Trauma Therapy- Dissociating, Why It Happens and What Can Help?
When things feel overwhelming around us our bodies find many different means and ways to keep us safe to cope with symptoms experienced. One of the ways in which we might do so is through the response of dissociating. Dissociation can be described as a state of feeling disconnected but can also be on a continuum to be more severe in symptoms. More severe states of dissociation could manifest into Dissociative Identity Disorder. Other less severe symptoms of dissociation but still distressing nonetheless at times can feel like being in a fog, or feeling like an outside observer to one's thoughts or feelings. This article will discuss more about the term of dissociation and what can help through coping with symptoms. This article may also help you be able to identify when you are dissociating and reasons why people respond to trauma in this way.
1.) Why does it happen?
When we have experienced a traumatic situation our minds will do what it can to protect us and one of the means that it might do so is through dissociation. Something can remind us of a trauma that we experienced and in that case can trigger a dissociation response. If you are familiar with the trauma responses “fight, flight, freeze, and fawn.” You may also then be able to recognize that the freeze response can be similar to the state of dissociation. When we feel like we cannot escape from a trigger or traumatic event we can get into a state of dissociation naturally as a response to what is happening around us. We may not even realize we have gone through a traumatic event but a trigger can show up that leads to dissociation. Substances like cannabis and alcohol are common substances that people use to cope with trauma. These substances have the potential to cause symptoms similar to dissociation.
2.) What can help?
One of the things that can help with dissociation includes grounding techniques like identifying 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things that you can smell, and 1 thing that you can taste. Grounding can remind you of where you are and what is around you to remind your body that you are safe. Keeping a journal can be helpful for those that experience dissociation to help identify triggers, feelings, and emotions to be better prepared to handle them when they come up. Making sure that you are taking care of yourself is also essential in helping prevent symptoms of dissociation. If you are not taking breaks during your day or getting adequate amounts of sleep those things could contribute to worsening symptoms. If you feel like your symptoms aren't being managed well by yourself it is a good idea to see if therapy could be beneficial. Talk therapy and potentially EMDR therapy could be appropriate for helping to reduce distress in relation to dissociation. Here at Inward Counseling we have therapists that can assist with your concerns surrounding dissociation and trauma.
3.) Misconceptions about Dissociation
Social media forums have used dissociation interchangeably with terms like daydreaming, forgetting something, and having a negative memory. Using these terms interchangeably however can be misleading. Dissociation is more about feeling disconnected from oneself for a certain amount of time. It can show up through having flashbacks, experiencing tunnel vision, or feeling disoriented. If you are curious as to whether you are experiencing dissociation or something else, talking to a professional counselor is best to help you decipher what you may be experiencing. This article is not to be used as a substitute for professional counseling services. Reach out to us to learn more about dissociation. We look forward to hearing from you.
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