What Is Dissociation?

You might have heard the word dissociation and wondered what it means. Dissociation is actually very common and something many of us experience, often without even realising it. When something feels too much, too overwhelming, or too painful, the nervous system can shut us off from it. This is your system trying to protect and help you.

Transcript

Welcome to Insight Timer. You might have heard the word dissociation and wonder what it means. Dissociation is actually very common and it's something many of us experience, Even without realising it. So, When something feels too much or too overwhelming or too painful, The nervous system can shut us off from it. It's almost like dimming the lights and you might notice it as feeling disconnected from your body, Or spacing out, Or maybe losing time, Feeling distant from your emotions, Perhaps, Or that feeling like you're watching life from the outside. Now, If you can relate to this, I really want to reassure you that there is nothing wrong with you. This is your system trying to protect and help and take care of you. Dissociation happens when we don't have enough support to fully feel what's happening in any given moment, So your body very cleverly finds another way. And, Your system protects you by learning to leave and to soften the intensity or to create distance. And over time, This can become a habit or a pattern, Even when the danger is no longer there. So, What I want you to know is that dissociation really isn't a problem, And I often thank my system for this wonderful protective mechanism. And can you imagine how it would be if we didn't have the ability to dissociate, What with all the things that happen to us in this human life and the world that we're living in? I sometimes think, Thank goodness for dissociation. Now, Coming out of dissociation is about awareness. Firstly, We have to notice when we've checked out or gone numb, And that noticing itself is a huge step forward. And, We can only start to reconnect with ourselves and our bodies when we recognise and allow ourselves to fully feel the experience of numbness. And coming back to our bodies isn't about pushing through or forcing ourselves to feel something that we're not ready to. And, Reconnection with ourselves needs to be taken gently and at our own pace in a way that feels safe. And there are so many ways that we can do that, Which I'll explore with you in some other videos, But it could begin with something really simple like noticing your breath, Or maybe feeling your feet on the ground, Or the support beneath your body. And there are so many simple ways that we can come out of dissociation. And whenever you drift off, You just very gently keep coming back to yourself with kindness, Without any judgement, Just gently returning again and again. And over time, These small moments of presence begin to teach your nervous system something new and it teaches your nervous system that it might just be safe to be here, To really be here, To be present for your life. And the great news is that Insight Timer is such a wonderful resource that is here to help you come out of dissociation. There are many wonderful practices available here to support you in that healing journey. And I've come so far in my own healing journey with dissociation, So I know that you can do it too. And I really wish you well on that path to greater freedom and peace and ease in your daily life. Much love.