WHAT ARE DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS Dissociative disorders are characterized by an involuntary escape from reality characterized by a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness and memory. People from all age groups and racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds can experience a dissociative disorder. . It’s estimated that 2% of people experience dissociative disorders, with women being more likely than men to be diagnosed. Almost half of adults in the United States experience at least one depersonalization/derealization episode in their lives, with only 2% meeting the full criteria for chronic episodes. . The symptoms of a dissociative disorder usually first develop as a response to a traumatic event, such as abuse or military combat, to keep those memories under control. Stressful situations can worsen symptoms and cause problems with functioning in everyday activities. However, the symptoms a person experiences will depend on the type of dissociative disorder that a person has. . Treatment for dissociative disorders often involves psychotherapy and medication. Though finding an effective treatment plan can be difficult, many people are able to live healthy and productive lives. . SYMPTOMS OF DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS Symptoms and signs of dissociative disorders include: . --Significant memory loss of specific times, people and events --Out-of-body experiences, such as feeling as though you are watching a movie of yourself --Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide --A sense of detachment from your emotions, or emotional numbness --A lack of a sense of self-identity . The symptoms of dissociative disorders depend on the type of disorder that has been diagnosed. . SOURCE: www.nami.org . #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #StopStigma #DIKMA #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness2019 #StopTheStigma (at Fulton, Missouri) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxUg3mgB-EF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fpd81nyrxo1n