This risk is higher for people with ADHD who have also experienced trauma.
At a Glance
Dissociation involves losing touch with your immediate surroundings.
What Is Dissociation?
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But its not always so extreme as that.
This phenomenon is referred to as dissociative absorption.
Its your brains way of trying to keep you safe and happy.
But the drawback is that you dont just detach from the pain.
You detach from everything.
You might startfeeling numb or emotionally unavailable.
Often, youll find yourself checking out involuntarily or spacing out in the middle of doing something.
The connection lies in the fact that trauma and ADHD are closely linked.
Otherwise typically developing children who experience trauma can end up developing ADHD-like symptoms.
If they stick around, then it is more likely to be ADHD.
I was also dealing with some traumatic experiences that resulted from past impulsive decisions.
The dissociative symptoms started to get really noticeable around high school.
It was different than just having my mind wander like I was used to growing up.
Dissociating, on the other hand, felt like completely leaving.
Logically, I knew it was me.
But emotionally, she was a stranger.
Here are six strategies I find helpful.
That doesnt mean you haverepressed memories.
It means the dissociation may have been triggered by something that isnt commonly seen as traumatic.
All that really means is taking a few minutes to become aware of your senses and your surroundings.
And if you cant think of enough things for any specific sense, just skip it.
I usually struggle with naming a taste unless Im actively eating or drinking something, for example.
Pet your cat, and focus on how soft the fur feels.
Light a scented candle and take a few moments to inhale and enjoy the smell.
Really any positive physical sensation can help.
Then, just do your best to focus on that sensation.
Even if youre at work, doing some lunges or squats can do the trick.
Exercise can help because its another way of engaging your senses.
When I run, I can feel the muscles working and feel my lungs inhaling and exhaling.
That helps me reconnect to my body.
When you come back from a dissociative episode, pull out your journal and venture to write through it.
Describe what was happening in the moments leading up to it and how you came out of it.
To counteract that, make a habit of doing kind, healthy things for yourself.
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