Dissociation as a Response to Trauma

Dissociation as an Unexpected Protection 

Just as a fortress protects its inhabitants from external threats, our brain develops defense mechanisms to shield us from emotional pain. One of these mechanisms is dissociation.

What is dissociation?

Dissociation is a state where our mind temporarily "disconnects" from reality. It can feel like being "outside of your body" or watching yourself from a distance, as if you were in a movie. It can manifest in various ways, such as:

• Emotional detachment: Inability to feel strong emotions like love, anger, or sadness.
• Detachment from the body: Feeling like your body doesn't belong to you or a sense of floating.
• Detachment from time and place: Difficulty understanding where you are or what time it is.

Dissociation as a Result of Trauma

Dissociation often develops as a result of traumatic experiences in childhood, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or the loss of a loved one. When a child experiences a traumatic event, their brain may develop it as a way to cope with the intense emotional pain.

Why Does Dissociation Develop?

When a child experiences repeated danger from a close and loved one, such as a parent, the usual defense mechanisms like "fight or flight" may not be effective. In such cases, the child may develop dissociation as a way to "shut down" emotionally and disconnect from the painful situation. It's like entering a state of "freeze" to survive.

Sense of Alienation

In addition to emotional detachment, dissociation can also lead to a sense of alienation from the threatening person. This may seem paradoxical, but when a child experiences abuse from someone close, they may develop a sense of distance from that person as a way to protect themselves from the emotional pain.

The Connection Between Dissociation and Anxiety

Dissociation and anxiety are interconnected. People who experience dissociation may develop anxiety related to situations or people that make them feel unsafe. This anxiety, in turn, can increase the likelihood of experiencing dissociation.

Can It Be Treated?

Absolutely! Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help people manage dissociation and improve their quality of life. In therapy, we learn to identify the early signs of dissociation, cope with difficult emotions in healthier ways, and strengthen our connection with our bodies and selves.

If you're struggling with dissociation, you're not alone. Help is available.

Want to learn more about dissociation and how to cope with it? Contact me to schedule an appointment.