- [Amanda] Hey, Psych2Goers,
do you feel distant from your emotions, thoughts,
surroundings, and memories?
This is part of something called dissociation.
Dissociation is a defense mechanism
where you unconsciously push away
conflicting or threatening emotions
and compartmentalize feelings
so that you don't have to deal with them.
Within the umbrella of dissociative symptoms,
there are two that help categorize the experience,
detachment dissociation
and compartmentalization dissociation.
Detachment dissociation refers to feeling like
you have been taken out of your body.
Compartmentalization dissociation refers to when
your mind pushes aside distressing moments or experiences,
this usually results in memory loss.
With that said, here are five signs
you may be experiencing dissociation.
Number one, memory loss.
Memory loss is a common symptom of dissociation.
You may find yourself at work or school,
but unable to remember how you got there.
Memory loss is one of the quickest symptoms to identify
because it's obvious.
The main reason memory loss
goes hand in hand with dissociation
is because your brain cannot handle
whatever is going on,
so it switches to autopilot.
Dissociation pulls you outside of your body,
hence it's difficult for you to remember
what happens around you if you're not there.
But these moments of dissociation don't always occur
when we are frightened or distressed,
they could sometimes happen while you're doing something.
Number two, derealization.
Derealization is another symptom of dissociation,
it sometimes feels like a dream
where things are colorless, dull, or blurry.
Derealization is distressing
and can cause anxiety,
but it's common for those with anxiety, depression,
and other mental illnesses.
However, derealization differs
from other psychotic disorder symptoms
in the sense that there is a degree of awareness,
you are aware of reality
and the feeling that distances you from it.
Number three, feeling lightheaded.
There are many reasons why you may feel lightheaded,
but in the context of mental health,
dissociation can be a cause.
When lightheadedness is paired
with another one of the symptoms mentioned above,
then the cause is most likely dissociation.
The vestibular system is a sensory system
responsible for spacial awareness
and sense of balance,
however, when you dissociate,
you are not aware of your surroundings.
When you come to
the sudden realization of your surroundings,
there's almost a vestibular simulation
and makes you lightheaded.
Number four, not feeling pain.
Another sign of dissociation is not feeling pain.
There is research suggesting
that dissociation not only minimizes painful memories,
but also the physical pain attached to them.
However, the connection between dissociation and pain
is not solely related to trauma.
People who experience chronic pain
can also experience dissociation.
For some who experience dissociation
as a result of a mental health condition,
the feeling of not feeling in your body
can sometimes lead you to self injure.
Although it makes sense to do something
to bring you back into your body,
self injuring is not the best option.
And number five, a loss of self identity.
Another aspect of dissociation is depersonalization,
it's similar to derealization in the sense
that you feel like you are watching yourself.
However, depersonalization makes you feel distant
from your mental process,
you feel that you are an observer of your own life.
Depersonalization can occur with other symptoms
on this list,
it can be a very scary feeling,
like you don't have any control of your body.
Some clinicians believe that extreme stress or trauma
can produce depersonalization.
So, do you relate to any of these signs?
Dissociation can be frightening
and, in some cases, intrusive.
It's not like a physical illness
where a diagnosis and treatment
are administered via exams,
but there is treatment,
among them being psychotherapy, medication,
family therapy, and clinical hypnosis.
If you experience any of these symptoms,
please reach out to
a medical health professional for treatment.
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that might find some good advice in the video as well.
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Thanks so much for watching
and we'll see you next time.