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AAC – Mental Health – Managing Self Harm – Dissociation – Q1- Sylvie · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: What is dissociation and why does it happen?
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: Dissociation is primarily a protective mechanism our brains use to shield us from overwhelm during distressing events or situations.
• 0:16
  SPEAKER_00: It distances us from the experience.
• 0:19
  SPEAKER_00: So dissociation can happen during a single one off traumatic experience, or our brains can repeat this over a period of time, especially if experiencing ongoing abuse or extreme stress.
• 0:34
  SPEAKER_00: Our brain becomes dysregulated.
• 0:36
  SPEAKER_00: The part of the brain called the amygdala can move between being hyperactive or being underactive.
• 0:43
  SPEAKER_00: This is the part of our brain that tells our body how to behave in its environment and is always looking for danger so it can warn us in time.
• 0:53
  SPEAKER_00: The hippocampus is responsible for making memories and filing them away.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: The acute stress and trauma may cause inability for the situation to be processed in the usual way by the brain.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: PTSD symptoms can then cause us to be triggered by smells, sounds, people, places, and we can feel as if we are really back in that time and place.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_00: The prefrontal cortex is a part of our brain responsible for our decision making, thinking and behaviour regulation.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_00: During dissociation, the prefrontal cortex decreases in activity.
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_00: This is what causes a feeling of detachment and numbness to your surroundings.
• 1:38
  SPEAKER_00: In extremely stressful situations, people have reported watching themselves from another place in the room.
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_00: People can lose track of time and some experience gaps in their memories.
• 1:50
  SPEAKER_00: In extreme cases and over time, people can develop dissociative identity disorder or DID.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_00: And this is when alternative identities emerge in a person to help them get through the event.
• 2:05
  SPEAKER_00: This is very rare and it is linked to severe and chronic early trauma.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_00: Dissociation can happen during and after a traumatic experience.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_00: High levels of stress can trigger dissociation, which is not at all connected with the trauma.
• 2:23
  SPEAKER_00: The body is just learning from our past managing skills and is remembering what to do.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: It's adopted it as a coping strategy.
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_00: Dissociation can also be linked to other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar or borderline personality disorder.
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_00: We can mildly and naturally dissociate though, worth bearing in mind, when we daydream, when we get really bored, and this is absolutely harmless.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_00: If you are worried about feeling numb or dissociated, then I really would encourage you to speak to a counsellor or your GP or call NHS 111 option two for mental health to investigate and look to reconnecting with your body.
• 3:11
  SPEAKER_00: There are some fantastic resources on the internet, some looking to somatic therapy, somatic exercises.
• 3:19
  SPEAKER_00: However, I must emphasise that seeking a safe space and the proper support with this is key, particularly if you are going to dip into potential past trauma.
• 3:29
  SPEAKER_00: It's important to be supported fully by trained trauma counsellors.
• 3:34
  SPEAKER_00: So I urge you to use the UK registers such as the BACP and the NCPS and filter your searches for trauma focused therapy.
• 3:44
  SPEAKER_00: So please take care and look after yourself.