Dissociation is a term used in psychology to describe what happens when your mind checks out from what is happening around you. It refers to a sense of separation or disconnection — often between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, and the situation they are in. This process can affect the brain’s ability to accurately store memories.
Dissociation often occurs as a response to a single traumatic event or a series of traumatic experiences. When this happens repeatedly, the mind can begin to use dissociation as a default coping mechanism whenever it feels overwhelmed. People often describe dissociation as feeling floaty, spaced out, disconnected from their body, or noticing gaps in their memory.
The brain uses dissociation as a defence mechanism when an experience feels too painful, frightening, or intense to process. In these moments, the mind splits off in an attempt to protect itself.
Children, in particular, may dissociate if they find themselves in situations they cannot escape from. This response can serve as protection during childhood but may become problematic if it continues into adulthood. If you find that you dissociate regularly, it may indicate that you’re carrying unprocessed trauma.
Talking therapies such as counselling can help the brain to safely process and integrate traumatic memories. Through this, it becomes possible to reduce the need for dissociation as a coping strategy.
There are also practical steps you can take in the moment to manage dissociation. Grounding techniques — such as focusing on your surroundings and engaging your five senses — can help bring you back to the present.
Longer-term trauma counselling in Hampshire can support you in working through difficult memories and the emotions connected to them. If you think I may be able to help, please feel free to get in touch today.
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