Dissociation
A mental defense mechanism where the connection to thoughts, feelings, memories, or identity is temporarily disrupted.
Dissociation is the mind's way of protecting itself from overwhelming experiences. Mild dissociation is normal (e.g., driving on "autopilot"), but intense dissociation can be a sign of trauma.
Forms of dissociation
- Depersonalization: Feeling of not being oneself, as if watching yourself from outside
- Derealization: Surroundings feel unreal or dreamlike
- Dissociative amnesia: Memory gaps, especially regarding traumatic events
- Identity disturbances: Feeling of having multiple different parts or states within oneself
Connection to trauma
Dissociation is often related to: - Childhood abuse - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Complex trauma (C-PTSD)
Treatment
- Stabilizing therapy: learning safe coping skills
- Trauma therapy: processing underlying traumas
- Body awareness exercises: restoring connection to the body
- Psychoeducation: understanding and recognizing dissociation
Only a professional can assess what causes the experiences and what treatment suits.