Have you ever felt disconnected from your surroundings, like you’re watching your life from the outside? Maybe you’ve caught yourself daydreaming so deeply that you forgot what you were doing. These moments, while often harmless, are mild forms of what psychologists refer to as dissociation. But for some, dissociation is much more intense and disruptive—it’s a serious mental health concern that affects how people process thoughts, memories, identity, and emotions.
At The Meadowglade in Moorpark, California, we understand how confusing and frightening dissociative experiences can be. Our goal is to help people better understand what dissociation is, how it presents in mental health disorders, and most importantly, how it can be treated.
What Is Dissociation?
Dissociation is a mental process that causes a person to disconnect from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. It’s like a mental “pause button” that the brain uses to protect itself during periods of intense stress or trauma. While short-term dissociation can help people cope during emergencies, chronic or severe dissociation may signal an underlying mental health disorder.
There are several types of dissociation, ranging in intensity:
- Mild dissociation, such as zoning out during a conversation.
- Moderate dissociation, like forgetting how you got somewhere.
- Severe dissociation, including feeling like you’re not real or having gaps in memory and identity.
Common Symptoms of Dissociation
Dissociation can look different from one person to the next. Some people might experience all the symptoms, while others only deal with a few. Here are some of the more common experiences:
- Feeling detached from your body or environment (known as depersonalization or derealization)
- Memory loss (amnesia) about specific events, people, or periods of time
- Feeling emotionally numb or “shut down”
- Out-of-body experiences or feeling like a different person altogether
- Difficulty concentrating or maintaining a sense of time
It’s not unusual for people experiencing dissociation to also struggle with anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
What Causes Dissociation?
Most often, dissociation is a response to trauma. The brain creates a psychological distance from a painful experience, especially if the event was overwhelming or occurred repeatedly over time.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event
- Prolonged stress or emotional conflict
- Traumatic loss or accidents
However, not all dissociation stems from trauma. Sometimes, overwhelming emotions, substance use, or even intense fatigue can cause dissociative episodes.
Dissociative Disorders: When It Becomes a Mental Health Condition
While occasional dissociation isn’t necessarily harmful, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a dissociative disorder. According to mental health experts, there are three main types:
1. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, DID involves the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. People with DID may experience gaps in memory and a disrupted sense of self.
2. Dissociative Amnesia
This involves an inability to recall important personal information, usually related to trauma or stress. The memory loss is too severe to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.
3. Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
People with this disorder experience ongoing or recurrent feelings of detachment from their own body (depersonalization) or surroundings (derealization). They’re aware that these sensations aren’t real but still feel powerless to stop them.
Each of these conditions can significantly affect daily functioning, relationships, and emotional well-being.
How Is Dissociation Diagnosed?
Diagnosing dissociation begins with a comprehensive mental health evaluation. A licensed therapist or psychiatrist will explore the individual’s personal history, current symptoms, and any experiences of trauma or prolonged stress.
There are also clinical tools used for diagnosis, such as:
- The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES)
- Structured clinical interviews like the SCID-D (Structured Clinical Interview for Dissociative Disorders)
Because dissociation often overlaps with other conditions like PTSD, depression, or borderline personality disorder, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential.
Treatment for Dissociation at The Meadowglade
Healing from dissociation is absolutely possible—but it requires a safe, supportive, and professional environment. At The Meadowglade, our multidisciplinary approach addresses both the symptoms and root causes of dissociation.
Some key components of treatment include:
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Many individuals with dissociative disorders have experienced trauma. Trauma-focused therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) are often used to help process and heal those painful memories.
Talk Therapy and Psychodynamic Counseling
Building trust and self-awareness through consistent therapy sessions helps individuals reconnect with their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way.
Medication Management
Although there is no medication specifically for dissociation, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may help relieve associated symptoms like depression, anxiety, or insomnia.
Grounding Techniques and Coping Skills
Therapists often teach grounding exercises to help individuals remain present during moments of distress. These might include deep breathing, sensory awareness activities, or physical movement.
Group and Family Therapy
Support systems play a critical role in recovery. Group and family therapy can help strengthen communication, build trust, and reduce feelings of isolation.
Contact Us for Support
If you or someone you love is experiencing dissociation—or symptoms that resemble it—it’s important to know that help is available. At The Meadowglade in Moorpark, California, we specialize in compassionate, personalized mental health treatment that helps individuals find healing and balance.
Whether dissociation stems from trauma, chronic stress, or a dissociative disorder, our team is here to help guide you through the recovery process with dignity and care.
Take the first step toward healing today. Visit our website or call us to learn more about our comprehensive programs for trauma, anxiety, and dissociation.