Dissociative Disorders

When You Feel Disconnected from Yourself: A Gentle Guide to Dissociative Disorders

“I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” — Isaiah 49:16 (NIV)

There are moments when life feels like it’s happening from far away—like you're watching your own story play out, but can’t quite step into it. Maybe you lose time, forget important moments, or feel like you’re not fully you. Maybe it feels like pieces of your mind have scattered, like pages torn from a book that no longer reads in order.

This is the hidden reality for those living with dissociative disorders—a group of mental health conditions often born from deep trauma and profound emotional pain.

But friend, even if you feel disconnected from yourself, you are not disconnected from God. He sees every fragmented memory, every silent fear, every question you’re afraid to ask. And He still calls you His.

What Are Dissociative Disorders?

Dissociative disorders are conditions where your mind tries to protect itself from overwhelming pain by separating your awareness from reality. They often begin in childhood or after traumatic events and can affect how you think, feel, remember, and relate to the world around you.

You may feel:

• Like you’re watching yourself from outside your body

• Detached from your emotions or surroundings

• Unsure of who you are

• Forgetful about important personal events or people

• Confused by actions or behaviors you can’t explain

• Lost in time, memory, or place

In these moments, God does not look away. Psalm 139:12 reminds us, “Even in darkness I cannot hide from You. To You the night shines as bright as day.” He’s not afraid of your confusion. He enters it with compassion.

Types of Dissociative Disorders

There are three primary types of dissociative disorders:

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1. Dissociative Amnesia

Marked by gaps in memory—especially surrounding trauma—this condition may involve forgetting who you are or wandering without remembering how you got there. These episodes can be sudden and last for minutes, hours, or longer.

2. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Previously called multiple personality disorder, DID involves “switching” between distinct identities. Each part may have its own name, voice, or history. This isn’t pretend. It’s the brain’s way of surviving when it felt unsafe to stay whole.

3. Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder

This involves feeling detached from yourself (depersonalization) or the world around you (derealization). Everything can feel dreamlike, foggy, or slowed down. It’s disorienting—and deeply distressing.

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If this sounds familiar, please know: this isn’t your fault. And you are not alone.

When Trauma Fractures the Soul

Dissociation is often the mind’s attempt to protect itself from overwhelming pain. But over time, the very thing that once helped you survive can make it hard to live.

Still, even in the disconnection, God remembers every part of you. Every lost memory. Every split-off piece. Every moment you’ve tried to forget. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Can Healing Happen? Yes. It may take time, but healing is possible. Many people with dissociative disorders find hope through:

• Trauma-informed therapy, like EMDR or Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Faith-based counseling, to restore a grounded sense of identity

• Medication, if needed, to manage co-occurring depression, anxiety, or sleep issues

• Safe community, where your story can unfold gently, with trust and grace

Healing doesn’t mean you forget what happened. It means you learn how to live whole again, even with scars. It means reclaiming your voice, your memories, and your God-given identity—one step at a time.

A Tender Invitation

If you’re feeling like a puzzle with pieces missing or like a stranger to your own self, you are exactly the kind of person Jesus came for.

At Still Waters Counseling, we create a space for every part of your story. You don’t need to explain it perfectly. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You simply need to come.

We’ll walk with you as you untangle what’s been knotted for years, offering faith-based support, clinical expertise, and a steady reminder that you are not too broken to be put back together.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3