Dissociation
When your brain's protection mode kicks in and you feel detached from yourself, your body, or the world around you.
A mental experience of feeling detached from yourself, your body, or your surroundings — like watching yourself from the outside, or feeling like the world isn't quite real. A protective response the brain uses when overwhelmed by stress or trauma. Ranges from mild (zoning out) to more intense forms in trauma conditions.
How it works
Your brain uses dissociation as a circuit-breaker when overwhelmed by stress or trauma. It dampens your connection to sensory input, emotions, or memories to protect you. This ranges from mild (zoning out) to more intense forms where you feel like you're watching yourself from outside.
Think of it like
It's like your brain turning down the volume on reality because the full sound would be too much to bear.
What it feels like
You feel foggy, distant, or like you're watching your life through glass. It's disorienting, but your brain is genuinely trying to keep you safe.