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Understanding Dissociative Disorders: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How to Get Help

Have you ever felt “out of touch” with reality? Like you’re watching your life unfold from the outside? Or maybe you’ve had moments where you can’t remember something important, and it feels like a part of your past is just… gone. These feelings could be signs of a dissociative disorder. While it might sound a bit mysterious or even scary, dissociative disorders are more common than you might think, and they can be treated.

In this blog, we’ll break down what dissociative disorders really are, the types you might encounter, the causes behind them, and how they can be treated. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, you’re not alone—and there is help.

What Are Dissociative Disorders?

Dissociative disorders involve a disconnection from reality. It’s like your mind temporarily “checks out” in order to protect you from overwhelming feelings or trauma. People with dissociative disorders might feel disconnected from their own thoughts, memories, or even their sense of self.

At their core, these disorders revolve around dissociation, a mental process where a person detaches from what’s happening around them or inside their own mind. It’s like being on autopilot or feeling like you’re in a dream. For some, this may happen occasionally; for others, it’s a more persistent experience.

Types of Dissociative Disorders

There are a few different types of dissociative disorders, each with unique symptoms. Let’s dive into the most common ones:

1. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Formerly called Multiple Personality Disorder, DID is one of the most talked-about dissociative disorders. People with DID may experience two or more distinct identities or personalities. These different “selves” might have their own memories, behaviours, and even preferences. This disorder often develops as a coping mechanism for severe trauma, particularly in childhood.

Common signs:

  • Memory loss: You might forget important details about your life, like where you were or what happened during a certain period.
  • Shifts in behaviour: You may feel like you’re acting like a different person sometimes, or others might notice a personality shift.
  • Feeling disconnected from your body or surroundings.

2. Dissociative Amnesia

In dissociative amnesia, people lose memory of important events in their lives—often due to trauma or stress. It’s more than just forgetting where you left your keys; it’s an inability to recall significant personal information or even entire chunks of your life. In some cases, the memory loss can be temporary, but it can feel like a huge void in your life.

Common signs:

  • Inability to remember important life events (especially after a stressful experience).
  • Confusion about identity: You may feel disconnected from your past or struggle to remember who you are.

3. Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder

This one’s a bit harder to explain, but if you’ve ever felt like you were observing your life from a distance (like watching yourself in a movie), you might relate. Depersonalization involves feeling disconnected from your own body or thoughts, while derealization makes the world around you feel unreal, dreamlike, or distorted.

Common signs:

  • Feeling like an outsider in your own life.
  • Experiencing the world around you as strange—like it’s not quite real.
  • Feeling detached or “numb”, especially in moments of stress.

What Causes Dissociative Disorders?

So, why do these things happen? While the exact cause isn’t always clear, dissociative disorders are strongly linked to trauma—especially trauma during childhood. In response to overwhelming events, the brain might “disconnect” as a way of coping.

Here are some common factors that may contribute to the development of dissociative disorders:

  • Severe childhood trauma: Abuse, neglect, or emotional harm during childhood can deeply affect a person’s sense of self, leading to dissociation.
  • Stressful or traumatic events: Events like accidents, natural disasters, or violence in adulthood can also trigger dissociative episodes.
  • Genetic and psychological factors: A family history of mental health issues can increase the risk of developing dissociative disorders.
  • Overwhelming emotional distress: If someone has trouble coping with stress or trauma, dissociation may become their way of “escaping.”

How to Spot the Symptoms

Dissociative disorders can be tricky to diagnose, but there are a few signs to look out for. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Memory gaps: You might forget important events, conversations, or even parts of your identity.
  • Feeling detached from reality: The world may seem unreal, or you may feel like you’re outside of your body.
  • Mood swings or behaviour changes: You might act like a different person at times or feel like your personality is shifting.
  • Confusion about identity: You may struggle to remember who you are or feel like you’re living a life that doesn’t belong to you.

Treatment for Dissociative Disorders

The good news? Dissociative disorders are treatable. While it can be a long road to recovery, with the right support, people with dissociative disorders can lead fulfilling lives. The primary treatment is therapy, though medication can help manage some of the symptoms.

1. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Psychotherapy is a key component in treating dissociative disorders. Therapy helps you process trauma, manage symptoms, and rebuild your sense of self. There are several types of therapy that can be helpful:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change harmful thinking patterns.
  • Trauma-focused Therapy: Aims to help you process past trauma in a healthy way, which is especially important for dissociative disorders.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation and building coping skills, which can help you manage stress and emotional pain.

2. Medication

While there are no specific medications for dissociative disorders, some medications can help with symptoms like depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or mood stabilisers to help you feel more grounded.

3. Support Groups

Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can make a huge difference. Support groups allow you to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. These groups can provide encouragement and a sense of community during your healing process.

Coping with Dissociative Symptoms

In addition to therapy and medication, there are things you can do on your own to manage dissociative symptoms:

  • Mindfulness exercises: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises can help you stay connected to the present moment.
  • Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and experiences can help you process your feelings and reconnect with your sense of self.
  • Develop a routine: Structure and consistency can help reduce confusion or feelings of detachment.
  • Reach out for support: Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it.