Concerns About Possible Dissociative Amnesia
Background Information: I’m a 14-year-old female, assigned male at birth, weighing 88 pounds and standing between 5’3” and 5’4”. I take propranolol to manage anxiety and I have never smoked or vaped. From a young age, around 8 or 9, I developed a significant apprehension about being observed. I often had the irrational fear that someone or something was peering through my windows, leading me to frequently check areas that weren’t easily visible. This worry continues to this day. Furthermore, if a stranger approaches me offering something—like a religious pamphlet or a similar gesture—I often experience intense fear or panic attacks, which I cannot explain. I have always felt uncomfortable in spaces that have many hiding spots, such as cluttered rooms or those filled with furniture. As a result, I keep my own room intentionally small and arrange the furniture against the walls. Nightmares were also a part of my childhood, often featuring figures staring at me through windows—these entities never attacked; they simply observed me. Recently, a friend who has been diagnosed with Dissociative Amnesia suggested that I exhibit several symptoms of this condition. However, I’m uncertain about the origins of my issues, particularly since my memory has always been somewhat unreliable. Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 2:50:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about your experiences and feelings, especially when they impact your daily life. Based on what you've shared, your symptoms, including anxiety, apprehension about being observed, and memory issues, suggest that you may be dealing with anxiety-related conditions rather than necessarily dissociative amnesia itself. It's important to recognize that these feelings can be distressing but are not uncommon in individuals with anxiety.
Explanation
Dissociative amnesia involves gaps in memory that are usually related to trauma or stress, while your experiences seem more connected to anxiety and fear responses. The fears you've described, particularly about being observed and the reactions you have around strangers, indicate strong anxiety reactions rather than memory loss or dissociation. Taking propranolol may help with some anxiety symptoms, but it’s essential to continue exploring these feelings.
Next Steps
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Practice Grounding Techniques: Try techniques that help you stay present when you feel anxious. Deep breathing, mindfulness, and focusing on your senses (what you can see, hear, feel, etc.) may help calm your mind.
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Establish a Safe Space: Ensure that your room continues to feel secure. Keep arrangements simple and limit clutter to reduce feelings of anxiety around your environment.
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Memory Tracking: Keep a daily journal to track your feelings, thoughts, and any memories that come up. This can help you identify patterns or triggers related to your anxiety.
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Engage in Gradual Exposure: Gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable, starting from less stressful scenarios and slowly working up as you feel ready. This could involve practicing brief interactions with strangers in safe environments.
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Talk with a Trusted Adult or Counselor: Sharing what you're experiencing can be very beneficial. Consider discussing your feelings with a parent, teacher, or school counselor who can provide support and guidance.
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Educate Yourself About Anxiety: Understanding more about anxiety and its symptoms can empower you and help alleviate some of your worries.
Your feelings are valid, and taking small steps can be helpful in managing your experiences. If your symptoms continue or worsen, please seek further support. You are not alone in this, and there are paths to feeling better.
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