*** Trigger Warning ***
Mental health – symptoms and mechanisms – exist on a spectrum. This may seem strange. You may already know this. It is true!
Symptoms can vary in intensity – mild to severe. When a symptom impairs a person’s ability to go about their regular activities (weekly or daily), this indicates a problem. Think severe side of the spectrum.
The length of the time the symptom has existed (or, been noticed) is another indicator of impairment or hiccups in functioning.
Now, this is an OVERLY simple definition and “picture”, if you will, of symptoms. The main reason is because for this post I am focusing on one particular and specific symptom.
How come only one?
You must look at the bigger, or broader, picture of the person. Within this context, a mental health professional can help the client determine if the symptom is addressable at that time. Further, what coping mechanisms are at their disposal or can they access.
The exception, if any?
Two, specifically, apply to me and this post, in particular. [And it is worthy to note, I am NOT the only exception nor is this the sole symptom possible to fall in this category.]
For me, currently!, it is the symptom of disassociation. To a degree, I refer to it as, disconnected. Even, numbness.
You are enough!!!!
Rusty
Note: This was drafted in February 2021. Almost one year ago.
Rusty & Wolf 2019 