Learn about dissociation, its causes, symptoms, and coping mechanisms. Explore the risks of over-pathologizing and how to grow self-worth. Discover the challenges of mindfulness for dissociation and the importance of enjoying grounding experiences. Recap the nature of being associated and ways to combat dissociation.
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Quick takeaways
Dissociation serves as a protective coping mechanism linked to traumatic experiences.
Symptoms of dissociation include memory loss, detachment, time-space disorientation, and emotional numbness.
Building self-worth and mindfulness practices can help combat dissociation and increase connection with oneself.
Deep dives
Overview of Dissociation and Coping Mechanisms
Dissociation occurs when a person disconnects from their senses, thoughts, feelings, memories, or identity. It serves as a protective coping mechanism, often linked to traumatic experiences. It ranges from everyday blanking out to more severe dissociative disorders like dissociative identity disorder.
Causes and Common Symptoms of Dissociation
Dissociation is commonly triggered by stress and trauma, leading to symptoms like memory loss, feelings of detachment, time-space disorientation, and emotional numbness. People can dissociate in response to various situations, ranging from everyday stress to complex traumas.
Impact of Dissociation on Everyday Functioning
Dissociation can affect a person's ability to function effectively in the world, often arising from feelings of lack of control and detachment. Understanding the adaptive nature of dissociation helps individuals navigate its impact on their daily experiences.
Strategies to Address Dissociation and Improve Well-being
Building self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-worth can serve as natural remedies to combat dissociation, allowing individuals to feel more in control and connected to their true selves. Mindfulness practices, somatic experiences, and appreciation of interconnection with others can aid in reducing dissociation.
Support and Closing Remarks
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When we’re presented with challenging circumstances it’s natural for us to cope with them through a wide variety of behaviors. Today Dr. Hanson and Forrest explore one of the most common coping mechanisms: dissociation. This includes what it is, the function it serves, the experiences that can lead to dissociation, and what we can do about it.
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Key Topics:
2:00: What is dissociation?
9:35: “Fragmentation and separation.”
11:45: Recovered and implanted memory.
17:45: Why do people dissociate?
22:10: Common symptoms of dissociation.
29:30: The risks of over-pathologizing.
31:40: Coming into your own life.
36:20: Growing self-worth as an antidote for dissociation.
40:15: Challenges of mindfulness for dissociation.
43:00: Focusing on an aspect of experience.
46:30: Enjoyment as a grounding experience.
48:55: “Our nature is to be associated.”
51:30: Recap
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