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

Missing key ideas.

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 misunderstanding

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.

Questions for self-reflection

No questions for self-reflection.

Sources

No sources.