What occurs during the dissociation state?

The dissociation state is characterized by split consciousness, where an individual's awareness is divided. In this state, a person may feel detached from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity. This can manifest in various forms, such as daydreaming, losing track of time, or experiencing a disconnect from one’s surroundings.

This phenomenon can be a response to stress or trauma, allowing individuals to mentally escape from overwhelming situations. The split in consciousness does not mean that a person is completely unconscious; instead, they may be aware of their environment but not fully engaged with it, leading to feelings of unreality or disconnection.

Heightened awareness, increased anxiety, and complete unconsciousness do not accurately describe the dissociation state as they imply either a strong connection to one's surroundings or a total lack of awareness, which contrasts with the essence of dissociation.