Understanding Dissociation and Trauma

Although used quite casually in colloquial language, the process of dissociation is actually one of significant psychological significance. Dissociation is a mental process that causes a lack of connection in a person’s thoughts, memory, and sense of identity. 

This disconnect can affect the way a person experiences life and can interfere with their sense of self and perception of reality. It is therefore important to recognise and treat dissociation, along with any associated trauma that may have caused it. 

Continue reading below to learn more about dissociation, trauma, and what you can do to seek help and start living your best possible life. 

What is Dissociation?

Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon where an individual experiences a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. This process is often a defence mechanism that helps the mind distance itself from experiences that are too overwhelming or traumatic. 

A person does not need to be in immediate danger to experience dissociation. In fact, it can be that even in times of ‘rest’ or ‘relaxation’ that a dissociation is triggered. This makes it difficult to anticipate when someone may dissociate, and therefore difficult to anticipate coping and protective strategies. 

Some examples of dissociative responses include, but are not limited to: 

• Dissociative Amnesia: This involves the inability to recall important personal information, usually following a stressful or traumatic event. The memory loss goes beyond ordinary forgetfulness and can include specific events or entire periods.
• Depersonalisation/Derealisation: This describes persistent or recurring feelings of detachment from your own body or thoughts (depersonalisation) and/or the sense that your surroundings are unreal (derealisation). 
• Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): Previously known as multiple personality disorder, DID involves the presence of two or more distinct identity states that control an individual’s behaviour at different times.

Dissociation, especially extreme forms such as DID, may be considered rare or unusual, but the reality is that dissociation can happen to anyone, especially those who have experienced trauma. In fact, many people may not realise that they are experiencing dissociation and may attribute their symptoms to other causes. 

The Link Between Trauma and Dissociation

Trauma, especially in childhood, is a significant factor that can lead to dissociative states. When faced with overwhelming stress, the brain may use dissociation as a coping mechanism to protect itself from the full emotional or psychological impact of the traumatic experience.

During or following a traumatic event, the brain’s natural response may include “freezing” or “numbing” to help an individual cope with the immediate stress. Dissociation can serve as a survival strategy, allowing the person to disconnect from the emotional and physical pain of the trauma.

By ‘ignoring’, or more accurately repressing, this pain, the brain ensures that the individual is still capable of functioning, particularly in cases of long-term or complex trauma. As time continues and the individual continues to rely on this dissociation, it can become strongly entrenched as a long term coping strategy that can be difficult to break. 

Symptoms and Signs of Dissociative Disorders

There is a wide range of symptoms for dissociation and dissociative disorders, and people may experience some of these and not suffer from dissociative disorders specifically. While this symptoms list can serve as a guide, it is important not to self-diagnose, and to seek professional help if you are concerned that several, or many, of these are true to your own experiences. 

Cognitive Symptoms

• Memory Gaps: Inability to recall important personal information, often related to traumatic or stressful events.
• Confusion about Identity: A sense of confusion about who you are, or feeling like you are different people at different times.
• Blackouts or Time Loss: Unexplained gaps in time or events where you do not remember what happened.
• Distorted Perception of Time: Feeling that time is moving slower or faster than it actually is.

Emotional Symptoms

• Emotional Numbness: Difficulty experiencing emotions or feeling detached from emotions.
• Feelings of Unreality: Persistent or recurrent experiences of feeling detached from oneself or the environment (depersonalization or derealization).
• Intense Emotions: Sudden and intense emotions that seem to come out of nowhere.

Behavioral Symptoms

• Changes in Behavior: Sudden and unexplained changes in behavior, such as acting differently in different situations or with different people.
• Self-Harm: Engaging in self-injurious behaviors without understanding why.
• Risky Behaviors: Increased engagement in risky activities, such as substance abuse or reckless driving.

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches or Other Physical Pain: Unexplained physical pain or discomfort that may be related to stress or trauma.
• Feeling Detached from the Body: Sensations of being disconnected from one’s own body or surroundings.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Frequent feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness without a medical cause.

Interpersonal Symptoms

• Difficulty Forming Relationships: Struggles with maintaining close relationships due to trust issues or fear of intimacy.
• Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and withdrawing from family and friends.
• Conflicts in Relationships: Frequent arguments or conflicts with loved ones due to misunderstood actions or words.

Psychological Symptoms

• Flashbacks: Reliving traumatic events as if they were happening in the present.
• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not there, often related to past trauma.
• Paranoia: Persistent feelings of being watched or followed, without a basis in reality.

Functional Symptoms

• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks or maintaining attention.
• Problems with Daily Functioning: Struggling to carry out daily activities such as work, school, or household responsibilities.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, nightmares, or other sleep issues related to anxiety or trauma.

These symptoms can disrupt daily life, making it difficult for individuals to maintain relationships, perform at work, and carry out everyday activities. For instance, someone with dissociative amnesia may struggle with work responsibilities due to gaps in memory, while someone with DID might experience sudden shifts in behaviour and mood.

The persistent nature of dissociative symptoms can lead to significant distress, affecting an individual’s mental health and quality of life. These disorders are often accompanied by other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Diagnosing Dissociative Disorders

Diagnosing dissociative disorders involves a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional, including detailed interviews and questionnaires. The assessment aims to understand the individual’s symptoms, their impact on daily life, and any history of trauma.

Commonly used tools include the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-D). These assessments help clinicians identify the presence and severity of dissociative symptoms. 

It is important not to use these assessments or questionnaires independently, as interpretation of the results and a diagnosis can only be made by a trained and experienced mental health professional. Furthermore, diagnosing dissociative disorders can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other mental health conditions and the individual’s potential lack of awareness of their dissociative experiences. 

Treatment and Management of Dissociation

The primary treatment for dissociation and dissociative disorders is psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to change negative thought patterns, and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) to teach emotional regulation. Psychodynamic therapy is important to explore and begin to resolve past trauma within a safe and controlled space. 

Other therapies such as narrative or gestalt therapy, and EMDR therapy can be effective in reducing distress associated with traumatic memories and reframing past experiences. The goal of therapy is not to forget that certain things ever happened, but to reduce our suffering associated with those experiences and to maximise our wellbeing. 

Each individual’s experience with dissociation and trauma is unique, necessitating a personalised treatment plan. Therapy should be tailored to address specific symptoms, trauma history, and individual needs, as no one person’s experiences of trauma or dissociation will be the same. 

Support groups often provide a sense of community and understanding, helping individuals feel less isolated. There is a lot to be said for the ‘power of the group’, and while it may take some time to make those connections, they can ultimately be one of the most healing aspects of your recovery.

Receiving Professional Help at Clinic Les Alpes

Regardless of the intensity of your trauma—whether it feels manageable or overwhelmingly severe—professional help can be incredibly beneficial. Various therapeutic approaches, medication options, and consistent professional support are available to help you navigate your healing journey.

For those ready to deeply engage in their trauma recovery, in-patient treatment offers a comprehensive solution. This option involves staying at a specialized clinic where you have 24/7 access to support and expert care, providing intensive assistance for those who require it or for anyone needing a complete break to focus on recovery.

Clinic Les Alpes provides such in-patient services within a luxurious setting, equipped with state-of-the-art treatments. If you or a loved one is considering this step, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. We’re here to help you on your path to recovery.

Conclusion

Understanding dissociation and its connection to trauma is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate help can significantly improve quality of life. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of dissociation, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional for support. Remember, recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.