Can dissociating be good?

Dissociation may persist because it is a way of not having negative feelings in the moment, but it is never a cure. Too much dissociating can slow or prevent recovery from the impact of trauma or PTSD. Dissociation can become a problem in itself. Blanking out interferes with doing well at school.

Why do people want to dissociate?

It could be a response to a one-off traumatic event or ongoing trauma and abuse. You can read more on our page about the causes of dissociative disorders. Some people choose to dissociate as a way of calming down or focusing on a task, or as part of a religious or cultural ritual.

Is dissociation a mental process?

Dissociation is a mental process where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories or sense of identity. Dissociative disorders include dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, depersonalisation disorder and dissociative identity disorder.

Is dissociation a healthy coping mechanism?

Dissociation functions as a coping mechanism developed by the body to manage and protect against overwhelming emotions and distress 6. This can be a completely natural reaction to traumatic experiences, and can be helpful as a way of coping at the time.

Is dissociation a defense mechanism?

Both subjective dissociation states may result from trauma, so dissociation may be considered a psychological mechanisms of defence. This dissociation means the person is emotionally withdrawn from their healthy sense of self and the world, and this cannot protect against future trauma.

Does dissociation affect memory?

Dissociation is a disruption in the integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, and perception. Dissociative symptoms include derealization/depersonalization, absorption, and amnesia. These experiences can cause a loss of control over mental processes, including memory and attention.

What happens when a child dissociates?

When children dissociate, they mentally block off thoughts, feelings, or memories about the traumatic experience. They may feel as if in a dream or somewhere else in the room watching what is happening.