Am I Dissociating?

Dissociation

Are you concerned that you are dissociating? Dissociation can be a debilitating disorder that impacts a small percentage of the population (about 1.5% of adults). Those who have this disorder may be in therapy as long as seven years on average before they receive an accurate diagnosis.

Symptoms include:

• Losing time. Having gaps in the day when you cannot remember where you were of what you were doing.
• Experiencing two or more personality states (feeling as though you are someone else).

Depersonalization

Depersonalization. This may be experienced as: Feelings of unreality, detachment, or being an outside observer to one's thoughts, sensations, body or actions.

Derealization

Derealization. This may be experienced as feeling detached to one's surroundings. (e.g. individuals or objects are experienced as unreal, dreamlike, foggy, or distorted.)

How to Get Help

As noted, this disorder is rare, but elements of this do exist. If you have experienced these symptoms please know two things:

1. This is a reaction to having experienced significant trauma in  your life. You are not "crazy," you are a victim of trauma.
2. Help is available.

If you feel as though you have experienced any of these symptoms a call to Counseling Alliance® is recommended. Therapists can conduct an assessment that will help you determine what the next best action step for you is, and get you started on the healing journey.