Teen Disassociation is a Concern; How to Help

Dr. Kevin Skinner addresses concerns about dissociation in teens, explaining that dissociation can range from mild, everyday experiences like daydreaming to more severe responses to stress or trauma.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying cause—whether it’s related to trauma, stress, or simply distraction. Dissociation can serve as the body’s natural protective mechanism when an individual feels overwhelmed by an event or situation.

Dr. Skinner recommends exploring the context and severity of the behavior and suggests the book What Happened to You by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey for further insights. This book discusses dissociation as a normal response to extreme stress and provides a deeper understanding of how life experiences shape human behavior.

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