What Is Dissociation? The Definition, Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

by mindflowrecovery | Dec 30, 2022 | Online Therapy

What is dissociation? It can be hard to define because it means different things to different people. In general, dissociation can be described as a disconnection from one’s physical surroundings and/or emotions. It can be experienced as an altered state of consciousness or feeling like you’re watching yourself from outside your body.

Dissociation is often a coping mechanism used to deal with trauma or abuse. If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of dissociation, it is important to seek treatment. In this blog post, we will discuss the definition, signs and symptoms, and treatment of dissociation.

What is Dissociation?

Dissociation is a mental process and defense mechanism where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, and sense of self. This can be a temporary or long-term response to trauma or stress.

The American Psychiatric Association defines Dissociation as “a disruption in the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception.”

While the American Psychological Association defines Dissociation as “a defense mechanism in which conflicting impulses are kept apart of threatening ideas and feelings are separated from the rest of the psyche.”

Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD)

Different types of dissociation disorders can be diagnosed by a mental health professional. The most well-known disorder is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD).

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states, also called alters, that takes control of an individual’s consciousness.

These personalities are usually very different from each other in terms of age, sex, race, and personal characteristics. They may have their own unique thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Most people with dissociative identity disorder have three to five alters, but some individuals have been found to have as many as 100. They may even have different handwriting and vocal patterns.

People with DID often report dissociation symptoms like feeling like they are watching themselves or their own life from outside of their bodies. Those with dissociative identity disorder may not be aware of the existence of their other personalities. They may also have gaps in their memory, commonly referred to as dissociative amnesia, and they may feel like they are losing time or have been possessed by another person.

Dissociative identity disorder is a complex mental illness that is often misunderstood. It is important to get accurate information and professional mental health help if you or someone you know is dealing with this condition. If you’re experiencing dissociation and dissociative disorders, some treatments can help you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you. If you think you may be dissociating, reach out to a mental health professional for help as soon as possible. With proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to manage your dissociative disorder symptoms and live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Types of Dissociative Disorders

There are three types of dissociation:

– Derealization Disorder

– Depersonalization Disorder

– Dissociative Amnesia

Signs and Symptoms of a Dissociative Disorder:

Derealization is when a person feels disconnected from the world around them. They may feel like they are in a dream or that the people and objects around them are not real.

Depersonalization is when a person feels disconnected from their own body and mind. They may feel like they are observing themselves from outside their body or that they are not in control of their own actions.

Amnesia is when a person cannot remember certain information about themselves or their life. This can be either selective amnesia, where they can’t remember specific events, or total amnesia, where they can’t remember anything at all.

What Causes Dissociative Disorder?

Dissociative disorders are often caused by trauma, such as child abuse, car accidents, or natural disasters. They can also be caused by stress from a difficult life event, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. Sexual assault or sexual abuse and combat can also lead to dissociative disorders.

Who Is Affected By Dissociative Disorders?

Some US studies have stated that dissociation disproportionately affects those who are transgender and/or gender-diverse, at approximately three times more than the general population.

It’s also been found that African-Americans and Asian-Americans experience higher rates of dissociative disorders than Caucasians.

When it comes to the sexes, women are more likely to be diagnosed with dissociative disorders than men. This could be due to the fact that women are more likely to experience trauma, such as sexual abuse than men.

When Might I Dissociate?

Dissociation is a natural response that most often happens when you are under stress, but it can also happen without any apparent trigger.

What’s a trigger?

A trigger is anything—a person, place, thing, or situation—that elicits a memory of the trauma and causes a strong emotional or physical reaction.

You might experience dissociation when you are:

– Experiencing a traumatic or stressful event like a natural disaster

– Facing a difficult life situation

– Dealing with overwhelming emotions

– Trying to cope with physical pain or emotional abuse

– Childhood trauma

Treatment for Dissociative Disorders

Dissociation is a normal response to trauma or stress. However, if you or someone that you love is regularly dissociating or having trouble functioning in day-to-day life, you may have a dissociative disorder. It’s important to see a mental health specialist and discuss your current mental health condition. Dissociative disorders are treatable, and with the right treatment options, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life!

How Do You Treat Dissociation or DID?

Treatment for dissociative identity disorder usually involves talk therapy, which can help you understand your mental illness, thoughts, and feelings and how to cope with them. You may also be prescribed medication to help treat any underlying mental health conditions or other disorders.

Since stress and anxiety can trigger dissociation, therapy may also focus on learning healthy coping mechanisms and stress-management techniques. You and your therapist will work together to identify your triggers and develop a plan to help you avoid or manage them. In some cases, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy may be recommended as a way to address a past traumatic event that may be causing dissociative symptoms.

No matter what the underlying cause is, our licensed and trained psychotherapists will work with you to help address your dissociative disorder and symptoms in order to improve your quality of life. If you’re struggling with dissociation, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our friendly mental health professionals are available and excited to be of service! Don’t let mental illnesses control your life, call 833-957-2690 today for your free initial consultation.

Other Mental Health Conditions

It’s important to seek out help in order to receive a true diagnosis from mental health professionals as your dissociation may be caused by other mental health disorders. Some mental health disorders that can cause dissociative symptoms include:

– Anxiety / Panic Disorder

– Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

– Bipolar Disorder

– Borderline Personality Disorder

– Schizophrenia

If you’re struggling with dissociation, know that you are not alone. Help is available, and with the right treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life! Mindflow Recovery offers several different types of therapy that can help treat dissociative disorders, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, and more.

Contact us today at 833-957-2690 to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation.

Too Much Stress? Feeling Disconnected?

We get it and there’s help available to you. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts and needs immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8225). You can also text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

The Fear of Being Watched When Alone: Scopophobia

by mindflowrecovery | Dec 19, 2022 | Online Therapy

There are few things as unsettling as the fear of being watched when you’re all alone. This fear can manifest in several ways, from feeling like someone is always watching you to feeling like you’re being monitored by some unseen force. It can be paralyzing and leave you feeling isolated and anxious. We will explore the fear of being watched when alone and offer some tips on how to overcome it and how Mindflow Recovery Institute services can benefit you or a loved one.

Symptoms of Scopophobia

The fear of being watched when alone can manifest in different ways for different people. Some common symptoms include:

1. Immediate fear or anxiety when confronted with the specific phobia of people watching you
2. Avoidance of activities or situations that make you feel anxious or fearful
3. Negative thoughts about yourself or your ability to cope
4. The exaggerated fear of embarrassment or humiliation
5. Physical symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate, or trouble breathing
6. Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships due to fear or avoidance

Mindflow Recovery Institute Cares About Your Mental Health

Many people all over the world deal with the same feelings as you. Exposure therapy has been a treatment commonly used to help overcome the fear and anxiety one feels.

For example, a person with social anxiety disorder would describe their fear to the therapist and try to find out when and why this fear developed. Reaching out for help is the best action this person took. We offer many mental health programs because our professionals understand one size does not fit all, and we don’t all have the exact same problem.

Talk To a Licensed Mental Health Professional

The clinician may diagnose and evaluate the person’s state of mind and work out whether any mental health conditions may be affecting them. Specific phobias such as fears and negative emotions lasting for more than 6 months; get in the way of important areas of the person’s life, such as their social or work life. The licensed mental health professional can make a more accurate analysis of what specifically you may have. Everything is not settled overnight. Being helped takes time and you can get there sooner when you reach out!

Getting Started

Mindflow Recovery Institute offers safe and secure software you can log into when going to your sessions. The best part about getting help online is you have many options as to which device you want to get started on whether it is a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Not sure how to do all this? It is okay and you do not need to be discouraged because we will help you. The last thing we want at Mindflow Recovery Institute is for you to feel discouraged in getting the help you need!

Separation Anxiety Disorder and Others

Signs that you may have separation anxiety disorder are very noticeable, and the fear of being alone can be severe enough to disrupt your everyday life.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD), is characterized by a worry of being watched or judged while in public. Attachment anxiety and separation anxiety disorder may show some of the same symptoms of monophobia. This means that it is a type of anxiety disorder that involves a persistent, irrational, and excessive fear of a particular object or situation. 

Scopophobia is also commonly associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Often, scopophobia will result in symptoms common with other anxiety disorders.

Panic Disorder vs Scopophobia

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety. It can cause to feel terror and a strong sense of loneliness when it occurs. At Mindflow Recovery Institute we can help you if you are going through this. Even if you are not sure we even offer free consultations.

You do not need to deal with anxiety without any method when our team of licensed professionals can help you get started today! CALL NOW at 833-957-2690. You can feel like you are back in control again as you get help with a personalized plan just for you.

Five of the most common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and attention deficit disorder ADD/ADHD. Mental disorders are a very serious matter because of the many lives it affects.

Panic Disorder symptoms include:

1. Fast heartbeat
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Dizziness
4. Numb extremities

The Solution to Anxiety and Loneliness

If you fear being watched when alone continuously you may get help from a professional to understand what may trigger your fear. If you are tired of your panic attacks, low self-esteem, performance anxiety, and intense anxiety reach out to us now. Sometimes you may feel watched by strangers when it is friendly eye contact. As you better yourself with more sessions your self-consciousness could fade over time, and you’ll find yourself having normal social interactions.

Talk to friends and family about your fear and create a support system. It is normal to have doubts about mentioning your fear and anxiety to your family members. As you attend more sessions you can keep at the relaxation techniques you are recommended. Mindflow Recovery Institute is here to help! Our team of professionals will set you on the track to improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when you feel like someone is watching you but nobody’s there?

It could be a sign of paranoia, OCD, or social anxiety. If you fear that people are constantly watching you, it can be very distressing and make it hard to go about your daily life. You may worry that others can see how nervous you are, or that they’re judging you. This can make social situations very difficult.

Luckily, Mindflow Recovery Institute is here to help. Our team of mental health professionals can work with you to overcome your fear and anxiety and get back to a normal life. We will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anti-anxiety medications, or anti-depressants), and self-care tech.

What does it mean if I feel like I’m always being watched?

If you feel like you’re always being watched, it may be a sign of paranoia. Paranoia is an unreasonable fear or distrust of others. People with paranoia may think that others are constantly trying to harm them or monitoring their every move. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and fear. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. With treatment, you can learn to manage your paranoia and live a full and productive life.

What is Athazagoraphobia?

Athazagoraphobia is the fear of being forgotten or ignored. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. People with athazagoraphobia may avoid social situations, places where they might be alone, or anything that reminds them of their fear. This can make it difficult to maintain relationships and lead a normal life.

What is Basophobia?

Basophobia is the fear of falling. This can cause people to avoid heights, stairs, and anything else that could potentially lead to a fall. Basophobia can also cause anxiety and panic attacks.

What is Ereuthrophobia?

Ereuthrophobia is the fear of blushing. This can lead to avoidance of social situations, as people with ereuthrophobia fear that they will blush in front of others. This can also lead to anxiety and depression.

What is Isolophobia?

Isolophobia is the fear of isolation. This can cause people to avoid being alone, as they fear that they will be isolated from others. Isolophobia can also lead to anxiety and depression.

How to Overcome the Fear of Being Watched: Dealing With Anxiety and Loneliness

The feeling of being watched can be caused by many things such as a traumatic experience or other underlying social phobias. It can be caused by anxiety, fear, or even just the feeling of being alone. Whatever the cause, it is important to find a way to deal with it.

If you or a family member are dealing with the fear of being watched, there are a few things that you can do to help: First, it is important to understand that you are not alone. Many people deal with this fear on a daily basis. Secondly, try to find a way to relax. This can be done by listening to music, reading, or even taking a bath. Thirdly, it is important to talk to someone about your fear. This can be a family member, friend, or even a professional. Talking to someone can help you to understand your fear and find ways to deal with it. Finally, remember that you are in control of your fear. You can choose to let it control you or you can choose to face it and overcome it. Choose to be brave and conquer your fear. You are stronger than you think.

Some people may find that they need to seek professional help in order to overcome their fear. If you would like to talk to a professional, you can contact us at 833-957-2690 to speak to a qualified therapist who can help you.

The Truth About Your Anger: Take an Anger Management Test

by mindflowrecovery | Dec 12, 2022 | Online Therapy

Understanding Why Does My Brain Feel Empty?

by mindflowrecovery | Dec 5, 2022 | Online Therapy

This is a completely common feeling up to a certain point. Do you ever feel like your brain is just a big space? This can be a really frustrating feeling, especially if you don’t know why it’s happening. We will discuss some of the possible causes of why your brain feels empty. We will also provide some tips on how to deal with this feeling. Mind blanking could also be caused due to chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and a change in your stress hormone levels.

Mental Health Matters

One of the most common reasons why people feel like their brain is empty is because of mental health issues. Mental health concerns are just as important as physical health issues. The society we live in leans otherwise on this issue, which is why Mindflow Recovery Institute is bringing attention to it! The awareness allows everyone to feel safe to talk about moments in time when their brain has felt empty. The open space is beneficial for the conversation with others to talk about it, research it, and reach out for help.

Mental Illnesses

Depression, anxiety, and stress can all lead to feeling like your thoughts are just floating around in an empty head. After a while, mental fatigue can take a toll on your body. When other factors cause or aggravate this anxiety symptom. Addressing the specific factor(s), can reduce and cause this anxiety symptom to subside or allow professionals to formulate a specialized plan for you to get treatment.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you determine if you have been coping with depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people go through life with these symptoms and have no idea because they have never been diagnosed by a professional. Call us now today to learn how we can help you at 833-957-2690.

Blank Mind Syndrome

Sometimes, people feel like their brain is empty because they can’t seem to focus on anything. This is called “blank mind syndrome” and it’s pretty common. There are a few things that can cause blank mind syndrome, including:

– Not getting enough sleep

– Not taking breaks throughout the day

Rather than remaining “here,” in the physically and temporally present perceptual environment, attention and conscious awareness enable the person to feel this way. It can be triggered by constantly having the fight or flight response tampered with due to worrying. It activates the stress response, causing many body-wide changes that prepare the body for immediate action. Chronic stress (hyperstimulation) can tax the body to the point it becomes exhausted.

Brain Fog the Assailant

The assailant might be brain fog! It is that hazy and tired feeling when you say, “I can’t think straight”. It hits when we’re stressed, anxious, or run down. We all experience brain fog from time to time. Common brain fog causes include eating too much and too often, inactivity, not getting enough sleep, chronic stress, and a poor diet.

There are many causes of brain fog, some of the most common are:

– Lack of sleep/poor sleep quality

– Dehydration

– Poor nutrition

– Stress

– Hormonal imbalances (such as during menopause)

– Depression or anxiety

– Thyroid problems

– Autoimmune disease (such as celiac disease, lupus, or Lyme disease)

Mindflow Recovery Institute

Crownview Institute is a comprehensive mental health and wellness center that offers brain fog treatment. Our team of experts will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs. Contact us today to receive a free consultation. Contact us today at 833-957-2690 to learn more about our services and how we can help you or a loved one start feeling better.

Sleep Deprivation

Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of brain fog. When we don’t get enough sleep, our brains have a harder time functioning properly. This can lead to trouble focusing, making decisions, and retaining information.

Not taking breaks throughout the day can also cause brain fog. When we’re constantly working or studying, our brains become overloaded and exhausted. Taking regular breaks to relax and rejuvenate to help prevent brain fog from setting in.

Dehydration

Dehydration is another common cause of brain fog. When we’re dehydrated, our brains don’t function as well as they should.

Reduce Stress Equals Reduce Mind Wandering

Call today because Crownview Institute is here to help. Our team of experts will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. We can offer you a comprehensive approach to mental health and wellness, including brain fog treatment. We understand how important it is for you to feel like yourself again, and we’re here to help. Don’t let brain fog take over your life. Call Mindflow Recovery Institute today to learn more about our comprehensive approach to mental health and wellness.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

If you have anxiety, you might feel like your thoughts are constantly racing. This can make it hard to focus on anything and can leave you feeling exhausted. You might also have physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and tension headaches. Anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events. If you’re struggling with anxiety, some treatments can help. Therapy, medication, and self-care are all effective ways to manage. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, and each one has its own set of symptoms. If you think you might have an anxiety disorder, it’s important to reach out for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel like my brain is not working and is empty?

There are many possible explanations for why you might feel like your brain is not working and feels empty. It could be a sign of stress, anxiety, or depression. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, call us today for a FREE consultation!

What does it mean when your head feels empty?

There are many possible explanations for why you might feel like your head is empty. It could be a sign of chronic stress, mental fatigue, or other health concerns. It could also be a side effect of certain medications.

Can anxiety cause mind blanks?

Yes, anxiety can cause mind blanks. If you’re feeling anxious, your mind may feel like it’s racing or overthinking things. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and struggling to focus on anything.

Can You Use FSA For Therapy?

by mindflowrecovery | Nov 28, 2022 | Online Therapy

FSA, or Flexible Spending Account, is a great way to save money on healthcare expenses. This account allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical costs. Learn how an FSA can be used for therapy services. We will also provide a list of qualifying expenses that can be reimbursed through an FSA. As you read on and learn about the rules and regulations regarding an FSA, you will also learn some of the benefits. In addition, you will learn about the services Mindflow Recovery Institute offers.

Everything You Need to Know About FSA and Therapy

Yes, you can use FSA for therapy services. The IRS considers therapy to be a qualified medical expense, which means it can be reimbursed through your FSA. Although, talk therapy or behavioral counseling with a letter of medical necessity may be a qualified medical expense while something like marriage counseling or life coaching may not. Online therapy typically replaces what would be a normal psychological or psychiatric therapy session at your mental health care provider’s office. The same rules apply when it comes to HSA and FSA coverage.

Health Savings Account Versus Flexible Spending Account

HSA (Health Spending Account) and FSA are both great ways to save money on healthcare costs. HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses. FSA is a bit different in that it is employer-sponsored and the funds are deducted from your paycheck on a pretax basis. The HSA can pay for medication, including prescriptions from your psychiatrist or general practitioner to manage mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Talk therapy and psychiatric care are likely HSA/FSA “eligible,” but it’ll be necessary to talk to your human resources department to understand how to approach the situation first. 

FSA for Family Counseling

Many people do not know that they can use their FSA for their family they set it up to be used for their family by their employer. If you or a family member is struggling with a mental health issue, you may be able to use FSA funds to cover the cost of counseling services. This includes both individual and family therapy sessions. For FSA eligibility therapy, mental health: requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to be eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) medical or mental health therapy is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account.

FSA for Marriage Counseling

If you are experiencing marital problems, you may be able to use FSA funds to cover the cost of marriage counseling. According to the IRS, mental health therapy and treatment that is deemed ‘medically necessary’ is eligible for reimbursement with an FSA. Therapy not required for a medical or mental purpose will typically not qualify, such as marriage or family counseling .” You might need to provide a letter of medical necessity if you’re audited or requested it for an FSA.

Common therapy expenses that can be covered by FSA include:

-Counseling services

-Psychotherapy

-Speech therapy

-Occupational therapy

-Physical therapy

Mindflow Recovery Institute Clears up the Details

It has been researched by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that 30% of people with mental health conditions don’t seek treatment. Plus, on June 24th, 2021 it was discovered that the unfortunate reality is that many people don’t seek treatment for their mental health issues.

Don’t understand how all of this works? Don’t worry, the mental health professionals at Mindflow Recovery Institute can clear everything up for you and explain in a way that makes sense. Our team of professionals is ready and standing by, all you need to do is call 833-957-2690!

Mindflow Recovery Institute offers so much more and the best part is you can get therapy online from the convenience of your own home! A relaxed setting will help lower anxiety and improve your counseling experience. Our team of professionals offers services for individuals dealing with alcohol addiction, anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, trauma recovery, and more! Our goal is to get you the treatment you need and come up with a personalized plan to get you started NOW! Ask about financial assessments even if you do not have an FSA to help with expenses.

Medical Necessity for Your Emotional and Mental Health

To use an FSA for therapy, the treatment must be considered medically necessary. This means that the therapy must be prescribed by a physician to treat a specific medical condition.

Additional Benefits of FSA Account for mental Health:

-Save on taxes

-Great use for unexpected healthcare costs

-Can be used to cover hospital fees

Mental Health Care

Do not allow your FSA to go to waste if you have one! Your mental health issues are important. Even if you think it is no big deal, it never hurts to get a professional opinion about your mental health condition. Mental health treatments are more widely available now than ever before. The amazing news is that you can pay for some mental health treatments and services with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA). It may sound complicated – but FSAs and HSAs are often a win-win for many people, as they allow you to reduce your tax liability and pay for your mental health care expenses, using pre-tax funds.

FSA Eligibility Counseling

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) medical or mental health counseling is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and health reimbursement account (HRA). Not only can you help the well-being of your brain, but you will help the well-being of your pockets too!

FSA Qualifying Expenses

Several different expenses can be reimbursed through FSA. Below, we have provided a list of some of the most common qualifying expenses:

-Doctor visits

-Dental care

-Vision care

-Prescription medications

-Psychotherapy

-Physical therapy

-Chiropractic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FSA?

FSA is an acronym that stands for “Flexible Spending Account.” An FSA is a benefit offered by many employers that allow employees to set aside a portion of their paycheck on a pre-tax basis to be used for qualified medical expenses.

Can an FSA be used for mental health services?

Yes, an FSA can be used to cover the cost of mental health services such as psychotherapy and counseling.

What other types of expenses can be covered by an FSA?

In addition to mental health services, FSAs can also be used to cover a wide range of other medical expenses, including doctor visits, dental care, and vision care.

Are an HSA and FSA the same thing?

No, a Health Savings Account (HSA) is not the same as a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that can be used to cover qualified medical expenses. An FSA is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows employees to set aside a portion of their paycheck on a pretax basis.