The Relationship Between Dissociation and Trauma
“Trauma comes back as a reaction, not a memory”
How Childhood Trauma Can Lead to Dissociation in Adulthood
The connection between trauma and dissociation often goes unnoticed, but it can have a huge impact on a person's life; making it more likely for a person to detach from his or her feelings and emotions as an adult. If not dealt with, it can lead to several mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It is important to understand the relationship between childhood trauma and dissociation. Understanding can lead to better coping for people who struggle with these types of issues.
“Don’t judge yourself by what others did to you”
What Is Dissociation and How Does It Develop?
Dissociation is a psychological process that can be understood as a disconnection from reality. It is a coping mechanism for people who have experienced trauma in their lives, particularly in childhood. When a person experiences traumatic events, their brain creates a “dissociative shield” to help them cope with the trauma, which can take the form of changes in memory, identity, consciousness, or perception of the environment. In other words, dissociation allows the person to escape from their traumatic experience and create a sense of detachment from reality.
It is estimated that up to 70% of adults experience some form of dissociation at some point in their lives. Dissociation is usually triggered by an overwhelming or stressful situation, and it often occurs when people are trying to cope with trauma or difficult life circumstances. Dissociation may also be used as an adaptive response to difficult situations, such as extreme levels of stress or abuse. The most common symptoms of dissociation include feeling disconnected from one’s body and environment, being unable to focus, having difficulty making decisions, and experiencing emotional numbing. When it comes to how to handle dissociation, it is important to recognize that it is a normal response to trauma and stress.
“Our brains are wired for connection, but trauma rewires them for protection”
How Does Trauma Lead To Dissociation?
Trauma, particularly experienced during childhood, is one of the main triggers for dissociation. Trauma can be experienced in many ways, from physical or sexual abuse to growing up in a chaotic or unstable environment. When faced with a traumatic situation, the body’s natural reaction is to dissociate in order to protect itself.
“We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”
Dissociation allows an individual to emotionally and psychologically detach from the present situation and create a sense of safety and distance. While dissociation can serve as a protective measure against trauma, it can have severe consequences on an persons long term mental health. People who frequently dissociate may have difficulty focusing on tasks or struggle to build meaningful relationships.
The Unintended Consequences of Dissociation
The consequences of dissociation are varied and complex. On the one hand, people may experience positive effects of dissociating, such as feeling calmer in stressful situations or not being overwhelmed by their emotions. However, there can also be some negative long term consequences. People who dissociate can often struggle to maintain relationships, as they find it hard to trust and connect with others. They may also experience difficulty with tasks that require focus and concentration. Furthermore, people who frequently dissociate can become isolated from their communities and suffer from a lack of social support.
How to Decrease Disassociation
What can be done to help manage this stress and reaction to trauma? To decrease dissociation levels, it is important to focus on understanding and managing the underlying trauma that contributes to the development of the disorder.
“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence”
Even more important initially is the task to understand the role of emotions in our lives. Becoming more aware of our emotions helps us learn how to better regulate them and respond accordingly. Seeking out therapy or counseling to talk through your emotions and experiences can be an effective way to work through traumatic events and heal.
Additionally, developing healthy coping strategies such as journaling, exercising, and meditating can be beneficial in managing stress and regulating emotions.
Other ways to become more connected with yourself and your environment include engaging in meaningful activities, forming relationships with supportive people, and participating in activities that allow you to express yourself creatively. It’s also important to practice self-compassion and to make time for yourself. It can be helpful to practice mindfulness, which can help you remain present in the moment rather than getting stuck in past trauma.
By taking steps to increase your understanding of yourself, your emotions, and your environment, you can begin to develop healthier coping strategies and decrease dissociation levels. Healing from childhood trauma is a journey, but it is possible. With patience, self-care, and dedication, you can make meaningful changes in your.
