PTSD, Dissociation and Narcissistic Abuse

One of the most commonly reported side-effects of being abused by a narcissist in a relationship of any kind is C-PTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and one of the most common ways this can manifest in the victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse and gaslighting manipulation is in the form of dissociation.

Dissociation on a metaphorical level looks a lot like being a passenger in a car rather than the driver. Like, you’re seeing all of the turns and the journey, but you’re just along for the ride. The ride is happening TO you rather than you choosing the route.

What is dissociation, exactly?
In the most basic sense, dissociation is a disconnection from your physical surroundings. It's when you feel like you're sort of watching the world from somewhere deep inside your head, or above it or somehow disconnected from it. Like you're "not really there" or like you're watching life through a movie.

It feels like you’re “not really real” or like you’re watching your life through some kind of fog. Some people describe it as feeling sort of like a robot or having no emotions or connection whatsoever to the people around them. Read more at QueenBeeing.