Hi,
Why is it that people dissociate? (Not referring to those who has dissociatibe disorders but other kinds of mental illnesses like PTSD or BPD).
Does it necessary mean that something may have happened to trigger this reaction? If so, how does one cope in the aftermath of a brief dissociation episode?
Dissociation is a defense mechanism of the brain to guard against overwhelming stress, which usually happens during a traumatic event. It serves to block off the overwhelming stress from distrupting the conscious mind.
In PTSD - dissociation is common immediately with the traumatic event as well as whenever there are flashbacks of the trauma with its accompanied stress. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) has frequent periods of crises which is usually associated with tremendous anxiety which can then lead the mind to unconsciously go into a dissociation mode.
It is usually associated with a traumatic event, or the memories of it which can be conscious and even unconscious.
If dissociation is frequent- it means the underlying stress or PTSD is not well managed. Early treatment witn psychological, social and at time medical treatment will help. Getting a person close to you to have action plans to help when dissociation occurs - eg sit or lie down, rest and reminder of present situation.
Take care.
Regards,
Depnet