Challenges of Detachment or Dissociation and How to Overcome Them
This is How To Overcome Fear Of The Future Emotional detachment also called dissociation is a powerful tool for coping with overwhelming emotions. By stepping back and viewing situations objectively, we can gain clarity and focus on finding solutions rather than getting caught up in the intensity of our feelings. This practice can help us maintain a sense of control and inner peace in challenging circumstances. Ultimately, emotional detachment allows us to navigate difficult situations with a level head and make decisions based on logic rather than emotion.
What Is Detachment or Dissociation and Why Does It Matter?
What is dissociation?
What is Bipolar Dissociation?
Dissociation is a phenomenon that can occur in response to intense emotional or physical trauma or in certain mental health conditions. It can be thought of as a defense mechanism that your brain uses to cope with overwhelming experiences or emotions, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
Written by: Jared C. Pistoia, ND
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Types of Dissociation
What Is Dissociation?
... three types of dissociative disorders:
- Depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPDR): This dissociative condition involves feeling detached from one's own body and thoughts.
- Dissociative identity disorder: This dissociation disorder was previously known as multiple personality disorder.
- Dissociative amnesia: This type of dissociation is characterized by forgetting one's personal information.
Written by: Matthew Tull, PhD
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Symptoms of dissociative disorders
Dissociation and dissociative disorders
Symptoms and signs of dissociative disorders depend on the type and severity, but may include:
- feeling disconnected from yourself
- problems with handling intense emotions
- sudden and unexpected shifts in mood – for example, feeling very sad for no reason
- depression or anxiety problems, or both
- feeling as though the world is distorted or not real (called ‘derealisation’)
- memory problems that aren’t linked to physical injury or medical conditions
- other cognitive (thought-related) problems such as concentration problems
- significant memory lapses such as forgetting important personal information
- feeling compelled to behave in a certain way
- identity confusion – for example, behaving in a way that the person would normally find offensive or abhorrent.
Written by: Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia
Types of Dissociation
What Is Dissociation?
Related Conditions
... dissociation may also occur as a symptom of another condition. Conditions in which someone may experience dissociation include:
- Acute stress disorder
- Affective disorders, also known as mood disorders
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Migraines
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Substance use disorders
Written by: Matthew Tull, PhD
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Diagnosis
Dissociation and dissociative disorders
Diagnosis can be tricky because dissociative disorders are complex and their symptoms are common to a number of other conditions. For example:
- Physical causes (such as head trauma or brain tumours) can cause amnesia and other cognitive problems.
- Mental illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder may cause similar symptoms to a dissociative disorder.
- The effects of certain substances, including some recreational drugs and prescription medications, can mimic symptoms.
- Diagnosis may be further hampered when a dissociative disorder coexists with another mental health problem, such as depression.
Written by: Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia
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Dissociative disorders
Sometimes dissociative disorder symptoms occur in a crisis with severe or impulsive behavior. People with these symptoms need care more urgently and in an emergency department at a hospital when safety becomes a concern.
If you or a loved one has less urgent symptoms that may be a dissociative disorder, contact your doctor or other health care professional for help.
Written by: Mayo Clinic Staff
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Dissociative disorders
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, call 911 or your local emergency number right away or go to an emergency department.
Share your concerns with a trusted relative or friend. Or contact a suicide hotline:
In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat/. Services are free and confidential.
If you're a U.S. veteran or service member in crisis, call 988 and then press 1, or text 838255. Or chat using veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/.
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 988.
Written by: Mayo Clinic Staff
Visit Mayo Clinic to Learn MoreCauses of Dissociation
What Is Dissociation?
Several factors can play a role in the development of dissociation. Among the potential causes are trauma, drug use, and other mental conditions.
- Trauma - occurs as a way to keep memories of the traumatic event from feeling overwhelming or too massive to handle.
- Drug Use - Experiences with dissociation and trauma can even predict the potential for addiction.
- Other Mental Conditions - Certain mental health disorders can also cause symptoms of dissociation. PTSD, for example, is often characterized by symptoms of dissociation and detachment.
Written by: Matthew Tull, PhD
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Treatment
Dissociation and dissociative disorders
Treatment for dissociative disorders may vary based on the type of disorder you have and your individual needs.
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
Written by: Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia
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What Is Dissociation?
Since stress and anxiety sometimes trigger dissociation, finding ways to deal with these issues can help you better cope with their symptoms. Actions to consider taking include:
- Eating a healthy diet to lower your stress levels
- Getting adequate sleep each night
- Getting regular physical exercise
- Identifying and avoiding or managing dissociation triggers
- Practicing grounding techniques to help bring you back to the present moment
- Using relaxation strategies to reduce your anxiety
Written by: Matthew Tull, PhD
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