What is Dissociation and why does it happen?

What is dissociation and why does it happen?

Dissociation is primarily a protective mechanism our brains use to shield us from overwhelm during distressing events or situations.

It distances us from the experience.

So dissociation can happen during a single one off traumatic experience, or our brains can repeat this over a period of time, especially if experiencing ongoing abuse or extreme stress.

Our brain becomes dysregulated.

The part of the brain called the amygdala can move between being hyperactive or being underactive.

This is the part of our brain that tells our body how to behave in its environment and is always looking for danger so it can warn us in time.

The hippocampus is responsible for making memories and filing them away.

The acute stress and trauma may cause inability for the situation to be processed in the usual way by the brain.

PTSD symptoms can then cause us to be triggered by smells, sounds, people, places, and we can feel as if we are really back in that time and place.

The prefrontal cortex is a part of our brain responsible for our decision making, thinking and behaviour regulation.

During dissociation, the prefrontal cortex decreases in activity.

This is what causes a feeling of detachment and numbness to your surroundings.

In extremely stressful situations, people have reported watching themselves from another place in the room.

People can lose track of time and some experience gaps in their memories.

In extreme cases and over time, people can develop dissociative identity disorder or DID.

And this is when alternative identities emerge in a person to help them get through the event.

This is very rare and it is linked to severe and chronic early trauma.

Dissociation can happen during and after a traumatic experience.

High levels of stress can trigger dissociation, which is not at all connected with the trauma.

The body is just learning from our past managing skills and is remembering what to do.

It's adopted it as a coping strategy.

Dissociation can also be linked to other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar or borderline personality disorder.

We can mildly and naturally dissociate though, worth bearing in mind, when we daydream, when we get really bored, and this is absolutely harmless.

If you are worried about feeling numb or dissociated, then I really would encourage you to speak to a counsellor or your GP or call NHS 111 option two for mental health to investigate and look to reconnecting with your body.

There are some fantastic resources on the internet, some looking to somatic therapy, somatic exercises.

However, I must emphasise that seeking a safe space and the proper support with this is key, particularly if you are going to dip into potential past trauma.

It's important to be supported fully by trained trauma counsellors.

So I urge you to use the UK registers such as the BACP and the NCPS and filter your searches for trauma focused therapy.

So please take care and look after yourself.