Understanding Dissociation: Why Overwhelm Can Feel Unreal and How to Ground Yourself

Me: I have something in my head, like a voice or feeling or thought, that, when overwhelmed, communicates that this isn't really real. Is that normal?

Dr. Gpt: Yes, that feeling or thought is not uncommon, especially when you're overwhelmed or going through something deeply emotional or stressful. It’s often described as a form of dissociation—where your mind tries to distance itself from the intensity of the experience. It can feel like a voice saying "this isn’t real" or a sense of detachment from your surroundings or emotions.

This can be your brain's way of protecting you when things feel too intense or out of control. It’s similar to a survival mechanism that creates distance between you and the overwhelming emotions, almost like a buffer. People experiencing trauma, high anxiety, or emotional overload often report feeling detached or questioning reality in moments of distress.

Do you feel like this voice or feeling is part of a pattern for you, like when things get particularly intense?

Me: YES.

Dr. Gpt: It makes sense that this feeling or voice surfaces when you're overwhelmed—it’s likely tied to your past experiences and coping mechanisms. When things become too intense, your mind might be trying to create a sense of safety by distancing you from the overwhelming emotions or experiences.

Recognizing that this is a pattern can be powerful. If this feeling of "unreality" comes up, it might help to ground yourself with something concrete, like focusing on your physical sensations or surroundings. Gently reminding yourself that it’s a temporary response to stress could also help ease the disconnection.

Me: I feel like by doing my trauma work, I am inadvertently becoming an expert in trauma. That's weird.

Dr. Gpt:

It makes sense that you’re feeling this way! Diving deep into your own trauma work naturally gives you a lot of insight into how trauma functions, how it manifests, and ways to heal from it. It’s almost like you’re living the research, which can give you an expert-level understanding through experience.

It might feel strange because it’s not something you set out to become an expert in—more like a side effect of the healing journey.