Dissociation: From Zoning Out to Depersonalization

Have you ever felt completely disconnected from your body, lost hours of time, or wondered why you feel numb when overwhelmed? In this episode, licensed therapist Kati Morton explores dissociation and the full spectrum of dissociative disorders, including depersonalization-derealization (DPDR), dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder (DID). You'll learn the neuroscience behind why your brain pulls the ripcord to protect you, how to distinguish normal spacing out from trauma responses, and somatic grounding techniques to regulate your nervous system.

To see if specialized trauma therapy with Rebound could be the right next step for you, head to https://hellorebound.com/askkatianything where you can check your insurance, book a free call with one of their care specialists, and find out more.

Timestamps

00:00 What Is Dissociation?

00:55 Spacing Out vs. Dissociating

02:03 How the DSM Defines Dissociative Disorders

03:11 Dissociative Episodes vs. Diagnosable Disorders

06:03 Why Your Brain Pulls the Ripcord (Nervous System Protection)

10:05 Hypoarousal, the Freeze State & Emotional Dampening

12:28 Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DPDR) Criteria

14:53 Reality Testing: DPDR vs. Psychosis

21:02 How Common Is Dissociation? Statistics & Comorbidities