What is Dissociation?
Dissociation is defined as “causing significant interference with the patient's general functioning, including social relationships.” Traumatic events in one’s life, especially at a young age, can cause dissociation. Some symptoms of this mental disorder can be day dreaming and the lack of ability to focus. Other indications of more severe dissociation would be deadened emotions, numbness, and feeling as if one is out of their body. Some scientists believe that dissociation is linked to certain irrational behaviors. For example, studies have been conducted to see if dissociation is a cause of sleep walking. Most of these studies have comeback inconclusive, but have found evidence that more people who have experienced a traumatic event sleep walk more often.
All of these symptoms, with the exception of the numbness and feeling disconnected with one’s body, are seen in Luna. These things can be derived from depression or anxiety as well as traumatic events. Dissociation is not always considered bad or a mental illness. In fact, according to Cynthis A. Henrie, a certified expert in Traumatic stress, it is actually encouraged when dealing with difficult situations.
In my own mind, I personally summarize dissociation as a way of losing touch with the reality around you. As you
continue reading about Luna, think about the times you remember her being strange or different and consider how
they relate to the definition of dissociation.
All of these symptoms, with the exception of the numbness and feeling disconnected with one’s body, are seen in Luna. These things can be derived from depression or anxiety as well as traumatic events. Dissociation is not always considered bad or a mental illness. In fact, according to Cynthis A. Henrie, a certified expert in Traumatic stress, it is actually encouraged when dealing with difficult situations.
In my own mind, I personally summarize dissociation as a way of losing touch with the reality around you. As you
continue reading about Luna, think about the times you remember her being strange or different and consider how
they relate to the definition of dissociation.