does anybody know anything about dissociative disorders?

@alaina326

I understand how overwhelming and frightening this experience must be. The feelings of being disconnected from yourself and everything around you, along with the numbness, are signs of dissociation. It’s a coping mechanism your brain uses to protect you when things feel too overwhelming. I’ve experienced dissociative amnesia myself, and I can relate to what you're describing. It’s often linked to stress, anxiety, or past trauma-your mind’s way of blocking out emotions or memories that are too difficult to face.

When I went through it, I didn’t understand what was happening either, and it was hard to talk about. But over time, I realized that dissociation is a response to feeling unsafe or overloaded. It’s not something to be ashamed of—it’s your mind’s way of trying to help, even though it feels scary and confusing.

You don’t have to go through this alone. It’s important to reach out for support, even if it feels uncomfortable. Talking to a mental health professional can help you understand what’s happening and offer tools to ground yourself again. It’s okay to feel anxious and unsure—it’s part of the process. Just remember that healing is possible, and there’s help available. You're not broken; you’re just going through something that can be worked through with the right support. I'm here if you want to talk about it

Hey, I went through this too and I can tell you I understand the *** it must be for you. I don't know for self harm, but I do know how to feel less dissociated if you want that. First of all, remember it will end and it's not permanent. Secondly, try to accept it and not think about it, tho it's really hard. Direct your attention to your day, and how it would be without dissociation. Then, something that works for me is that you can go qomewhere or spend time with people where you're effortlessly seen, and you can express yourself. If you express yourself, and you're seen, then you will see the world and it will look less distorted. But it maybe won't work when the dissociation is too much. Anyway I wish you find a way to feel better, even if this isn't what you need.

@alaina326

Hi Aliana, 

It takes a lot of strength to ask this question, I have lived experience with disassociation myself, and I can definitely understand how distressing it is, especially when it is hard to ascertain the why.

It makes sense that you’re scared to open up, especially after being hurt and misunderstood in the past. But what you’re feeling is real, and it’s not your fault. You’re doing the right thing by reaching out right now—and I hear how much pain and fear is behind your words. A lot of people experience what you're going through and feel afraid they’re going “crazy.” But this is your brain reacting to real distress—it doesn’t mean you’re beyond help. It just means you’ve been holding too much, for too long, without enough support. And that’s not your fault.

I first found out I had a dissociative disorder when I was a teenager, and it's taken a lot of learning about it, as well as coping skills to learn how to handle it: here's what I learned.

Here are a few lived tips I use:
Say out loud:
“My name is [Name]. I’m in [City/Room]. Today is [Date]. I am safe.

I also know cold items, like holding an ice cube can help the nerves snap attention back to the body quickly or splashing water on one's face.

You can also: plant your feet on the ground and wiggle your toes, or press your heels into the floor, as well as touch a textured item, like a rock, or a texture that you like. 

Dissociation can feel like you're vanishing, but I promise you're still here. These moments don’t define you—they’re just signals that your mind and body are overwhelmed and trying to protect you the best way they know how.

You are not broken. You are not alone. And even when everything feels unreal—you are real.

Take this one breath at a time. I’m proud of you for making it this far.