Dissociation with BiPolar?

[SinkingShip]

Hey everyone,
Has anyone else encountered Dissociation during their BiPolar cycles? I was reviewing some of the symptoms of my latest Depressive Cycles and one thing that stood out in the most severe of the cycles was that I would periodically "stare off into nothing" and would be unresponsive until my wife called my name several times. It happened a few times a day (including twice in the middle of dinner) during the bottom of the cycle, but I haven't had the issue since starting the new round of meds.

Any ideas?
Thanks,

 

[angelkiss]

I started having dissociation even before I got a diagnosis. I usually get it in my psychotic episodes though. I describe it as.....my mind going on a trip while my body is on auto-pilot.

 

[goldenviolet]

yes. mine has gotten worse with age. it keeps me from driving, going to the store by myself, etc., but my guardian/husband, kids, doctors etc., keep track of me pretty good. *my therapist taught me to focus on objects, and start describing them in my head, until i can refocus and move etc., i didn't know other people struggled with this too. i also have alot of blackouts. suppositively mpd. but i sometimes don't even know what my mind and body is doing.

 

[SinkingShip]

For some of the ones I've had, my wife was present and said that I just sort of froze and began staring "off into oblivion". Thse episodes only occur in the psychotic stages of my depression cycles, so a lot of my attention is focused on "the voices in my head". Since this is a symptom I just recently started paying attention to, I wasn't sure if it presented a new set of concerns (as in mentally "checking out" and never coming back). But, as a friend of mine in grad school to become a clinical psych told me: "Once one psychotic symptom shows up, you're kinda already in psychosis".

 

[goldenviolet]

I wasn't sure if it presented a new set of concerns (as in mentally "checking out" and never coming back).

i use to worry about this! a med professional told me that it is possible. my therapist, also a christian, had me pray for the Lord to seal me up just for Him, so i did. it's a huge comfort to know that the Lord will keep me safe, from even myself. .... whatever comes our way the Lord will shield us, catch us, and fulfill the gift of salvation in us. everything will work out. also in my many trips to the phy unit i discovered that it is possible to minister unto others while getting ministered to. sometimes we need to remember this. everything will work towards good, for those whom love the Lord! ~ xo dee