Here’s why it feels like everyone is dissociating right now – including you

The term “dissociating” has rapidly entered everyday conversation, often used to describe feelings of being overwhelmed or disconnected. However, a growing concern is that the casual use of this term may diminish the significance of genuine dissociative disorders, which are serious mental health conditions. This rise in self-diagnosis coincides with a surge in online discussion, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag ‘dissociation’ currently has over 113,000 posts.

What are Dissociative Disorders?

According to the NHS, dissociative disorders are a range of conditions that can cause both physical and psychological problems. Symptoms can include feeling detached from oneself or the surrounding world, uncertainty about personal identity, and gaps in memory regarding specific time periods and events. Currently, approximately 1% to 3% of the UK population experiences some form of dissociative disorder.

The NHS identifies three main types of dissociative disorder:

• Depersonalisation-derealisation disorder: Characterized by feelings that people and things appear ‘foggy’ or ‘lifeless,’ creating a sense of existing outside of oneself.
• Dissociative amnesia: Involves periods of inability to recall personal information or surrounding circumstances, potentially extending to forgetting learned skills or even finding oneself in unfamiliar locations without remembering how one arrived there.
• Dissociative identity disorder (DID): Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, DID is defined by the presence of distinct identities, each with unique voices, mannerisms, and personalities.

Why the Appeal of the Term “Dissociating”?

While a relatively small percentage of the population meets the criteria for a formal diagnosis, many individuals relate to the concept of dissociation. Dr. Lauren Lebois, a cognitive neuroscientist and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, suggests that this resonance may stem from experiencing ‘normative’ dissociation – a common human response to absorbing oneself in a task or thought, such as reading a captivating book or driving home. These experiences typically do not negatively impact daily functioning.

However, Dr. Lebois emphasizes a crucial distinction: when dissociative experiences become persistent, uncontrollable, and interfere with work, school, or relationships, they may indicate a more complex dissociative disorder. She cautions against minimizing the severe distress experienced by those with diagnosed conditions through casual use of the term “dissociating.”

Matt Bordonada, the deputy clinical director at the Clinic for Dissociative Studies in London, explains that dissociation is often a natural coping mechanism in response to stressful, overwhelming, frightening, or even boring situations. He describes common experiences like arriving at a destination with no memory of the journey as normal instances of dissociation, often referred to as “zoning out.”

Distinguishing Between Anxiety, Depression, and Dissociation

Dr. Lebois offers an analogy to illustrate the differences between these conditions. She describes anxiety as “gripping the wheel too tightly” in a tense situation, depression as “feeling like you don’t want to drive anymore,” and dissociation as “feeling as if you’re in the backseat watching yourself drive.” In severe cases, dissociation can feel like observing another person at the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of dissociative disorders?

The NHS states Notice three main types: depersonalisation-derealisation disorder, dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder (DID).

Is experiencing ‘zoning out’ a sign of a dissociative disorder?

Matt Bordonada explains that ‘zoning out’ is often a normal human reaction to stressful or boring situations and doesn’t necessarily indicate a disorder.

How does Dr. Lebois differentiate between normal dissociation and a more serious condition?

Dr. Lebois explains that if dissociative experiences persist, become uncontrollable, and interfere with daily life, it may indicate a complex dissociative disorder.

Do you find yourself using the term “dissociating” to describe your experiences, and if so, how do you think understanding the clinical definition of dissociation might change your perspective?