Posted by akc on December 8, 2001, at 8:23:42
In reply to dissociation, posted by Katey on December 7, 2001, at 23:06:08
One simple way to first think of it is to think of a long drive you might have recently taken alone. Did you have a stretch of time that you just seemed to have lost? That is a form of dissociation. This is one that happens with many.
I do think you will find that the answers really will vary. For me, I get lost in what I am doing (cutting) to the exclusion of what I am feeling. The act helps me separate from my feelings. That is one of the reasons this violent act is so appealing to me -- it brings me relief from my feelings.
If I understand dissociation at all, that is what is at the heart of it -- it is our minds way of helping us get away from something we are unable to process -- usually learned as a kid in a violent setting, we are being so overwhelmed with feelings that are mind has learned a mechanism to take a break until it is safe again. In its most severe form, you do not have any recollections at all. Or you may aware of being present, but not much more.
It can be scary, especially if you don't know what is happening or why.
akc
poster:akc
thread:15212
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011207/msgs/15222.html