Dissociative Disorders Counseling

Dissociative disorders are a series of mental health conditions characterized by feelings of disconnection from reality in the patient. Dissociative disorders, while often extremely frightening to the patient, are actually often safety measures employed by the brain as a way to protect an individual from the effects of trauma. People struggling with dissociative disorders may feel as if they are "unreal", numb, or otherwise disconnected from reality.

Likewise, dissociative disorders may cause temporary amnesia related to the triggering event in some, or in other cases, involve a patient switching between different identities. Although psychotic symptoms may be present in some with dissociative disorders, and may be comorbid with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, dissociative symptoms themselves are considered distinct from psychosis and not necessarily indicative of psychosis on their own. The feeling of unreality and disconnection that are hallmarks of dissociative disorders are frequently disturbing to the patients that experience them, and lead many to believe that they are "going crazy". It is important to remember that, while frightening, dissociative symptoms are typically a reaction to an extremely upsetting or traumatic event, and are often temporary in nature. With treatment and patient, most patients struggling with dissociation often find that their symptoms abate with time. Rarely, dissociative symptoms may continue for an extended period of time, requiring more intensive treatment.

Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders

The symptoms of dissociative disorders are varied, and not everyone will experience dissociation in the same way. You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Memory loss about certain places, times, people, or events
• Feelings of "unreality" or that things and people around you are distorted
• A sense of detachment from one's person
• Blurry sense of identity
• Inability to cope with stress or the demands of life
• Multiple identities
• Other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression

As they are so closely related to trauma, conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often implicated in the onset of dissociative disorders. Additionally, other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety as well as suicidal or self-harming behaviors, may occur in tandem with or as a result of dissociative disorders. If you believe you are suffering from any of these conditions, it is vital that you seek treatment from a qualified professional. While dissociative disorders are not dangerous by themselves, they frequently cause great amounts of distress in the patient's life.

Why Choose Overcomers Counseling?

Dissociative disorders are undoubtedly one of the strangest and most disturbing feelings an individual can experience. Many who struggle with feelings of dissociation fear that they are reaching a mental breaking point, or that they are going insane. The truth is, dissociative disorders are a protective mechanism employed by the brain to protect itself from upsetting or traumatic events. These feelings, as scary as they are, are not dangerous by themselves. Dissociative symptoms are usually temporary, as well, and typically go away with treatment.

Treatment for dissociative disorders can involve both medication and talk therapy. Talk therapy can help you make sense of the trauma that triggered the dissociative episode, while medications such as antidepressants can help you cope with feelings of stress or despair that may present in addition to your dissociative symptoms. No two courses of treatment are the same for everyone, and only a qualified professional can tell you what the best course of treatment is for you specifically.

If you've been struggling with dissociative feelings, you are likely frightened of these feelings and what they might potentially mean. Fortunately, you don't need to fear: dissociative disorders are highly treatable, and many people struggle with these conditions. The first step to getting better is reaching out. Our team of qualified, compassionate counselors here at Overcomers Counseling are dedicated to providing you the support you need to make it through this frightening episode. If you're ready to take the first step towards greater wellness, send us an e-mail or give us a call. We look forward to being of service to you.  Call 719-345-2424.