TRAUMA AND DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS

Dissociation exists on a spectrum, serving as a unique mechanism for the brain to detach from reality. Everyday occurrences like daydreaming, zoning out during activities such as reading or driving are normal forms of dissociation essential for coping with sensory overload and daily stresses. These moments allow the mind to relax and reset. Meditation can be viewed as a refined form of dissociation, enabling individuals to intentionally guide their minds into a state of relaxation.

Understanding trauma and dissociative disorders is crucial in addressing mental health challenges. Traumatic experiences can lead to dissociation as a defense mechanism, impacting an individual's sense of self and might have effects on daily functioning.
It is important to recognize the signs of dissociation, such as memory gaps, feeling detached from oneself (called depersonalisation), or your surroundings (called derealisation), experiencing emotional numbness or feeling too little or too much pain to name just a few. Maybe you've noticed changes in personality, identity, gender or age.

What is considered traumatic varies from person to person and is likely influenced by the development of the nervous system, which begins during fetal stages and is impacted by the mother's pregnancy experience. Building a healthy nervous system requires key elements such as a secure and attuned relationship with caregivers in early childhood, safety and basic needs being met, opportunities for playfulness, and exposure to diverse positive experiences.

Various traumatic experiences can lead to dissociation/dissociative disorders. The following list presents some of these experiences but is not exhaustive. Your specific experience may involve one or a combination of the listed events or may differ from what is mentioned here. It is essential to acknowledge that your experience is valid.

Attachment issues with the main care givers
Neglect
Caregivers with addiction
Physical/mental illness or loss of a caregiver
Illness and medical procedures
Severe accidents
Bullying
Sexual or physical assault
Childhood abuse
Religious trauma
Organised extreme abuse such as torture, abduction, trafficking, or mind control
Residing in a conflict zone
Military service or combat experiences
Natural disasters