Self-dissociation

Self-dissociation refers to a psychological process where an individual experiences a detachment from their sense of self, identity, or body. This can manifest as feelings of unreality, like observing oneself from outside their body (depersonalization), or detachment from their surroundings (derealization). It's a spectrum, ranging from mild, fleeting experiences during times of stress to chronic and debilitating conditions, potentially impacting memory, perception, and emotional regulation. The core feature is a disruption in the normal integration of self-awareness.

Self-dissociation meaning with examples

• After the accident, Sarah felt an unsettling sense of self-dissociation, as if watching herself being treated in the hospital. She reported feeling detached from her pain and surroundings, observing the scene unfold with a detached and distant emotional response, almost like watching a movie of herself.
• During a particularly stressful period, John began experiencing episodes of self-dissociation at work. He described feeling as though his thoughts weren't his own, and the office environment felt dreamlike. These feelings significantly impacted his focus and made it difficult to complete even the most routine tasks, leading to job performance concerns.
• Therapists often work with patients who experience self-dissociation stemming from past trauma. Techniques like grounding exercises help bring them back to the present moment and reconnect with their physical sensations and emotions, thus reducing the effects of depersonalization.
• While meditating, Maria sometimes experienced a mild form of self-dissociation, a sense of detachment from her physical body. This allowed her to observe her thoughts and feelings without being completely absorbed by them, enabling her to achieve a state of tranquility and equanimity during her meditation practice.