If you encounter someone who is dissociating, it's essential to approach the situation with care and empathy. While you can't force someone out of a dissociative state, there are some strategies you can use to help support them during the experience:
Stay calm and present: Remain calm and composed yourself. Speak in a gentle and soothing tone to create a safe environment.
Use grounding techniques: Encourage the person to focus on the present moment and their physical surroundings. You can ask them to describe what they see, hear, feel, and smell to bring their awareness back to reality.
Physical contact (if appropriate): Depending on your relationship with the person and their comfort level, you might offer reassuring physical contact, such as a gentle touch on the arm, to provide a sense of connection and safety.
Avoid overwhelming stimuli: In some cases, loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces can exacerbate dissociation. Try to create a calm and quiet environment.
Be patient and non-judgmental: Understand that dissociation is a coping mechanism for dealing with overwhelming emotions or trauma. Avoid judgmental or critical remarks, and be patient with the person as they navigate their experience.
Encourage deep breathing: Slow and deep breaths can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. Encourage the person to take slow breaths and try breathing along with them.
Offer water or a comforting object: Providing a glass of water or a comforting object like a blanket or stuffed animal might offer a sense of grounding and safety.
Seek professional help: If the person is experiencing dissociation frequently or it significantly impacts their daily life, encourage them to seek support from a mental health professional who can provide appropriate guidance and treatment.
It's important to note that individuals with severe dissociative disorders, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), might have different parts or alters that emerge during dissociative states. In these cases, the approach to supporting the person may require specific therapeutic techniques, and it's best to leave this to trained mental health professionals.
Always prioritize the safety and well-being of the person experiencing dissociation. If you're unsure about how to help or the situation appears to be escalating, consider calling emergency services or seeking immediate assistance from someone with experience in handling dissociative episodes.