Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders
I recently put out a shout out for guest posts in my group and like always I was amazed by the response. Today I have a post from The Busy Papa on Dissociation. This is actually something I personally have been trying to come to terms with, it is part of Borderline Personality Disorder. Over to Aaron:
It’s a curiosity how in our lives there are sometimes themes or things that we witness multiple people go through when sometimes, some people never see a single friend or family member endure these trials. For me, one such thing is dissociation and dissociative disorders.
At the time of writing, I can say I’ve known four people who’ve had dissociative disorders of varying degrees. The first time I saw it was in 1995 and the most recent in 2015.
What Is Dissociation (and What Causes It)?
For those unaware; during traumatic events, people sometimes dissociate either during the event or sometime later. You’ll sometimes hear this described as feeling detached or as though they were watching the situation unfold and it wasn’t them.
More often than not, this resolves itself over time. Sometimes though, it doesn’t. This can lead to a longer term more complex disorder where the sufferer dissociates from their emotions, identity or thoughts.
Ultimately, the condition can manifest itself in a number of ways which include but are not limited to amnesia, temporary paralysis, the appearance of zoning out (ie the lights are on, but nobody’s home), seizures or loss of bodily sensation.
Much is still unknown about the causes of dissociation or why what happens does. It tends to come about from prior trauma (emotional, mental, physical and sexual abuse are frequent causes) but there have even been cases of people having a really bad day or an unexpected or overly intrusive medical examination or procedure and triggering episodes.
It is normal for the body and mind to dissociate to cope with an event, however, when this continues beyond the trauma itself, this is when it is time to get help.
Accompanying Conditions
You won’t see a DD on its own. There will be other mental health conditions present alongside it.
Some conditions to be expected are:
- Extreme anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Suicidal tendencies
- Eating disorders
- OCD
- Unstable mood swings
The above I’ve all seen first hand but you might also expect to see complications sleeping, maintaining lasting relationships, having sex, with dependency and committing to long term situations such as employment.
Treatment
Resolving dissociation is rarely simple and because of the accompanying conditions (which could be exasperating the issue), rarely involves one type of treatment.
Whilst things vary case-by-case you would typically expect a diagnosed dissociative disorder to be managed with medication (to deal with the associated conditions) and treated with:
- Talking therapy such as counselling and/or CBT.
- Physical therapy if dealing with relevant symptoms such as paralysis or loss of speech.
- Hypnosis whilst generally avoided it can be helpful in uncovering repressed memories. Many believe it can make the condition worse, however.
- Stress management in order to reduce the risk of episodes which will often be triggered by stressful conditions.
In Summary
Dissociative disorders are complicated and can be scary for the sufferer and the people supporting them. Leaving them untreated or living with the condition only leads to things escalating though. Something I’ve seen firsthand multiple times.
If you believe that you could be suffering from a DD or that someone you know could be, seek professional help as soon as possible.
Author Bio:
Also known as Aaron, The Busy Papa focuses on lifestyle, parenting and personal wellbeing content. He has two decades experience in creative writing (including several published poems) and strongly dislikes (though tolerate) tomatoes.
Find him at the following locations online:
Website: https://thebusypapa.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebusypapa
Facebook: https://instagram.com/thebusypapa
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This is a very educational read. Looking back, a former room mate of mine went through the conditions you listed. I didn’t know about DD then.
After reading this blog, i feel like i could have a friend who is suffering this, i have never heard it called this before, so is interesting to read the facts, she has been by her doctor referred to the hospital to see a counceller, but as a close friend, i now have an idea on how i can help her more
i have never heard of this before, but this article has taught me a lot
It isa condition I have. I have mental health issues though they are more managed today then they manage me.
My 2nd husband passed away last year unexpectedly. He could handle them. I know they concern my adult lads in handling them.
I do usually know these days when it coming on so usually can make myself safe
They are very scary for all those around. They were connected with me to my history, breakdowns and PTSD
Great overview, thank you. I have a dissociative disorder, and I suspect they’re a lot more common than has traditionally been thought. The clinical world does seem more understanding of them than it used to be.
Though having said that, there is still a lot of general mental health advice out there that can make dissociation worse, and not enough awareness of that. So do be careful with things like CBT and meditation, and try to find an advocate to take with you to appointments if any negative effects that your treatment is having on you aren’t being taken seriously.
I can’t do meditation at all, it works me right up. I would always be told, just relax with it and you will be fine, but it just drives me up the wall, even to this day. I have a friend who’s just passed doing meditation / relaxation all that stuff course and she asked if she could practice on me and I had to say no, I was like I’m sure your amazing but I am not the person you want to try on it. I’ll help in any other way, but that, I felt awful saying no, but also knew if I tried it I would put her in a bad position as I wouldn’t relate and respond rightly.
I have heard of this and suffering from generalised anxiety disorder/depression myself I can relate to having felt like this
Mine is something that’s been ongoing for over 30 years. I have lots of physical symptoms where I’ve ended up in A & E for heart tests etc. The brain does play some awful tricks . I think been disassociated is awful too .I went like it for two months easily at one point. There wasn’t much they could do it passed on its own. But I really think it’s time more could be done for mental health issues and do think it’s neglected .It’s just as important as physical illness . Really think there should be more funding for this . Anyone with this has my heartfelt sympathy x
It’s a condition I also have. Fortunately it is not as bad as it used to be. Mine is from PTSD, vulnerable mental through my life story from childhood and the marriage to the ex.
I wont go into all the personal details however I had it long before it was diagnosed in 2006. Probably from around 1992 it started.
It has got very serious at times with it and the way I am. A 12 step program, ongoing therapy on and off for years with specialist family of origin work involved and CBT have bought me to a healthier place.
My mental health is more managed today that it manages me. I am acutely aware that managing something still isn’t the “norm” whatever that is.
I guess I have learnt to live with it. My 2nd husband was the only one who could deal with me effectively in a DD.
He passed unexpectedly last year so others close know what to do roughly. It is scary though
Oh no I am so sorry to hear about your husband :(.
It is so hard when you are in that state isn’t it – you can’t do anything, you don’t understand it. I am so sorry you have to go through it as well.
A very interesting read. I’d never heard of it before.
Thank you for this accurate brief explanation. I wish dissassociation was better understood.
I can relate to this completely, I suffer temporary paralysis and it is very scary, like an out of body experience. I have bipolar, anxiety and borderline personality disorder.
Fascinating
Very interesting! I’m sure I read somewhere if you’re brain cannot handle what is happening, it shuts off to protect you from dealing with it