I have become quite good at blocking out

[janbear]

I have become quite good at blocking out

what I don't want to hear or notice.

I have become such an expert at this that, even when not in crisis, I don't hear what other people are saying, including my children. I can be looking straight ahead at the television and not know what I'm watching. This is a survival skill that I acquired in order to protect myself from frightening or potentially dangerous situations. It served me well in the past, but it no longer serves me. It is difficult to change this pattern, but now that I'm aware of my zoning-out behavior, I can learn to consciously come back to the real world.

Today I will practice paying attention and tuning in to the sounds and events around me.

You are reading from the book:

Time To Break Free

[flickchic]

i still find myself zoning out, occasionally in front of the tv, mostly though when I am driving....I have never worked that one out. I recal reading a post in a sexual abuse post in another forum that often when we zone out in a particular place or under certain circumstances is often related back to the time of abuse...I cannot place mine together though. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I've tried to look at the surrounding emotions at the time when it happens...nothing....usually I just find that I am conciously aware of where I am and realise I have zoned out again.

[IMN_Alcoholic]

Hope you don't mind if I join in .... I'm Sharon, btw.

I was sexually abused as a child and I also find that I am still zoning out and can't seem to put a finger on what continues to trigger it. It drives my kids crazy though. They can be talking to me and I'm looking straight through them and not hearing a word they are saying. They honestly think I'm just ignoring them and don't understand that I've just gone into that zone again. They don't get it and that's frustrating for me.

I can be watching TV and someone will be laughing at the commercial or a show and ask me if I think it's funny and I haven't got a clue what I've been watching or what's going on because I've completely zoned out. It happens a lot when I'm watching TV.

Anyhow, just wanted you to know that you are not alone ... I can totally relate.

Sharon
PS: I'm ONE MONTH alcohol-free on the 16th of June -- just 2 more days!! :29:

[janbear]

I zoned out for years. My doctor called it "dissociative disorder" brought on initially by the inability to handle what was going on around me.They said my mind was protecting itself. I too, did it the most while watching tv later on, and driving. My doctor, for a long time, didnt even want me driving because it was so bad, it was dangerous. I also did it alot when i was talking to others. He said, it became it so natural to do after a while. I dont do it so much anymore.I did grow to realize when i was doing it and would somehow bring myself back. Not real sure how i do that. It has gotten so much better that i cant remember the last time i did it.

Congratulations on your sobriety Sharon:29:

[flickchic]

Hi Sharon,yes, congratulations on your sobriety!!! Woohoo and well done!!!

And no there is no probs. with you joining in, that's what we're here for..the more we share, the better our recovery I feel...it so helps us along the way....nice to have you with us!! Actually, having thought about it from yours and Jan's replies...I do zone out in front of the tv, guess I'm just used to it...I am quite good at covering it also...when asked re something...and yes why wasn't i laughing at...?
Generally I pull myself out of it pretty quickly now, however I still have no idea what the triggers are either...maybe some more awareness in future may help to discover that.