What is Dissociation in Mental Health?

Dissociation is the hallmark of many different types of conditions, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder and Depersonalisation Disorder.

But what exactly is dissociation? It has been described as a “phenomenon” – such is the intrigue and mystery surrounding the state.

In this article, we take a look at what dissociation actually is, the impact it has, and other areas.

Definition

Dissociation is best defined as a disconnection and breakdown between an individual’s thoughts, memories, behaviour, feelings and identity.

Dissociation may lead to an individual forgetting who they are. This clearly is a difficult state to be in, and can cause significant problems.

Experiencing dissociation

But it is important to state that everyone at some point has experienced a state of dissociation. When an individual daydreams, they are technically dissociating from their surroundings.

The same can be said for being engrossed in a film or TV show. But this is normally short-term dissociation, where losing touch with the world doesn’t cause any problems.

But for some people, dissociation is a state that leads to a series of problems. Some people may forget how they got to a certain place, have large gaps in their memory that they can’t fill, or even struggle to identify who they exactly are as a person.

This is incredibly distressing for both the person dissociating and those around them. It leaves the person in a very vulnerable state too.

What causes dissociation?

This state is often caused by a traumatic experience. A range of events can count as traumatic – such as witnessing or experiencing a physical attack, natural disaster, terrorist attack or hostage situation.

During an event like this, dissociation can lead to an individual coping with what normally would be an overwhelming experience. We have an article on what a traumatic experience may involve.

This may lead to an individual dissociating the memory of the location and its circumstances. They may dissociate from their feelings – allowing them to escape mentally from their traumatic experience.

Later on, this will often cause an individual struggles in remembering the details of their experience.

Treatment of dissociation

We have an article that looks at treatment options for dissociation. Most people use a form of talking therapy for dissociation.

As mentioned earlier, dissociation is a key symptom in many mental health conditions. Dissociative Identity Disorder, Dissociative Amnesia and Depersonalisation Disorder are all conditions that feature dissociation as a key symptom.

Dissociative behaviour is also a symptom of some personality disorders, as well as Post-traumatic stress disorder.

Summary

Dissociation is certainly a difficult state to experience. Anyone that has experienced dissociation can attest to this.

It is important to receive treatment, as this can help significantly. Improved mental wellbeing is crucial to attain!

See Also

• Dissociative Disorders: Everything You Need To Know
• How Can Dissociative Disorders Be Treated?
• 10 Tips for Living With Dissociative Disorders
• The Freyd Family: Ripped Apart Over Alleged Recovered Memories
• Everything You Need To Know About Talking Therapy