People Are Using This Natural Coping Behavior A LOT Right Now, And It Says So Much About The US

Once again, distraction from stressful situations is necessary and a way to preserve yourself, but if it starts feeling more like the extreme side of things (such as a disconnection from reality), you should seek professional help. 

But, on the mild side of things, there are still helpful and not-so-helpful ways to dissociate or distract.

“Distraction is not wrong. It just can’t be the only thing you’re doing, because eventually it stops working and it sort of disconnects you from other parts of your life that are keeping you well,” said Ritchie.

When you do engage in distracting and dissociating behaviors, have a plan to do something more rewarding after, Ritchie said. This way, you can snap yourself out of the dissociation.