Dissociation: what it is, why it happens and how to deal with it
Dissociation is a way your body and brain cope with pain and overwhelm. When you are dissociated, you may feel disconnected from yourself, your body, or your surroundings.
Here you will find an overview of articles and resources to help you better understand and cope with dissociation.
Explanation of dissociation
In the video below, we explain what dissociation is, the ways in which you can experience dissociation, and how this can be a defense mechanism against stress and trauma.
Would you like more information about dissociation? Then check out the articles on this overview page.
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Trauma en dissociatie: hoe je brein je beschermt
In conversation with Tamar van Raalten
Dissociation and the nervous system
Dissociation is related to how your nervous system responds to stress and overwhelm. It often occurs in a state of hypo-arousal, where your energy drops and you are less able to perceive what is happening inside and around you.
More about the nervous system:
Coping with dissociation
Learning to deal with dissociation can be a quest. In this video, we share six practical tips to prevent dissociation or to be able to break through it.Â
Are you looking for more tools to deal with dissociation?Â
In the articles below, you will find practical tips and tools for dealing with dissociation. What works for you may vary from moment to moment. Therefore, try out different methods and discover what helps you.
Frequently asked questions about dissociation
Learning to deal with dissociation can be a quest. In this video, we share six practical tips to prevent dissociation or to be able to break through it.Â
What is dissociation?
Dissociation is a state in which you temporarily feel less connected to yourself, your body, or your surroundings. It often arises as a reaction to stress or overwhelm.
What does dissociation feel like?
You can experience dissociation in different ways. For example, you can feel numb or absent, as if the world around you is not real, or as if you are experiencing yourself from a distance.Â
Dissociation also occurs in various degrees, ranging from daydreaming to being completely out of touch, or a dissociative disorder.
–> Read more about what dissociation feels like and what forms existÂ
Why do you dissociate?
Dissociation often occurs when tension or emotions become too overwhelming to process. It is a way your body tries to protect itself.
Is dissociation dangerous?
Dissociation is in itself a defense mechanism and therefore not dangerous. However, it can be troublesome if it happens often or hinders you in daily life.
What can you do when you dissociate?
It can help to connect with your body and your surroundings, for example by moving, stimulating your senses, or consciously orienting yourself in the here and now.
