. I think that when they ( the parts ) knew they each would be heard, they did NOT need to switch back and forth so rapidly. And, then, I would let each of them talk. Or, if it was too upsetting, I would have my journal out so they each could write their feelings down.....and I would bring my journal to my next therapy appt.
As Lynn said, I was also on medication for this. But, to me, the "Talking Through" helped more than the meds. But, talk to your doctor about possible meds, as Lynn said.
I hope this helps some.
I wish you courage and strength in your healing journey.
Jan T.

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Dear Amber,

I used to have problems with rapid switching years ago. My psychiatrist tried some special medication with me to reduce the incidents, but I was too sensitive to the medication, so had to stop it immediately. (In fact, I'm now considered "allergic" to it because my reaction was so intense.) Some people can successfully take medicine for this though, so you might want to discuss the issue with an MD-psychiatrist who is very experienced with drugs.

Eventually, my problem went away and I haven't had issues with this for many years. So maybe it can also be affected positively by active healing verbally.

Good luck, and I hope you get many responses!

Lynn