The experience you're describing is likely a result of a combination of physiological and psychological factors. When you witness a traumatic or shocking event, such as seeing a friend or family member faint, seize, or become unresponsive, your body initiates a stress response known as the "fight or flight" response. This response is triggered by the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
During this stress response, several things happen in your body:
- Increased Heart Rate: Your heart rate increases to pump more blood and oxygen to your muscles, preparing you for action.
- Dilated Pupils: Your pupils dilate to enhance your vision, allowing you to take in more information from your surroundings.
- Heightened Senses: Your senses become more acute, which may lead to a sense of time distortion as you take in more details from your surroundings than usual.
- Tunnel Vision: Your focus narrows, which may lead to a feeling of everything else fading into the background.
Additionally, the mind often relies on familiar patterns and experiences to understand and process events. When faced with a shocking or distressing situation, the mind may struggle to comprehend what is happening, leading to a surreal or dreamlike feeling. The combination of heightened senses, tunnel vision, and the mind's attempt to process the event can create a sense of time dilation, making everything seem slower and dreamlike.
Furthermore, emotional responses to such situations can vary from person to person. Some individuals may feel disconnected or numb, while others may experience overwhelming emotions. Feeling like you're in a dream can also be a dissociative response, a coping mechanism that allows some individuals to emotionally distance themselves from traumatic events.
It's important to remember that these reactions are normal human responses to stressful and traumatic events. However, if you find that these reactions significantly impact your ability to cope with or function after witnessing such incidents, it might be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional who can help you process and manage these experiences.