Am I Dissociating, and Is It Normal?

Let’s be clear—everyone dissociates. It’s a normal function of the brain. But what you’re really asking is whether your experience of dissociation is normal. That depends.

What Is Dissociation?

Let me start with what is dissociation. Dissociation is something your brain does naturally when you are young, especially in early childhood. Our brains have a high capacity to split off images, feelings, or body sensations, this is called dissociating. As we get older our brains have less plasticity and less capacity to dissociate.

Common Forms of Dissociation

For most of us, dissociation happens in mild, everyday ways. These include:

Absorption: Getting lost in thought or deeply focused on something. Ever been daydreaming in class, only to be startled when the teacher calls your name? Or driven a familiar route and suddenly realized you passed a landmark miles ago? That’s absorption.

Depersonalization: Feeling detached from your body, as if you’re watching yourself from the outside.

Derealization: The sensation that the world around you isn’t real, even though you logically know it is.

Some people are naturally more fantasy-prone, meaning they become deeply immersed in books, movies, or imaginary experiences. This, too, is a form of dissociation. Additionally, medication side effects can sometimes cause derealization or depersonalization.

Signs of DID

If a child experiences severe and or/prolonged abuse the capacity to dissociate is strengthened and becomes more stable. This is an underlying factor of the diagnosis DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). This can also happen in adulthood if someone is subjected to extreme circumstance, although this is very rare. Examples of extreme circumstances are brain washing, captivity and torture.

· Amnesia –This describes memory loss inconsistent with any other medical condition. Examples include: not knowing how you got somewhere, being dressed in clothes you don’t remember putting on, finding new things among belongings you don’t remember buying, not recognizing friends or family members, finding evidence of having done things you don’t remember doing, finding writings, drawings or notes you must have done but don’t remember doing.

So, Is It Normal?

Mild dissociation, like zoning out or getting lost in a story, is completely normal. However, if dissociation interferes with daily life—making you feel disconnected for long periods, unable to function, or detached in distressing ways—it might be worth exploring further with a professional.

Dissociation exists on a spectrum. Understanding where you fall on it can help you determine what’s normal for you. If you have questions about dissociation or your experience talk to your mental health provider.events like captivity, torture, or intense psychological stress can trigger dissociation in adulthood.

Common Forms of Dissociation

For most of us, dissociation happens in mild, everyday ways. These include:

Absorption: Getting lost in thought or deeply focused on something. Ever been daydreaming in class, only to be startled when the teacher calls your name? Or driven a familiar route and suddenly realized you passed a landmark miles ago? That’s absorption.

Depersonalization: Feeling detached from your body, as if you’re watching yourself from the outside.

Derealization: The sensation that the world around you isn’t real, even though you logically know it is.

Some people are naturally more fantasy-prone, meaning they become deeply immersed in books, movies, or imaginary experiences. This, too, is a form of dissociation. Additionally, medication side effects can sometimes cause derealization or depersonalization.

So, Is It Normal?

Mild dissociation, like zoning out or getting lost in a story, is completely normal. However, if dissociation interferes with daily life—making you feel disconnected for long periods, unable to function, or detached in distressing ways—it might be worth exploring further with a professional.

Dissociation exists on a spectrum. Understanding where you fall on it can help you determine what’s normal for you. If you have questions about dissociation or your experience, I can help.