Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon that intrigues many people unfamiliar with it. While the official definition of dissociation is clear, this experience is deeply personal and can vary from one person to another. It is important to understand the symptoms of dissociation, learn how to cope with it, and find professional support if this issue affects your life.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What does dissociation feel like?” our guide can help you! We have put together a list of common symptoms and feelings associated with dissociation, explained the reasons behind this phenomenon, and suggested a few strategies you can implement to deal with dissociation in the future.

Understanding Dissociation

The term “dissociation” is used to describe the disconnection between a person’s thoughts, feelings, memories, actions, and even sense of identity. In many cases, dissociation is a normal reaction to a stressful event—the person’s mind tries to escape a difficult situation they are facing.

  • Depersonalization. You may feel detached from your thoughts and feelings as if you are observing your mind and body from the side, without being able to control yourself.
  • Derealization. Your perception of reality is distorted—for instance, you may feel like the people you are talking to are not real.
  • Amnesia. People who go through a traumatic event may struggle to recall the details of what happened to them—in some cases, memory loss lasts for days and weeks.

Symptoms of Dissociation

Here is how you may feel when you are dissociating:

  • Feeling Anxious. It is common to panic and feel uneasy when you are confronted with a stressful situation. If your worry does not have an apparent cause, this may be a symptom of dissociation.
  • Losing Focus. Have you ever “zoned out” during an important meeting or conversation? Drifting off and feeling disconnected from your surroundings is a typical sign of dissociation.
  • Being Forgetful. Dissociation often leads to memory issues—the person may be unable to remember what happened to them a few minutes ago.

Common Causes of Dissociation

While dissociation is usually linked to psychological trauma, there may be other reasons behind this phenomenon:

  • Extreme Stress. Major life events such as the loss of a loved one, financial troubles, or lack of success in one’s career may make a person feel hopeless and alienated.
  • Mental Disorders. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder are often associated with dissociation.
  • Lack of Sleep. When a person does not get enough sleep, their brain function is impaired—this may lead to dissociation, among other issues.

Effects of Dissociation on Daily Life

If dissociation persists, it may negatively affect various aspects of a person’s life:

  • Relationships With Others. From appearing absent and unfocused during a conversation to failing to remember to meet your friend, dissociation will get in the way of your social life.
  • Professional Life. It would be difficult to perform your job well when you cannot concentrate on your tasks and participate in meetings with your colleagues and superiors.
  • Physical Health. People who struggle with dissociation may complain about headaches, chest pain, and insomnia.

How to Deal With Dissociation

Follow these tips to cope with dissociation:

  • Practice Grounding Techniques. There are several exercises you can try to feel connected to your body and surroundings—breathe deeply, go for a walk, and focus on your senses.
  • Lower Your Stress Levels. Identify the triggers that make you feel uneasy and make changes to your lifestyle—for example, you can take a few days off work to relax at home or in the company of your friends.
  • Reach Out to a Therapist. A mental health professional will be able to diagnose dissociation, determine the underlying causes of this phenomenon, and equip you with the tools you need to overcome this challenge.

FAQs

What Is Dissociation?

Dissociation is a mental process meant to protect the mind from stress—a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, and surroundings.

What Are the Symptoms of Dissociation?

The most common signs of dissociation are anxiety, lack of focus, and amnesia.

What Triggers Dissociation?

This mental health issue may be caused by trauma, persistent stress, and certain psychological conditions such as depression and PTSD.

Is Dissociation a Mental Disorder?

Dissociation is a symptom of several mental disorders—for instance, people with borderline personality disorder often struggle with dissociation.

How to Treat Dissociation?

You can try to manage dissociation on your own by avoiding stressful situations and practicing meditation; however, it is recommended to see a therapist and get professional help.

Embracing Mental Wellness

We hope that our guide helped you realize what dissociation feels like and why it is important to address this issue! Whether you are struggling with dissociation or want to support a friend who exhibits the symptoms described above, reaching out to a mental health professional and getting advice from a therapist is always a good idea.

ClearMind Treatment is here to assist you with diagnosing and treating dissociation—get in touch with our qualified specialists and schedule a therapy session!