ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Dissociation (neuropsychology)

Dissociation is when someone feels like they are not really here or are watching things happen to them from a distance. It is like feeling disconnected from reality. It is a way that our brains try to deal with overwhelming or traumatic situations that can be too much for us to handle. It is like taking a break from our feelings and thoughts for a while. It is also a way our brains try to protect us from feelings of anxiety, fear, and pain by making them less intense or causing us to forget them.

For example, if you are in a scary situation like a car accident, your brain might make you feel like you are floating outside your body, watching the accident happen from a distance. This is a way your brain tries to cope with the shock and trauma of the situation.

Overall, dissociation is a normal response to extreme stress or trauma, but it can also be a symptom of some mental health conditions such as PTSD, dissociative disorders, and anxiety disorders. If you experience dissociation frequently or it starts to affect your daily life, it's important to talk to a doctor, therapist, or mental health professional.