I don't think dissociating is bad; it has gotten us all through some very difficult things--that's what it is supposed to do.

The question is, after the trauma is over, is the dissociating causing difficulties? Even if it is, do those difficulties outweight the possible benefits of the avoidance it creates?

Sometimes I dissociate and it isn't worth it--it makes me feel cut off and alone. I try to come back at those times, because I'd rather be connected. Sometimes I dissociate and it is worth it--I don't have to face something really scary.

The question is, which do you want to choose to do at any given point?