Dissociation can range from being normal and simply “zoning out” momentarily to being totally disconnected, needing guidance. It’s a psychological process where feelings and thoughts can become disjointed from reality. The occurrence and causes of dissociation can be a myriad of things. Stress, trauma and anxiety can act as a trigger. However, it can also appear in daily experiences. Similar to dissociation is derealization. Both are related, but there is a difference. It’s imperative to note that dissociation is associated with a disconnect from oneself or their surroundings. Derealization focuses on the dream-like feeling that the external world isn’t real.
As complex as it may be, it’s important to understand the effects and attributes of dissociation to recognize its impact on mental health.
Types of Dissociation
There are many types of dissociation. Even though the spectrum is wide, a few of the common ones include:
Depersonalization dissociation: Many with depersonalization dissociation feel a detachment from themselves. Their perspective is of being outside their body or mind. Similar to watching a movie, the feeling of living like an observer of their life rings true. They watch their own thoughts, feelings and actions from a distance, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Additionally, they can have a viewpoint that their body parts are of a different shape or size. This distorted perception is called dysmorphia. Experiencing brief episodes of depersonalization is common. However, if it significantly begins to interfere with everyday life, it could lead to a diagnosis, and treatment should be sought.
Amnesia dissociation: Triggered by traumatic or stressful events, amnesia dissociation is a type of memory loss. A person may encounter forgetfulness for a period of time. Time may lapse for minutes, hours or days. Stunted by the traumatic event, their memories may be blocked by the brain trying to protect itself. The brain chooses to disassociate or disconnect from the psychological trauma, which interferes with retrieving the distressing information. Think of this as a psychological defence
mechanism or cushioning, to help a person cope with reliving traumatic, important events or personal history.
Identity confusion – associated with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Previously referred to as multiple personality disorder. Dissociative identity disorder is a rare mental health disorder that can throw every area of mental capacities into flux. It touches upon one’s emotions, identity, perception and sense of self. People who experience this disorder feel they have multiple identities. Each one with their own mannerisms, personality traits and identities.
Symptoms and Experiences of Dissociation
Symptoms of dissociation are correlated with feeling disconnected from the unbearable weight of the stress connected to the trauma. Therefore, the pulling back or detachment from different aspects of life will start to become noticeable. Here are a few symptoms to look out for:
- Feeling detached from the external world, viewing it as unreal (derealization)
- Feeling detached from one’s body, feelings, and emotions (depersonalization)
- Memory lapses, gaps or blackouts
- Not feeling like yourself, yet feeling like a totally different person
- Out-of-body experiences
- Hearing voices in your head
- Tunnel vision
- Confusion of one’s sense of self or identity
Causes and Risk Factors of Dissociation
There are many causes and risk factors of dissociation. Nonetheless, these characteristics are the most common elements encountered.
- Trauma: Usually stems from childhood via repeated exposure to abuse.
- Stress: Breaking from severe or chronic stress in realistic situations such as war or disasters.
- Mental health conditions: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe depression, and bouts of anxiety.
Substance abuse: The recreational use of various drugs (cocaine, alcohol, etc.) can create the illusion of escaping or detaching from reality.
Dissociation, in instances, can be a normal coping mechanism. Like daydreaming or zoning out for the moment, there is no harm. The setting or context had enabled a moment to dissociate. However, once meshed with traumatic events, experiences or overwhelming stress, the mental process behaves differently. The act of disconnecting or disengaging frequently from reality can indicate a dissociative disorder.
Know that there are treatments available for this mental health disorder, and healing is possible. Ancestral Memory Therapy provides a safe space to discuss and work through your trauma with therapeutic approaches. From medications to different modalities of therapy, we’re here to support you with the therapy that’s better suited for you:
- Parts Work: Therapeutic model that views the mind as distinct parts, each with its own role, and emphasizes healing by fostering harmony among these parts under the guidance of the core self..
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): Talk therapy to assist people with coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotions.
- Sensormotor psychotherapy: integrate somatic awareness with cognitive and emotional processing to address trauma and attachment issues.
Our goal is to improve your everyday life and mental health, and help you manage the challenges of dissociative disorder.
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