7. Dissociative Symptoms – Reality, Unplugged
It sounds almost surreal, but there are moments when those with BPD feel entirely disconnected from reality. During these episodes of dissociation, you might feel like you’re watching yourself from outside your body, making the world around you seem unreal and distant.
Dissociative symptoms often surface during times of extreme stress or emotional upheaval. It’s as if the mind decides that reality is too much to bear and flips a switch, taking you to an alternate universe where you’re a mere observer, disconnected from your feelings, thoughts, and actions.
Dissociation isn’t uniform. Some people experience it as brief moments of zoning out, while others may undergo more extended periods where they lose track of time or their whereabouts. The commonality is a feeling of being ‘unplugged’ from the world, making it hard to engage in everyday activities. (7)
