Comment by Anthony, MD on 17 Jan 2010 at 5:31 pm

Hi Karen,

Amazing as your story is I have a hard time believing you’ve come through all without any side effects. I mean, really, you must be suffering in some way, right? If we are to understand the after effects of integration of alters then wouldn’t you have to say there is more to it than not? Are you well? Do you have trouble dealing with your life now? Do you need someone to talk to? I would think you need more not less support. You are incredible. I am in awe of you. Please take care. Make sure Dr. Baer takes care of you. I don’t feel content with the way you answered Sally’s question. I am a psychiatrist and see a red flag. Chatting with Dr. Baer is not talking. Have you been talking to him?

Anthony, MD

Dear Dr. Anthony,

Thank you for your heartfelt concern. Of course after all that I have gone through there are likely to be a few side effects. Life for me after integration has been challenging. But for me, getting up each day and doing the best I can is all that I’ve hoped for. In order for me to share my life since integration I would need to write a book. There is simply too much to share to answer here on my blog. My story continues on. No end in sight.

Of course at times I need someone to talk to… doesn’t everyone?  I’m the kind of person who tends to hold everything in. The problem for me comes in finding someone to trust that I can share with. Unfortunately, there only a few people who can handle listening to me on a daily basis. I am intense and have too much to talk about.

Triggers arise often as I share my story, but they disappear just as quickly as they arrive. I am able to handle most dark thoughts on my own. I have learned in therapy how to keep my past where it belongs, in my past. I look forward to staying in the present and looking forward to my future. It’s the best I can do.

Thank you for your questions.

Karen