Childhood Dissociation: More Than Zoning Out
Briefly

Dissociation is increasingly discussed in online mental health communities, especially among youth. This psychological defense mechanism helps individuals, including children, cope with traumatic experiences by detaching from reality. Misunderstandings often arise when adults label dissociative behavior as misbehavior or attention-seeking. Recognizing dissociation as a protective response is vital to understanding its impact on mental health, particularly when it manifests as forgetfulness, trance-like states, or behavioral regression in young people.
Dissociation may be labeled as misbehavior or attention-seeking, but it reflects a child’s instinct to survive under overwhelming stress.
Dissociation has become a common topic within mental health discussions online, particularly among teenagers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Read at Psychology Today
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