Dissociation occurs when a person experiences a lack of connection between their thoughts, memory, and overall sense of identity, as explained by Mental Health America (MHA). Oftentimes, dissociation is often described as watching oneself in a movie or feeling as though one is outside of one’s body; milder forms of dissociation often occur when a person gets lost in their thoughts (also known as daydreaming) or becomes entrenched in a terrific book. If you experience dissociation, you’re not alone – MHA states that almost 1/3 of people say they have dissociative experiences. Dissociation may occur more often in some mental disorders, however, such as multiple personality disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness characterized by unstable mood swings, behavior, and self-perception. People with this disorder may experience feelings of worthlessness, insecurity, impulsivity and more, making it difficult to carry out responsibilities and/or maintain healthy relationships. A 2017 study published in the European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation emphasized a strong link between BPD, childhood trauma, and ongoing dissociation; other studies have revealed that BPD could be a development from parental influences, such as growing up with parents who portrayed unhealthy coping mechanisms and significant mood swings.
BPD is often misdiagnosed, because the symptoms can easily appear to be other disorders. It is a widely held belief that borderline personality disorder is a case of severe trauma run rampant. The symptoms of borderline personality disorder are a cry for help to resolve deep, inconsolable pain most often inspired by early childhood occurences of real or perceived abandonment. If you’ve been diagnosed with BPD and experience dissociation along with other symptoms, know that help is available. You can find resolution for the traumas you’ve experienced, the pain you feel, and the symptoms which feel unmanageable. Life can, and does, get better.
The Guest House Ocala specializes in the treatment of dual diagnosis like borderline personality disorder and PTSD or other manifestations of trauma. If you are experiencing dissociations or other symptoms of BPD, help is available to you. You can find the healing you are looking for. Call us today for information on our residential treatment programs for trauma, addictions, and other mental health issues: 855-483-7800