I didn’t know the difference between positive escapism and compulsive dissociation when I was growing up, which unfortunately meant that I didn’t realise that I was chronically dissociative until my early 20’s.

Nothing felt real.

Positive escapism is detachment, entertainment and immersion, but toxic escapism is entering into a state of liminal dissociation where you feel apathetically disconnected from your body and surroundings.

It’s living in your head, and not wanting to descend.

Dissociation can manifest in various ways, including feeling numb or disconnected from emotions, having gaps in your memory, or feeling as if you’re watching yourself from outside your body.

Escapism can be healing, but it can also be devastating.

Thankfully, I’ve learned that it’s possible to heal from chronic dissociation, and it begins with finding a reason to get back inside your body. Finding a reason to get embodied which means appreciating your body and appreciating your surroundings at a greater intensity than most people would prioritise.

Mindfulness practices such as meditation can help you develop a greater sense of bodily awareness and connection, but this isn’t enough for chronic dissociation - you will likewise need to resolve some of the deeper safety issues from unresolved traumatic disconnection.

Healing dissociation requires a holistic approach that includes both physical and emotional healing. I can’t offer all the answers in a short post on YouTube, but you can break the habit of compulsive escapism if you remember that deep healing is a long process that takes time and patience.

Consider the following questions:

What are you escaping from in this moment?

Do you have a good enough reason to exist?

Where would you like to exist today?

Stay steady,

Jordan