Dissociative disorders are the disruption of the integrity of functions that normally work as a whole, such as identity, memory, perception and environmental sensations. Dissociation often occurs as a defense mechanism against trauma trauma, while the disease provides escape from trauma in this way, it also delays the effect of trauma on one’s life (wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissociative_dissociations).
Dissociation occurs when one group of normal psychic processes is disconnected from others. In fact, one’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors drift away from awareness and out of control. For example, even a healthy college student may not remember anything from the previous two weeks. Dissociation can be experienced without disorder with many other mental symptoms; at intermediate level it may be perfectly normal (for example, you may be daydreaming about your weekend plans when you are expected to answer in a boring class).
Periods of dissociation severe enough to contribute to a disorder have many features in common:
- It starts suddenly and ends abruptly.
- It is generally perceived as the interruption (blocking, distortion) of an information that the person needs. They can be positive (like flashbacks) or negative (a period with no recollection) with the feeling that something has been added.
- Although it is stated that it is rare in general, the number may be increasing.
- Most of them (self-alienation (depersonaization), unreality (except derealization disorder), severe memory confusion are experienced.
- Impaired functioning or a sense of personal distress is only necessary for dissociative amnesia, self-alienation, unreality disorder.
Self Alienation (Depersonalization) Disorder
Self-alienation (depersonalization) can be defined as a disorder in which there are continuous or recurrent experiences in which the person feels detached or separated from himself, his own sense of reality or the feeling of being separated from his body, or that he is watching them as if he were an outside observer. This feeling is the experience of seeing one’s own spiritual processes and behaviors; some patients may experience this as if it were a dream. If you experience repeated episodes of self-alienation, it may be appropriate to speak to a specialist.
Depersonalization can also cause physical sensations in the body, such as numbness and tingling. It can also be a symptom of another illness, such as depression.
Deterioration of Reality Perception (Derealization)
Derealization involves feeling detached and disconnected from your surroundings. You may feel alienated from external objects in your immediate environment, including other people. Even your family members or close friends may seem like strangers to you.
Often people describe derealization as a feeling of intermittent blurriness. People and objects in your environment may start to look unreal (unusual), distorted or cartoony. Some report feeling trapped by their environment or seeing things in their environment that are surreal and unfamiliar. Derealization can make you feel as if you are in a different country or another planet (https://www.dilgem.com.tr/tr/makaleler/panic-atak-bozuklugu-depersonalizasyon-ve-derealization/ ).
What Can You Do About This Issue?
Individuals experiencing the symptoms we have described may become panicked. The first thing you will do when you realize this situation will be to consult a mental health professional. You can follow these steps to increase awareness about the process you are going through and to help your specialist:
- If you are experiencing derealization, try using your senses in any way possible to bring yourself back to reality. Tighten the skin on your hand. Hold something cold or hot (not enough to burn you) and focus on the feeling of warmth/coldness. Count or name the items in the room. Try to keep your eyes still.
- If you are experiencing depersonalization, slow your breathing. Anxiety attacks often cause rapid breathing. This slows down blood flow to the brain. Take as long, slow, and deep breaths as you can, focusing on keeping your breathing going. Be sure to reach out to a friend, psychologist, family or someone to talk to, as depersonalization can lead to feelings of detachment from others. Try to focus on your feelings, stay in the moment and keep talking.
- In addition to these methods that you can apply yourself, it is important to get professional psychological support. A qualified mental health professional you feel comfortable with can help you cope with dissociative disorder.
