Dissociation
A disconnection between thoughts, feelings, memory, or sense of self. Ranges from everyday zoning out to feeling detached from your body or surroundings.
Category: Symptoms and experiences
What is dissociation?
Mild dissociation is common: losing time on a familiar drive, zoning out mid-conversation. Clinically significant dissociation includes depersonalisation (feeling detached from yourself) and derealisation (the world feeling unreal).
Key things to know
Dissociation is often a response to overwhelming stress or trauma. The mind reduces contact with an experience it cannot process in the moment.
- Ranges from everyday zoning out to feeling detached from your body or surroundings.
- Depersonalisation: detachment from self. Derealisation: the world feels unreal.
- It is often a protective response to overwhelming stress or trauma.
- Grounding through the senses helps in the moment.
- Frequent or distressing episodes warrant professional assessment.
What helps
Frequent or distressing dissociation warrants professional assessment, especially with a trauma history. Grounding techniques help in the moment; therapy addresses the underlying cause.
How SelfMind can help
SelfMind is an AI companion for everyday mental health support: a private place to talk through what you are feeling, in Hindi, English or Hinglish, at any hour. It is not therapy and not a crisis service; it works alongside professional care, never in place of it. You can try it free, no account needed.
Related terms
This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.