What Is The Difference Between Dissociation And Just Checking Out?

[Underdog]

I understand the severe end of disassociation, but am curious if anyone can explain to me the difference between just simply checking out (maybe because you are bored or tired) versus the onset or beginning of disassociation attack. I'm asking because I sometimes find it hard to see a difference other than when I know I'm suddenly starting to panic.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Both are dissociation, just of different degrees. I think it's different for everyone. I suggest keeping a log of your episodes including date, time, preceding symptoms, possible triigers, etc so you can determine the signs that you're about to experience an episode. I know my personal warning signs but I know that others likely have different ones.

 

[shimmerz]

I think this article may help you determine what the meaning of the dissociative continuum is. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3783140

To me the key is this line:
Dissociation is a lack of the normal integration of thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the stream of consciousness and memory.

Now, if only one could define what true 'consciousness' is. lol.

versus the onset or beginning of disassociation attack

A dissociation attack can take many different forms. For me, an attack is just that, something that hits me unexpectedly and has an effect on my ability to function in that moment in time.

 

[Anarchy]

Now, if only one could define what true 'consciousness' is. lol.

Exactly, In any other field, any description of dysfunction would need to be preceded by a description of what "normal" function might look like. such a description is conspicuous by its absensce from the likes of the DSM...

 

[ghotiff]

Dissociation is a lack of the normal integration of thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the stream of consciousness and memory.

I'm still getting my head around this.

My T uses the word disassociation to describe when I'm re telling a trauma incident with no emotions. But I don't notice (or mind) this, it's the more extreme dissociation that comes with the freeze response that annoys me...particularly when at work :)

 

[Underdog]

So if I am understanding this correctly, disassociation is also a lack of being in the moment per say, when you just don't care or are too tired to be present. The extreme version comes on when stress is high. Am I understanding the conversation correctly?

 

[shimmerz]

@Underdog , here is what I think to be a pretty thorough posting of dissociation causes and states
http://www.strangerinthemirror.com/dissociative.html

So if I am understanding this correctly, disassociation is also a lack of being in the moment per say, when you just don't care or are too tired to be present.

I feel like repetitive (boredom?) tasks can lead to dissociated states as well. I am no expert in explanations but luckily for me I can now 'feel' different levels of my own dissociation. I have to say, it was a lot of work learning how to do so!

.

 

[Underdog]

@shimmerz Nice article! Busy weekend ahead and lots of Xanax in my pocket, lol... I'll have to read over that article on Monday. Thanks for sharing it!