Dissociative disorders can be complex and confusing, and one common characteristic among individuals with these disorders is the feeling of faking their symptoms or experiences. There are a few reasons why this feeling might arise:
Amnesia and Fragmentation: Dissociative disorders often involve memory disruptions and fragmentation of experiences. Individuals may have gaps in their memory or lose track of time, leading them to feel disconnected from their own experiences. This fragmentation can make it difficult to understand the full extent of what they are going through, leading to self-doubt and the perception that they are making it up.
Depersonalization and Derealization: People with dissociative disorders may experience depersonalization, where they feel disconnected from themselves or their bodies, and derealization, where the world around them feels unreal or dreamlike. These sensations can create a sense of detachment from reality and one's own experiences, contributing to the feeling of fakeness.
Defense Mechanism: Dissociation is often considered a coping mechanism that the mind employs to deal with overwhelming or traumatic experiences. It can serve as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to compartmentalize distressing memories or emotions. However, this self-protective response can lead to doubting the authenticity of one's feelings or experiences.
Stigma and Misunderstanding: Dissociative disorders are not as well understood as some other mental health conditions. People with dissociative disorders may face skepticism from others or even their own internalized stigma, making them doubt the legitimacy of their symptoms.
Working out what is real when experiencing dissociative symptoms can be challenging, but it is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some steps to help navigate this process:
Seek Professional Help: Consult with a mental health professional experienced in dealing with dissociative disorders. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Keep a Journal: Maintain a journal to document your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. This can help identify patterns, triggers, and inconsistencies, providing valuable information for the therapist.
Talk to Supportive People: Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or support groups who can offer understanding and validation. Avoidance and isolation can exacerbate feelings of fakeness, so opening up to supportive individuals can be beneficial.
Be Patient and Compassionate: Healing from dissociative disorders takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge that the journey might have ups and downs. Self-compassion can counteract feelings of shame or inadequacy.
Follow Professional Guidance: Engage in therapy and any recommended treatments consistently. Therapy, especially specialized approaches like trauma-focused therapy, can help integrate dissociated experiences and provide tools for managing symptoms.
Educate Yourself: Learn more about dissociative disorders to understand their nature and common symptoms. Knowing that others experience similar feelings can help reduce the sense of being alone in this struggle.
Remember, feeling like you are faking it is a common experience for people with dissociative disorders, but with appropriate support and understanding, it is possible to gain clarity and develop effective coping mechanisms to lead a fulfilling life.