behind the labels
dissociative
disorders
dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that involve a disconnection or separation between thoughts, memories, surroundings, identity, or sense of self. this can make a person feel detached from reality, as if they’re watching their life from the outside or missing pieces of their own experiences.
these disorders often develop as a way for the mind to cope with overwhelming trauma or stress. they are not about “pretending” or “forgetting on purpose” but rather the brain’s attempt to protect itself from experiences that feel too painful to process.
common types include dissociative identity disorder, depersonalization/derealization disorder, and dissociative amnesia. while the experiences can be confusing or frightening, learning about dissociation helps reduce stigma and opens the door to compassion and understanding for those who live with it.
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dissociative identity disorder (DID)
formerly known as multiple personality disorder, did involves the presence of two or more distinct identity states or personality fragments within one person. it’s often linked to severe trauma, where dissociation becomes a coping mechanism for overwhelming experiences.
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dissociative amnesia
this disorder is characterized by an inability to recall important personal information, usually related to trauma or stress. the memory loss goes beyond normal forgetfulness and can range from gaps in memory to complete identity confusion.
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depersonalization/ derealization disorder
individuals with this condition experience persistent or recurring feelings of detachment—either from themselves (depersonalization) or from their surroundings (derealization). they often describe feeling like they’re observing life from outside their body or that the world around them isn’t real.
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dissociative trance disorder
this condition involves episodes where a person enters an altered state of consciousness, often losing awareness of their surroundings or sense of identity. during these episodes, they may display unusual behaviors or speech, sometimes triggered by stress, cultural, or spiritual factors.