What Does it Mean to Dissociate?

Trauma and dissociation are two closely related concepts that are often intertwined. Trauma can lead to dissociation, which is a coping mechanism that the brain uses to protect itself from overwhelming or traumatic experiences. In this blog post, we will explore the topic of trauma dissociation in depth, looking at what it is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What is Trauma Dissociation?

Trauma dissociation is a psychological defense mechanism that occurs in response to a traumatic event or ongoing trauma. Dissociation involves a detachment from reality, where the individual may feel as though they are outside of themselves, observing their experiences from a distance. Dissociation can manifest in different ways, including feeling numb, detached, or as though one is in a dream-like state.

Trauma dissociation occurs when the individual's response to the traumatic event is so overwhelming that their brain cannot process it in a healthy way. As a result, the brain creates a separate "compartment" to store the traumatic experience, allowing the individual to function in their everyday life without being constantly triggered by the traumatic memory.

Causes of Trauma Dissociation

Trauma dissociation is most commonly associated with childhood abuse, particularly if the abuse was ongoing or severe. However, any traumatic event can lead to dissociation, including physical or sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, and combat exposure.

Other factors that may increase the likelihood of developing trauma dissociation include a history of childhood neglect, having a family member with a mental illness, and a lack of social support.

Symptoms of Trauma Dissociation

The symptoms of trauma dissociation can vary depending on the individual and their experiences. Some common symptoms include:

• Feeling as though you are watching yourself from outside of your body

• Feeling detached from reality or as though you are in a dream-like state

• Numbness or lack of emotional response

• Amnesia or memory loss of the traumatic event

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame

• Avoidance of situations or people that may trigger memories of the traumatic event

Treatment for Trauma Dissociation

The treatment for trauma dissociation typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. The specific type of therapy used will depend on the individual's symptoms and the severity of their dissociation.

One of the most effective types of therapy for trauma dissociation is trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), which involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. TF-CBT helps individuals to process their traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping strategies to manage their symptoms.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another form of therapy that is often used to treat trauma dissociation. EMDR involves using eye movements, sounds, or tactile stimulation to help individuals process their traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms.

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. However, medication alone is not usually sufficient to treat trauma dissociation.

Conclusion

Trauma dissociation is a common response to traumatic events, particularly in cases of childhood abuse or ongoing trauma. Dissociation is a coping mechanism that allows individuals to function in their everyday lives without being constantly triggered by traumatic memories. Treatment for trauma dissociation typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both, depending on the individual's symptoms and the severity of their dissociation. With proper treatment, individuals with trauma dissociation can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.