Four Types of Dissociation Unveiled

Dissociation is when someone feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or surroundings. It's like the mind's way of protecting itself during tough times. This post looks at four ways dissociation can show up, making it easier to spot and understand.

• Depersonalisation / Derealisation Ever felt like you're watching yourself from outside your body or that the world around you doesn't seem real? That's depersonalisation and derealisation. It's like being in a dream where everything feels a bit off. People know these feelings aren't real, but they can still be very unsettling.

• Gaps in Awareness and Memory This type involves losing track of time or forgetting moments, conversations, or how you got somewhere. It's not just the usual forgetfulness; it's like parts of your day have just vanished. These gaps often happen to keep painful memories or feelings at a distance.

• Sensory Misperceptions Sometimes, things might feel too loud, too bright, or you might not feel touch in the same way. Some people might even feel numb or as if their senses are playing tricks on them. It's the brain's way of trying to protect you from feeling overwhelmed by dialling down or changing your senses.

• Cognitive-behavioural Reexperiencing This is when people find themselves reliving past traumas in their mind or through their actions without meaning to. It could feel like the past event is happening all over again right now. This can be a tough experience, as it feels very real each time.

Getting the Right Support Understanding these types of dissociation helps us realise why someone might be acting a certain way or feeling out of sorts. There are ways to help, like talking therapies, which can work through the root causes of dissociation. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can also be really helpful in managing symptoms.

It's important to approach these experiences with kindness and an open mind. Everyone's journey is different, and with the right support, people can start to feel more connected to themselves and the world around them.

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