Dissociation is a psychological defense mechanism that the mind uses to cope with overwhelming or traumatic experiences. It can involve feeling disconnected from your thoughts, emotions, memories, or even your own body. It's not uncommon for children to experience dissociation, especially when faced with difficult or distressing situations that they may not have the cognitive or emotional tools to process effectively.
Several factors could contribute to childhood dissociation:
Trauma or Abuse: Experiencing trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can lead a child to dissociate as a way to distance themselves from the pain and distress of the event.
Neglect: Chronic emotional neglect or other forms of neglect can also lead to dissociation in children, as they may disconnect from their feelings to cope with feelings of abandonment or isolation.
Overwhelm: Children might dissociate when faced with overwhelming experiences or emotions they don't understand or cannot process effectively.
Anxiety or Stress: High levels of anxiety or stress can trigger dissociative episodes in both children and adults.
Family Environment: Growing up in an environment where emotional expression is discouraged or invalidated can also lead children to dissociate as a way to protect themselves.
Preexisting Conditions: Certain mental health conditions, such as dissociative identity disorder (DID) or depersonalization-derealization disorder, involve dissociative experiences and may manifest in childhood.
Regarding the feeling not being understood, it's unfortunately common for people, especially children, to have difficulty expressing their experiences in a way that others can grasp. Dissociation can be a complex and challenging concept to convey, even for adults. As a child, you might not have had the vocabulary or understanding to articulate what you were going through effectively, and others around you may not have been familiar with dissociation as a concept.
If you are currently experiencing dissociation or if it is causing distress in your life, it's essential to seek support from a mental health professional. They can provide a proper evaluation, offer coping strategies, and help you explore any underlying issues contributing to your dissociation.
Remember, I'm not a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you have concerns about your mental health, please consult a qualified mental health professional who can provide personalized guidance and support.