Dissociation anxiety is not a specific diagnosis or set of symptoms.
Rather, dissociation is a symptom, and it may be related to anxiety.
When a person experiences dissociation, they become disconnected from their surroundings or from themselves.
Verywell / JR Bee
What Is Dissociation?
Dissociation refers to being disconnected from the present moment.
It is a subconscious way of coping with and avoiding a traumatic situation or negative thoughts.
In this way, dissociation is usually associated with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
However, dissociation can also happen in the context of anxiety symptoms andanxiety disorders.
A person with panic disorder may seek medical attention for these symptoms and feel powerless to stop them.
It can also slow or prevent healthytrauma processing and coping.
Because of this, it’s important to address dissociation through treatment and learn ways to cope.
The experience involves a disconnection between your memory, consciousness, identity, and thoughts.
together, during dissociation, these parts splinter, leaving you with a feeling of disconnection.
Dissociation is a general term that refers to a detachment from many things.
Treatment of Anxiety and Dissociation
Anxiety is a treatable condition.
Although there is no specific treatment for dissociation, medications, and psychotherapy have been shown to help.
In other words, the dissociation will stop when your brain no longer feels the need to protect you.
Dissociation is not always consciously recognized, so you may still be experiencing it.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
When you experience dissociation resulting from anxiety, you may feel detached and disconnected from yourself.
Your perceptions may change and time may seem to go faster or slower.
You may feel emotionally numb, and the experience may seem unreal, flat, or dull.
They can recommend treatments, including medications and therapy, that can help.
In terms of managing dissociation on your own, finding ways to groud yourself in reality is important.
When you start to dissociate, work on grounding and centering yourself in the moment.
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