Dissociation (psychology) facts for kids

Dissociation in psychology is when someone feels detached or separated from reality. It's different from psychosis, which is a complete loss of touch with reality. Dissociation can describe many different experiences.

The mildest form of dissociation is something we all do, like daydreaming. This is when your mind wanders off for a bit. A slightly stronger form involves altered states of consciousness, where your awareness might shift. These mild forms are not considered a disorder or mental illness. They are often a coping mechanism or defense mechanism. This means they help protect you from stress or difficult feelings.

What is Dissociation?

Dissociation is like a mental "time out" or a way for your brain to cope with things that are too overwhelming. It's a natural process that can happen to anyone. Imagine you're watching a movie and you get so lost in it that you don't notice what's happening around you – that's a mild form of dissociation.

How it Feels

When someone dissociates, they might feel:

• Like they are watching themselves from outside their body.
• That the world around them isn't real.
• Numb or disconnected from their emotions.
• Like time is speeding up or slowing down.
• That parts of their memory are missing.

Dissociation vs. Psychosis

It's important to know that dissociation is not the same as psychosis.

• Dissociation means you feel detached from reality, but you usually still know what is real. It's like a temporary separation.
• Psychosis means you have lost touch with reality. This can involve seeing or hearing things that aren't there, or believing things that aren't true.

Why Does Dissociation Happen?

Dissociation often happens as a way for the mind to protect itself from very stressful or traumatic experiences. It's like an automatic defense system.

Coping with Stress

When someone experiences a lot of stress, their brain might try to "switch off" or distance itself from the difficult feelings. This can be a helpful way to get through a tough moment. For example, if someone is in an accident, they might feel numb or like it's not really happening to them. This helps them stay calm during the event.

Everyday Dissociation

Not all dissociation is linked to trauma. Many everyday experiences are mild forms of dissociation:

• Daydreaming: Getting lost in your thoughts.
• Highway Hypnosis: Driving a long distance and not remembering parts of the journey.
• Getting absorbed in a book or movie: Being so focused that you don't notice anything else.

These common experiences show that dissociation is a normal part of how our minds work.

When Dissociation Becomes a Problem

While mild dissociation is normal, sometimes it can become more frequent or severe. If dissociation starts to interfere with daily life, school, or relationships, it might be a sign of a dissociative disorder. In these cases, it's helpful to talk to a trusted adult or a professional who can offer support.

See also

In Spanish: Disociación (psicología) para niños