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Dissociation Spectrum

All, Mental Health, Mind-Body

by Meg Tobin
June 13, 2023

Have you ever driven home from work but didn't remember how you got there? You made all the right turns, stopped in all the appropriate places, and drove at the right speed limit, but when you pulled into your driveway, you didn't remember any of it.

Or maybe, you zoned out during a meeting or conversation, daydreaming about your weekend plans or the movie you watched last night. Consequently, by the close of the meeting, you can't recall what anyone said.

These scenarios demonstrate a couple of everyday forms of dissociation. This week, we'll uncover the spectrum of dissociation.

The Idea of the Week

Firstly, what is dissociation?

Dissociation is a disconnection or detachment from one’s sense of self, actions, thoughts, sensory experience, memories, feelings, or surroundings. It is a disconnection from the present moment. In this 10-minute video, Kati Morton explains what dissociation is and why it happens.

Dissociation will look different for everyone. In this 6-minute read, Verywell Mind shares the symptoms and causes of dissociation as well as what dissociation may feel like.

Practice of the Week

Let’s uncover the dissociation spectrum.

First, what is normal dissociation?

Everyone experiences dissociation. It’s a normal reaction to feeling bored, overstressed, or overwhelmed. Some common experiences of mild or normal dissociation are highway hypnosis (i.e., when you “zone out” while driving), daydreaming, or “getting lost” in a book or movie such that you lose sense of your surroundings, even in the movie theatre.

Now, what are the types of abnormal dissociation? Kati Morton shares 5 dissociation types in this 15-minute video:

Dissociative Amnesia
Maladaptive Daydreaming
Depersonalization
Derealization
Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder)

Next, in this 8-minute video, Jess from MultiplicityAndMe shares an excellent illustration and explanation of dissociation versus integration in Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Finally, in this 25-minute episode, Chloe from DissociaDID shares “The Science of PTSD and Dissociation,” particularly in the context of Dissociative Identity Disorder.

How can we manage dissociation? When everything feels unreal and we feel disconnected, how can we stay tethered to the present moment?

The answer: we can use grounding techniques, mindfulness strategies, and professional guidance from a therapist in therapy.

Stay tuned for part 2 next week where we’ll dive deeper into the ways we can cope with dissociation!

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