Dissociative Symptoms in Complex Trauma:
Memory Problems
Inconsistent memory, conflicting memories, or gaps in memory.
Unable to recall portions of childhood
Chronic forgetfulness
Depersonalization/ Derealization
Feeling foggy, spacey, or fuzzy
Feeling detached from self or body or emotions
Feeling disconnected from others
Environment feels unreal, strange, or distant
The sensation that one is watching oneself w/out control of their actions
Flashbacks
Intrusive recollections of fragmented memories
Somatic Symptoms
Somatic experiences w/ no medical basis
Can affect body functioning, physical abilities
Body may be re-experiencing a past traumatic event
Trance
Episodes of staring off blankly
Unaware of what is going on around oneself
Retreating into deep fantasies
If you or someone you care about are experiencing these symptoms, there is help. Working with the nervous system, and gently moving from dissociation into realization will allow for adaptive integration. Trauma-informed evidence based therapies can be extremely helpful, including DBT, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and attachment therapy.
