Dissociation: Is the feeling normal?

Dissociation is the feeling of disconnection with the world and yourself. Dissociation is a mental process in which an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors become separated from each other. This can be a normal and common occurrence in everyday life, but it can also be a symptom of a mental disorder.

Mental health issues and Dissociation:

These experiences are usually temporary and do not negatively impact a person's daily life. However, dissociation can also be a symptom of more serious mental health issues, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder. 

Other mental disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and depression, can also cause dissociation. In these cases, dissociation is often a way for the mind to cope with overwhelming emotions or traumatic experiences.

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It can also be an aftereffect of excessive intoxication, some narcotics or dropping the habbit of  narcotics. It's important to understand that not all dissociation is a sign of a mental disorder. However, if dissociation is severe or hindering daily life, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional. They can determine the root cause of the dissociation and provide treatment to improve symptoms. Explore Gytree’s expert curated mental health packages here.

If you are struggling with dissociation, these may be helpful practices in coping with these symptoms:

Reaching out for support: It can be beneficial to share your experiences and feelings of dissociation with someone. Some are comfortable with a friend or family member while some prefer therapy.

Practicing mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being can be helpful in managing dissociation. 

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Calming therapy: such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization can be useful in reducing stress and anxiety, which can contribute to dissociation.

To wind up, dissociation can be a normal and common experience, but it can also indicate the presence of a mental disorder. If dissociation is disrupting daily life, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.