Dissociation is a common psychological phenomenon that occurs when an experience is too overwhelming. It is a built-in defense mechanism that dulls our awareness in response to past and present experiences. Dissociation exists on a spectrum of severity, from episodes of “spacing out” to forgetting entire conversations or events. Under chronic stress or trauma, dissociation can become a survival skill that allows us to function in everyday life. It prevents us from becoming overwhelmed by emotions and memories that may otherwise inhibit us from engaging in the world.
Dissociation is involuntary but can be induced through certain types of activities. Common activities that can induce dissociative states are:
- Binge watching
- Video games
- Shopping
- Sex
- Eating
- High-intensity exercise
- Gambling
- Taking substances
- Highly repetitive tasks
- Driving long distances
- Any activity that induces negative emotions
- Revisiting traumatic memories
Common symptoms of dissociation include:
- Incomplete or missing memories of events or periods in your life
- Intrusive memories, thoughts, or feelings
- Behavioral impulses
- Not feeling present
- Spacing out
- Forgetfulness
- Losing track of time
- Inability to concentrate or pay attention
- Daydreaming
- Loss of knowledge or skills
- Inability to feel certain emotions or bodily sensations
- Forgetting people you meet
- Experiencing time as passing too slowly or too fast
- Feeling as if your environment or people are unfamiliar or distorted
- Flashbacks
If you are experiencing symptoms of dissociation, you are not alone. The many worries and fast-paced world of motherhood leave us prone to stress and overwhelm. An initial evaluation to identify your symptoms and develop a plan is the first step on your healing journey. Please contact us.
