I'm unsure what to do ?

[Caelan]

So I'm 16 and I still live with my parents obviously but they're very against therapy or psychiatrists but I think I might have something wrong with me so I'm a little stuck. I often don't remember chunks of days, as if I wasn't there, but I still went through the motions of the day like brushing my teeth, eating, etc. Sometimes this blank state goes for a couple days and my friends often say I seem like a "different person" on those days. I, of course, googled it but it's all coming up as DID or OSDD. I don't want to jump the gun and say that's what I have but... Could that be possible? How should I even go about talking to someone about this? 

[Croix]

Dear Caelan~

Welcome here to the Forum, I'm glad you came as it sounds as if you are a bit stuck as to what to do.

Having periods you do not remember, even if you are able to do tihngs during them is a worry. They are not the sort of thing htat should be left to sort themselves out but do need action. You may have to start this process yourself, however if you have someone to take your side -a favorite teacher if you are still at school for instance, that can make tihngs easier.

The trouble is htese episodes could be caused by many things, either physical problems or mental health issues - and in either case would need treatment. Using Doctor Google is a waste of time, you simply cannot diagnose yourself like that.

Even if your parents are not keen on therapy or psychiatrists does not mean they will not care about medical problems. Can I suggest you go to a GP and set out exactly what is happening and ask to be diagnosed. I can't see how your parents can object to that.

If you include a full physical you can be tested for any mental ailment along with physical ones. Hopefully this will point to the reason these episodes happen. Then you will be in a better position to know what to do.

Finding out is the first step. Incidentally you are entitled to ask that you are the only one in the consultation room and it is kept confidential.

If you would like to say how you get on that would be great, particularly if you have problems with your parents as the result of the tests.

Croix

[therising]

Hi Caelan

As a mum, I can say one of the best ways to get a parent to take action involves leading them to become concerned. If they're concerned enough, they'll definitely do something. If you mention to your parents 'I have absolutely no memory of certain parts of the day, like zero memory', I imagine this will have an impact on them. I'd like to think so. Maybe another way of phrasing it could be 'It's like I lose consciousness. When this happens, my friends tell me I'm like a different person. I have to find out why this is happening'. This would definitely, without a doubt, lead me to take action. For a start, I'd be wondering why one of my kids is losing consciousness. Most people consider 'losing consciousness' to involve fainting or passing out but it can happen in other ways too. Basically, it's about a significant change in consciousness.

Croix offers a lot of helpful advice. While it can't hurt to wonder and research possible reasons for why we're experiencing what we are, whether we're on the right path or the wrong one can involve finding people to help us consider possible paths. Another thing to consider, when it comes to professional assessments, involves finding out what triggers an altered state of consciousness. So, it also becomes about being able to identify certain triggers that need addressing.

Personally, while I'm someone who can be led to wonder about pretty much anything, my sense of wonder leads me to question mental reasons for a change in consciousness, physical reasons (such as involving chemical or electrical activity in the brain) and even natural reasons. So, three completely different areas. On the other hand, my husband's someone who's more inclined to be concerned about solely physical issues, perhaps like your parents. In this case, it becomes about phrasing things in a way they can relate to. 'My brain (a physical aspect) is doing strange things. I need to see a doctor' might be what it takes to get your parents to take action. Once you're in to see a doctor, the doctor will take it from there. Btw, make sure it's a good doctor, as opposed to a dismissive one. If it's a dismissive one, keep searching 'til you find a good one.