Trauma can leave a significant imprint—not only on your emotions but also on how your mind processes and connects to the world around it. When trauma occurs, some people may find themselves experiencing dissociation. It can be a symptom of conditions like acute stress disorder (ASD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

At Northeast Health Services, we provide PTSD treatment services to help with dissociation and other trauma-related symptoms. If you’re struggling with trauma or dissociation, you don’t have to face it alone—we’re here to help.

Understanding Trauma

Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event, whether it’s a single incident or a series of experiences over time. Trauma changes how the brain works—especially in the areas that handle memory, stress, and emotions. Common signs of trauma can include:

• Flashbacks or unwanted thoughts
• Big mood swings or feeling emotionally numb
• Trouble sleeping
• Avoiding anything that reminds you of what happened
• Feeling constantly anxious or on edge

For some, it comes from events like accidents, assaults, or natural disasters. For others, it’s tied to ongoing stress, like neglect or abuse. While some people recover over time, others may develop conditions such as acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, which require specialized care.

ASD vs. PTSD: What’s the Difference?

The terms ASD and PTSD are often used interchangeably, but they describe different reactions to trauma. ASD occurs shortly after a traumatic event, typically lasting from three days to one month. Symptoms may include panic attacks, dissociation, and inability to function in healthy way. Doctors diagnose PTSD when trauma-related symptoms persist beyond one month. PTSD can develop after ASD or occur independently. Its symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and, in some cases, dissociation.

What Is the Link Between Dissociation and Trauma?

Dissociation is one of the many ways the brain tries to protect itself from the overwhelming emotions tied to traumatic events. It’s as if the mind temporarily disconnects to shield a person from fully experiencing the pain or fear associated with the trauma.

Forms of dissociation in trauma include:

• Depersonalization – Feeling detached from oneself, as though you’re observing your thoughts, feelings, or body from an outside perspective
• Derealization – A sense of unreality, where the world feels dream-like, distant, or distorted
• Amnesia – Difficulty remembering parts or all of the traumatic event
• Identity fragmentation – Feeling as though you have multiple parts of yourself that are disconnected

Although dissociation is a coping mechanism, it can hinder emotional processing. By disconnecting from painful memories or feelings, people may struggle to confront and resolve their trauma. This is where professional help becomes crucial.

How PTSD Treatment Can Help with Dissociation Issues

Effective treatment options at Northeast Health Services include:

• Grounding techniques – Therapists teach strategies—such as mindfulness, sensory techniques, or deep breathing—to help clients stay present and reduce dissociation.
• Medication management – For some, medications can help manage anxiety or depression linked to dissociation. Our psychiatric providers work closely with clients to find the best approach.
• Client-centered therapy – Our clinicians use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other tailored approaches to help clients regain safety and emotional stability.
• Trauma-focused therapy – Techniques like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) help process trauma and reduce the intensity of painful memories.

Treating PTSD and dissociation requires addressing both the emotional and psychological roots of trauma while equipping clients with tools to manage symptoms.

Get Started on PTSD Treatment with Northeast Health Services in Massachusetts

Trauma and dissociation don’t have to hold you back—healing is possible. Understanding the connection between these experiences is the first step, and seeking professional care can lead to long-lasting recovery. Northeast Health Services is here to support you with compassionate, expert care. Call 508.794.8711 to learn more.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.