Dissociation-What is it? Is it SERIOUS?
What is Dissociation?
Daydreams are harmless forms of escapism we employ when we are bored or stressed. But, there are other ways our bodies escape from stress. Yeah, I’m talking about dissociation. According to the American Psychological Association, dissociation is a “defense mechanism where we unconsciously push away conflicting or threatening emotions from our subconscious mind. It’s a form of compartmentalizing your feelings so that you do not have to deal with them. I know what you’re thinking. What a great remedy for these painful emotions I’m feeling right now! But, it’s not that simple. Also, it’s very harmful!
To read more about this mental illness, click here!
Here are five different signs that you are or have experienced dissociation.
Wait. Are you sure? I don’t remember!
Memory loss is a common symptom of dissociation. You may find yourself at work or school but unable to remember how you got there. Well, this affects most students but not in the way you think! Memory loss is one of the quickest symptoms to identify because it is obvious. So, if you keep forgetting something no matter how repetitive it is, look more closely into it!
The main reason memory loss goes hand-in-hand with dissociation is because your brain cannot handle whatever is going on, so it switches to autopilot. Therefore, dissociation pulls you outside of your body. Hence, it is difficult for you to remember what happens around you if you are not there.
But, these moments of dissociation don’t always occur when we are frightened or distressed. They could sometimes happen while you are doing something. One of the first times I realized I experienced dissociation was in college. It was finals week and I had just finished breakfast. I had planned to walk to my department, but I somehow found myself close to the main gate. When I came around, I was disoriented and confused.
Though on its own, the incident was bizarre. It made sense. I was going through finals and felt incredibly stressed and overworked. As a result, my mind whisked me out of my body for a moment to give me a break. However, if this happens often, you might want to talk to a professional!
Derealization
Derealization is another symptom of dissociation. It sometimes feels like a dream where things are a bit colorless, dull, or blurry. Derealization is distressing and can produce anxiety, but it is common for those with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. So yeah. Just one of those average things we all experience but never really talk about or even ponder over. However, derealization differs from other psychotic disorder symptoms in the sense that there is a degree of awareness. You are aware of reality and the feeling that distances you from it.
Giddy
There are many reasons why you may feel giddy. But, in the context of mental health, dissociation can be a cause. When lightheadedness is paired with another one of the symptoms mentioned above, then the cause is most likely dissociation. But, why? In 2009, a group of researchers found that vestibular stimulation also experienced symptoms of dissociation–lightheadedness, and dizziness.
Still not getting it? It’s fine. Neither did I but it goes something like this. Apparently, the vestibular system is a sensory system responsible for spatial awareness and sense of balance. However, when you dissociate, you are not aware of your surroundings. When you come to your senses, the sudden realization of your surroundings serves almost as vestibular stimulation and makes you lightheaded.
I’m Numb, bro!
Another sign of dissociation is not feeling pain. There is research suggesting that dissociation not only minimizes painful memories but also the physical pain attached to them. With all of these shortcuts, it’s not to think of this as a painless alternative but it gets worse as you go along.
However, the connection between dissociation and pain is not solely related to trauma. People who experience chronic pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also experience dissociation. Moreover, for some who experience dissociation as a result of a mental health condition, the feeling of not feeling pain or not feeling in your body can sometimes lead you to self-injure. Although it makes sense to do something to bring you back into your body, self-injury is not the best option. You could try putting your hands under cold water, hold on to an ice cube or snap a rubber band against your wrist. These options may not seem effective, but they are safer.
Who am I?
Okay. We are not being philosophical right now. I’m trying to be practical!
You feel that you are not in your body–like an observer. Depersonalization can occur with other symptoms on this list. My memory loss anecdote is also an example of depersonalization because at the same time that I was walking I felt like I had stepped out of my body and was watching myself walk in the opposite direction. It can feel a bit scary feeling like you do not have any control over your body. Also, some clinicians believe that extreme stress or trauma can produce depersonalization.
Still wanna read more? Great! Here’s how you can improve your mental health!
Currently, I am a student of Fatima Jinnah Women University. With a burning passion for psychology, words, and dreams, I decided to abandon medical studies for humanities. These days, when I’m not listening to ballads, watching movies, or sitting down with a good novel, I am rigorously studying Hangul (Korean language) to satisfy my obsession for BTS and K dramas. I’m a thinking introvert and INFJ personality. Therefore, I like ‘me time’. My articles typically resonate with psychological well-being advice.
