Posted by Dinah on August 12, 2002, at 4:29:18
In reply to Re: Feeling weird, posted by Dave1 on August 12, 2002, at 1:00:11
Dissociating is a behavior that naturally occurs as a coping mechanism.
Dissociative identity disorder (which used to be known as multiple personality disorder) is a disorder that usually is diagnosed in people who have had severe childhood abuse.
But there are other dissociative disorders, and not all dissociation is a disorder. Dissociation is a pretty natural thing, and only becomes a disorder if it has a significant negative impact on a person't life.
Ever started driving home and arrived home while not remembering the trip? Ever started to watch a movie and got so engrossed that you didn't remember who you are or where you were until the end? Those are both common examples of dissociation, and neither is pathological.
Have you ever heard of people who are in a crisis, say an earthquake or a car accident, who later say something like "I was so calm. Everything seemed so small and far away. Time slowed down. It seemed like I was watching myself in a movie." That is derealization. It is quite natural when the body is undergoing severe trauma. It helps you think and maintain a certain amount of calm in crisis.
Sometimes, when you are anxious and stressed, your body starts to react as though it was in a crisis, even when, technically, it is not. As a result you experience derealization.
That's all it is. If you do an internet search on derealization, you should come up with a lot of information.
Best wishes,
Dinah
poster:Dinah
thread:116065
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020807/msgs/116127.html