Posted by anita on June 28, 2000, at 17:37:51
In reply to Re: Some 2-brained theories a radical approach to..., posted by noa on June 22, 2000, at 12:28:46
Hi Noa,
I have a very similar problem with "different states" of being or identity. I seem to have distinct "Anitas", mostly based on mood and style of thinking, and ultimately in behavior (e.g., social or withdrawn). My psychiatrist actually thought I might have MPD, but I don't; despite the discreet states, I am always "Anita", and I have a strong sense of general identity.
I have, however, mild dissociative issues, mostly derealization and a general spacing out. Do you have these? Technically I've been diagnosed with DID, NOS. What's interesting to me is that when I go thru periods of _not_ experiencing these "state" shifts, I am rather dysfunctional, unemotional, and apathetic. SSRIs seem to do this to me. I'd be interested to hear more about your experience -- feel free to email me directly!
anita
> The theory of a more mature and less mature hemisphere in an individual is intriguing to me, as some of the work I do in therapy is trying to integrate different "states" I experience. They are not really true dissociative states, but in terms of how I experience myself and the world emotionally, they are fairly distinct. Over time, they are less separate from each other. Kind of like going from a tv that requires you to change the channel altogether to one that has a split screen, or at least a preview inset. Or at least maybe two sets on different channels in the same room.
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> I could see this laterality approach fitting with my experience of different states. One state is definitely more akin to an immature, nonverbal, egocentric way of seeing things, while the other major state (there are variations of these two basic states) is more mature, verbal, logical, has more perspective taking ability, etc. The less mature state for me is associated with hopelessness and helplessness, while the more mature one is hopeful and in a more problem solving mode. It really affects cognitive skills, too, like looking at a concrete problem and reacting to it. In the less mature state, it is hard for me to differentiate the aspects, or parts of a problem, and to imagine a sequence of steps to take to solve it. In the more mature state, I can often automatically get into action by conceiving a problem solving sequence and just start on the first step and procede. In the immature state, I and the problem are not separate from each other. My difficulty approaching the problem BECOMES the problem, and then I lose all distinction--I am the problem, the problem is me. In the more mature state, I see the problem as outside myself with clear boundaries. In the immature state, I usually withdraw and try to avoid the problem. In the more mature state, I am more likely to just deal with the problem.
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> Often I am in a state that is somewhere between these two polar ends of the continuum.
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> I have heard of other techniques that attempt to cross over the hemispheres and sort of break patterns of behavior--I guess they fall into the category of occupational therapy or Alexander technique or Feldenkreis, perhaps? I really don't know. I only have a vague awareness of these approaches. Also, maybe even some of the Ericksonian hypnosis type of techniques--Cindy, any thoughts?
poster:anita
thread:38054
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000619/msgs/38602.html