Dissociation, depression and exhaustion, any advice?

[erik5]

I've read Pete Walker's book "From Surviving To Thriving" but I'm stuck in the healing steps because of emotional numbness. I have depersonalisation and I'm super tired all the time, which I've read that this could be because of dissociation.

Pete recommends "Coping With Trauma-related dissociation." Have anyone else read it?

A big problem for me right now is the really bad exhaustion, which makes it hard to do anything productive. Does anyone have any recommendations for it?

Thanks.

[NarcKiddo]

I'm sorry you're struggling with exhaustion.

For myself art or exercise can often help - but with exercise it is a very fine judgement as to whether I need physical rest or should start moving a little to see if I can push myself out of it. Given you describe how you are feeling as "really bad exhaustion" it does not sound to me as if exercise is likely to help. That said, some sort of movement is important and if you can get out into the fresh air for a short walk that is probably worth trying to do.

The main thing I get from your post is your statement that it is hard to do anything productive. That sounds as if you are being a bit hard on yourself. Perhaps you are thinking that you "should" do something productive. But looking after yourself is of itself productive and the goal is a very important one. So my main suggestion is to take as much pressure off yourself as possible. Use as much time as you can to take care of you, whatever that looks like.

Wishing you well.

[Kizzie]

Hi Erik - Sorry to hear you are feeling so numb and exhausted right now, CPTSD and recovery can take so much out of us.  Are you in therapy at the moment?  If so, you might want to speak to you therapist about how you're feeling.

If not, I found what helped me (and please know we're all different so these may not be right for you), was to take what I like to call "trauma breaks." I would put down the books about trauma, read and post less here, take naps, try and do some fun things which could include just binge watching a good TV show if that's all you're up for, take short walks in the fresh air, or go for a ride in the car.

I hope this is helpful!