Experiencing feelings of faking or doubting the reality of dissociative disorders is a common phenomenon for many individuals who suffer from them. There are a few reasons why this occurs:
Dissociation is a defense mechanism: Dissociation is a coping mechanism that the mind uses to deal with overwhelming stress or trauma. It involves a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. When dissociation occurs, it can create a sense of detachment from oneself and reality, which can lead to feelings of unreality or fakeness.
Amnesia and memory gaps: Dissociative disorders often involve memory gaps or amnesia for certain periods of time or specific events. When these memory gaps are present, individuals may find it difficult to trust their own experiences and may question the authenticity of their memories and feelings.
Internal conflict and denial: Dissociation can involve internal conflicts and struggles between different parts of the self. For example, someone with dissociative identity disorder (DID) may experience different identities or personalities, each with their own memories and experiences. This can lead to doubts about the validity of one's experiences and a feeling of being fragmented or unreal.
Societal stigma and lack of awareness: Dissociative disorders are still poorly understood by many, and there can be significant societal stigma surrounding these conditions. This lack of understanding and the fear of judgment from others can contribute to a person feeling like they are faking their symptoms or that their experiences are not valid.
It is essential for individuals struggling with dissociative disorders to seek professional help from mental health experts who specialize in trauma and dissociation. Working out what is real can be a complex process and may involve:
Therapy: Psychotherapy, especially approaches like trauma-focused therapy or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can be instrumental in helping individuals explore their feelings and experiences, process traumatic memories, and develop coping strategies for managing dissociation.
Validating experiences: A therapist who understands dissociation can provide validation for the individual's experiences and help them understand that their feelings are genuine responses to trauma and stress.
Journaling and grounding techniques: Keeping a journal can help individuals track their feelings, thoughts, and experiences, which may help them establish patterns and triggers for dissociation. Grounding techniques can be used to anchor oneself in the present moment during episodes of dissociation.
Support groups: Connecting with others who have experienced dissociative disorders can be helpful in normalizing the experiences and reducing feelings of isolation or fakeness.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage associated symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that seeking professional help and support is crucial, as working through dissociative disorders can be a challenging and delicate process. A trained mental health professional can provide guidance and support tailored to the individual's unique needs.