Understanding Dissociation

Dissociation is a mental process t in which a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. It is something that we all experience from time. It can feel like spacing out, feeling unreal, or being detached from one's surroundings or body. While dissociation can be mild and momentary—such as daydreaming or getting lost in a book—it can also be more severe and disruptive, particularly when linked to trauma, anxiety, or stress.

What Does Dissociation Feel Like?
Dissociation can manifest in different ways, depending on the person and the situation. Common experiences include:

• Depersonalization: Feeling detached from oneself, as if watching oneself from the outside or feeling like a robot.
• Derealization: Experiencing the world as unreal, dreamlike, or distorted.
• Amnesia: Gaps in memory, especially for stressful or traumatic events.
• Identity Confusion or Alteration: Feeling unsure about who you are or experiencing different aspects of identity that seem separate.

These experiences can range from mild and temporary to more severe and ongoing, as seen in conditions like dissociative identity disorder (DID) or dissociative amnesia.

Why Does Dissociation Happen?
Dissociation is often the mind’s way of coping with overwhelming stress or trauma. When faced with extreme fear, danger, or distress—especially in childhood—the brain may create a mental “escape” by disconnecting from the experience. This can be protective at the moment but may later interfere with daily life and emotional well-being.
Dissociation is frequently associated with:

• Trauma and PTSD: Many people who have experienced abuse, violence, accidents, or other traumas develop dissociation as a survival mechanism.
• Anxiety and Stress: Intense emotions can trigger dissociation as the brain tries to avoid distress.
• Depression and Other Mental Health Conditions: Dissociation can accompany conditions like depression, OCD, or borderline personality disorder (BPD)

​Coping Strategies for Dissociation
If you struggle with dissociation, there are ways to manage it and feel more connected to yourself and your surroundings. Some helpful techniques include:

• Grounding Exercises: Focus on your senses—name five things you see, touch something with texture, or listen to sounds around you. These techniques help bring you back to the present.
• Breathing and Movement: Slow, deep breathing, stretching, or light exercise can help reconnect with your body.
• Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can create a sense of continuity and understanding.
• Therapy and Support: Working with a therapist can help you explore the root causes of dissociation and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

If dissociation is interfering with your life, relationships, or sense of self, therapy with a specialist trauma psychotherapist can help. 
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Dissociation is another example of our brain's incredible capacity to protect us.  By understanding it and learning ways to stay present, you can work toward healing and greater self-awareness.  

For help with dissociation or other trauma symptoms either face to face in Bunbury or online anywhere in Australia,
​Contact Cate Simpson Counselling:
mobile: 0408831421
email: [email protected]






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