Have you ever driven somewhere and realised you don't remember the journey? I know I have. Or have you felt like you're watching yourself from outside your body? Perhaps you've experienced moments where time seems to skip, or you feel disconnected from what's happening around you, like you're in a dream?

These experiences might be dissociation. As a psychotherapist working with clients in the Reading area, I often help people understand this confusing and sometimes frightening experience.

What is Dissociation?

Dissociation is a defence mechanism. It is your brain's way of protecting you from overwhelming experiences. It's like your mind hitting a pause button or creating a protective space between you and what's happening.

Disassociation exists on a spectrum. At one end, there's everyday dissociation, like zoning out during a boring meeting which happens to us all. At the other end, there are more severe forms where you might lose chunks of time or feel completely disconnected from yourself or even like a different person.

Common Signs You Might Be Dissociating

Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Feeling like you're watching yourself from outside your body.
• Looking in the mirror and not recognising yourself.
• Feeling as if time has jumped where you can't account for minutes or hours.
• Feeling emotionally numb or detached from people you care about.
• Moving through your day on autopilot with no real memory of what you did.
• You might feel like things around you aren't real, or like you're living in a dream.

Some people describe it as being wrapped in cotton wool, where everything feels muffled and distant, almost other-wordly.

Why It Happens

Dissociation often develops as a response to trauma, particularly childhood trauma or ongoing stress. Your brain learned to disconnect as a survival strategy. If you couldn't physically escape a scary situation, your mind found another way to cope by mentally checking out.

The problem is, this coping mechanism can stick around long after the danger has passed. Your brain keeps using the same strategy, even in safe situations. It can be triggered by the simplest of things.

Getting Help

Dissociation can feel isolating and frightening, especially when you don't understand what's going on. But it's not something you have to manage alone. And there is hope. With the right support, you can learn to recognise when you're dissociating and develop techniques to stay present.

As a counsellor specialising in trauma, I've supported many clients in understanding and working through dissociation. If you recognise these experiences and want help staying connected to yourself and your life, I'm here to support you.

Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a session. Together, we can explore what's happening, understand why, and develop strategies to help you feel more present and grounded in your daily life.