Dissociation is a mental process where a person feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity. It can occur during stressful situations, allowing individuals to distance themselves from emotional pain or trauma. This can manifest as feeling detached from reality or experiencing memory gaps. In some cases, dissociation can be a symptom of mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or dissociative identity disorder (DID). While occasional dissociation is common, frequent or severe episodes may require professional help to address underlying issues and improve coping strategies.