Dissociations

Dissociations refer to the disruptions in a person's normally integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. They are often experienced as a detachment from reality, the self, or one's surroundings. These experiences can range from mild feelings of detachment, such as daydreaming or being absorbed in an activity, to more severe disruptions, including amnesia, depersonalization, derealization, and identity alteration. dissociations can be triggered by trauma, stress, sleep deprivation, or substance use and can significantly impact a person's mental health and daily functioning. They are often a defense mechanism against overwhelming experiences.

Dissociations meaning with examples

• After witnessing a car accident, Sarah experienced a dissociative episode where she felt detached from her body and observed the scene as if from a distance. The trauma of the event triggered a temporary disruption in her perception, making her feel unreal and disconnected from the reality around her. Her mind shielded her from the full impact of the distressing experience. Fortunately the episode passed after a few hours.
• During a therapy session, Mark recalled childhood abuse, and the memories came with dissociative symptoms. He felt his identity fragment, and he couldn’t remember much of what he said in that period. The feelings of being separate from the events felt familiar, as though the abuse created a sense of detachment in childhood. The therapist understood this as a coping strategy.
• Under severe stress, Emily found herself experiencing depersonalization, feeling as if she was watching a movie of her own life. This disconnect from her physical self was terrifying and made it hard for her to complete everyday tasks. The prolonged stress seemed to be creating this feeling, and she worried about a further erosion of her sense of self.
• John, while under the influence of certain substances, often reported experiencing dissociative states where the world appeared unreal and distorted. His perception of time also became altered, creating a significant challenge for his ability to function in social situations. These states were both unsettling and disruptive.