Understanding Dissociative Disorders | Mental Health Awareness .................................................................................................................. Dissociative disorders are psychological conditions in which a person’s mind becomes temporarily or, in some cases, persistently disconnected from aspects of reality. This disconnection may involve memory, consciousness, identity, perception, or a person’s sense of connection with their surroundings. From a clinical perspective, dissociation is often understood as a defense mechanism of the brain. When an individual experiences intense psychological stress or trauma, the mind may “detach” from reality as a way to protect itself from overwhelming emotional pain. Common signs and symptoms may include: · A feeling of detachment from one’s own body or self (depersonalization) · The world feeling unreal, dreamlike, or...