Beyond Feeling Numb: Understanding Dissociation After Trauma

The iconic American author and philosopher, Joseph Campbell, famously said, “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” This is especially true for those of us holding on to trauma, or even those of us who are struggling with the effects of trauma and may not be aware of it. Unfortunately, many people struggle with dissociation after trauma. The good news is that there are now many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help you recover from issues of dissociation after trauma.

Beyond Feeling Numb: Better Understanding Trauma

Many people who suffer from trauma do so in isolation. This is often because they feel as though they are the only ones going through it (this is also known as “terminal uniqueness”). However, this is simply untrue. Millions of people struggle with issues of trauma every day. This includes individuals who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is more common than many people may think. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “About one half of all U.S. adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives, but most do not develop PTSD. People who experience PTSD may have persistent, frightening thoughts and memories of the event(s), experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or may be easily startled. In severe forms, PTSD can significantly impair a person's ability to function at work, at home, and socially.” It is this “numbness” that needs to be investigated because it may be a form of dissociation.

Beyond Feeling Numb: Better Understanding Dissociation

Dissociation is the feeling of being disconnected from yourself (also referred to as “being detached”). This includes feeling detached from your physical being, emotional self, and memory and identity.

Dissociation is both more common than you may think as well as more underdiagnosed than you may believe. According to the Delaware Journal of Public Health, “Trauma-related dissociation is a major public health risk warranting the attention of the healthcare professions. Severe dissociative pathology or dissociative disorders (DDs) are more prevalent than some commonly assessed psychiatric disorders (e.g., Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Schizophrenia), yet are often under-recognized and undertreated, despite being associated with significant disability and chronic medical issues, among many other severe and costly public health consequences." This is also why having a better understanding of how to treat dissociation after trauma is so important.

How to Best Treat Trauma and Dissociation

There are many ways to treat trauma and dissociation. However, the key is to find the best way that works for you or your loved one. It is important to remember that an overarching “one-size-fits-all” recovery rarely works. This is because it is not individualized to fit each person's unique needs. Just as no person's mental health and/or addiction issues are the same, neither should their treatment be.

Some of the best treatments for dissociation after trauma exist in the “traditional” psychotherapy realm. This includes highly effective therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) that get to the underlying issues of trauma rather than just focusing on the aftereffects.

DBT can be particularly effective because it focuses on acceptance and mindfulness, which can be essential for combating dissociation. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Psychiatry (Edgmont), “In DBT, several interventions and skills are geared toward conveying acceptance of the patient and helping the patient accept him or herself, others, and the world… In DBT, mindfulness skills help patients attend to what is happening in the present. Some of the mindfulness skills involve attending to and nonjudgmentally observing the current experience, describing the facts of the current experience or situation, and fully participating in the activity/experience of the present, while attending to one thing at a time ('one-mindfully') and focusing on effective, skillful behavior.”

A Focus on Holistic Healing

Holistic healing methods can also help with trauma, especially when they are utilized in tandem with traditional therapies. Some examples of holistic healing methods include breathwork, trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness meditation. 

These holistic healing methods offer a myriad of benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• An improved sense of self
• A better sense of mental balance and clarity
• Improved breathing
• Better strength and posture
• A greater focus on mindfulness
• Enhanced empathy
• Improved social support and connection
• Increased positivity and wellness
• Spiritual growth
• Reduced anxiety and depression
• Minimized risk of suicidal ideation

Healing at the Cellular Level With West Coast Recovery Centers

Here at West Coast Recovery Centers, we believe in putting the client first. We also believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is what all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future. This includes our plans for those struggling with dissociation after trauma.

If you are struggling and feel like there is no way out, you don't have to feel like this anymore. There is a solution. You can do this! We can help.

Many people are actually unfamiliar with what dissociation is. Dissociation is a common reaction and symptom of trauma. The good news is that dissociation can be managed with therapy and learning mindfulness. However, it is also important to understand the role that dissociation plays in addiction and recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don't have to go through this process alone. For more information about trauma, dissociation, addiction, and treatment, please reach out to West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509.