Experiencing a friend, family member, or someone else close to you faint, seize, or become unresponsive can be a highly distressing and emotionally charged event. The state of mind you described, where everything feels like slow motion and you feel detached from reality, can be attributed to several psychological and physiological factors:
Fight-or-flight response: When you witness a distressing event, your body's sympathetic nervous system activates the "fight-or-flight" response. This physiological reaction prepares your body to respond to perceived threats. One of the effects of this response can be a dissociative feeling, where you may feel disconnected from reality or as if you are in a dream-like state.
Emotional shock: Witnessing a distressing event can cause emotional shock or trauma. This shock can temporarily alter your perception of reality and time, making everything seem surreal or slow.
Adrenaline surge: The fight-or-flight response triggers the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones into your bloodstream. These hormones can affect your perception and cognition, leading to altered states of consciousness.
Coping mechanism: The feeling of being in a dream-like state may also serve as a coping mechanism for your mind to process the overwhelming emotions and protect you from the full impact of the distressing event.
Selective attention: During such events, your brain may selectively focus on certain details while filtering out others. This narrowed focus can create a tunnel-vision effect, contributing to the sensation of slow motion.
High emotional significance: The strong emotional connection you have with the person involved can amplify your body's stress response, intensifying the dream-like state you experience.
It's essential to recognize that these reactions are relatively common in distressing situations, and many people may experience similar feelings during emergencies or traumatic events. However, if these feelings persist or interfere significantly with your ability to cope or function, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance on coping strategies and help you process the emotions associated with witnessing distressing events.