Dissociation

Dissociation can be different from person to person. How we see the world around us determines our reality. Our life experiences, thoughts and feelings certainly contribute to these perceptions. However there are times when we may feel disconnected from what has happened or what is happening. Our perceptions of reality may become blurred, along with our sense of identity.

There are times when most of us can forget something we’ve just read or seen. For example sometimes during a conversation our minds may be elsewhere. These are normal lapses in concentration and could be referred to as mild dissociation. However for some people disconnecting is a defense mechanism, an involuntary escapism from a reality that feels unhealthy, uncomfortable or unbearable.

Some dissociated experiences may be deliberate.  For example as part of a meditation process to disconnect from certain things and focus on others.

Experts believe those who suffer from dissociation disorders have experienced trauma in their childhood. If perhaps there was no adult to provide comfort the child had to become emotionally self sufficient. Disconnection from the situation is a way of managing the difficult emotions. Many describe it as if it was happening to someone else, or the inability to attach to an emotional or physical experience.