Dissociation
Dissociation is the experience of disconnection from oneself, emotions, body, memory, or environment.
Definition
Dissociation may include feelings of unreality, separation from the body, memory gaps, emotional numbness, or the feeling of being watched from the outside. It may appear in cases of severe stress, trauma or overload, but its significance depends on the frequency, intensity and impact on functioning. Persistent or severe symptoms require consultation with a specialist.
Key ideas
- Disconnection from experience
- Relationship with stress and trauma
- The importance of consultation when escalating
Practice and life
If disconnection occurs, return to orientation: name five things you see, four sounds, three points of contact between your body and the ground, and where you are.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to treat every moment of reflection as dissociation. It is also a mistake to ignore repeated episodes of disconnection, especially when they make life difficult.
> Sometimes the mind wanders away not because it doesn't feel, but because it feels too much.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- When do feelings of disconnection most often occur?
- Do I know what helps me come back to the here and now?
- Are the symptoms frequent or severe enough that I need support?