Youth and Disconnection from Reality: Coping Mechanism or Harmful Escape?

In the face of mounting global challenges—from economic crises to political conflicts and increasing social pressures—the idea of disconnecting from reality has become a psychological refuge for many young people. But is this detachment a survival strategy, or a harmful escape that undermines their ability to confront and change reality?

Psychotherapist Orania Daher spoke to Nadorlagazine about the causes behind youth detachment and the challenges they may face.

Why Do Youth Disconnect from Reality?

Sometimes, reality feels overwhelming.

Excessive psychological pressure: When life feels suffocating and filled with endless expectations, the mind seeks refuge in virtual or mental escape.
Social environment: The absence of opportunities for real change may lead young people to lose faith in their ability to make a difference.
Digital revolution: Virtual platforms offer an alternative space that fulfills emotional and social needs without the risk of rejection or failure.

Curious about overthinking in youth? Explore how it can be addressed.

Is Disconnection from Reality a Survival Mechanism?

Yes—sometimes: Temporary detachment can serve as a healthy psychological defense mechanism, allowing the individual to recharge—like a "soldier’s rest" in a long, difficult battle.

But not always: When it becomes addictive or leads to total isolation, it becomes harmful and weakens the ability to adapt or engage with reality.

Detachment from Reality: Between Escape and Adaptation

The difference between escaping reality and adapting to it lies in awareness. Short-term, conscious disconnection can be necessary and even healthy. But long-term, unconscious detachment may become a trap from which it is hard to return.

Toward a Healthy Balance

Promote intergenerational dialogue to understand youth motivations without judgment.
Foster flexible educational and work environments that allow for innovation and self-expression.
Prioritize mental health as a necessity—not a luxury.

What Is Psychological Detachment?

Orania Daher defines psychological detachment as a mental process where a person disconnects from their feelings or reality in response to intense stress or trauma.

One may feel like they are watching themselves from outside their body.
The world may feel distorted or unreal—a condition often referred to as depersonalization or derealization.

Detachment as a Defense Mechanism

In extreme situations, disconnection can protect the mind from emotional pain.

It creates temporary space from overwhelming emotions.
However, it is not a long-term solution.

When Does It Become a Problem?

Detachment becomes concerning when it:

Occurs frequently in everyday situations.
Affects the person’s quality of life, relationships, or job performance.

How to Manage Psychological Detachment

Increase self-awareness: Observe your emotions closely. Are you feeling fear? Sadness? A sense of detachment?
Practice grounding techniques: Breathing exercises, journaling, mindfulness, and reconnecting with your physical surroundings can help.
Seek professional help: Therapy or counseling is essential when symptoms are recurring or interfering with daily life.

Orania Daher’s advice:

Detachment may offer temporary relief, but it does not heal the root causes of psychological pain. The real solution lies in facing reality, understanding the pain, and gradually building healthy coping mechanisms.

If You or Someone You Know...

...is experiencing signs of detachment—like forgetting events or feeling like you’re dreaming—don’t ignore it. Start by identifying the triggers and practicing grounding techniques. If the symptoms persist, consult a mental health professional.

Is Personality Shaped by Choice or External Influence?

Personality is a dynamic mix, shaped by internal choices and external influences like society, upbringing, religion, and environment. A person is not born fully formed but is continuously shaped through experience and self-awareness.

How Does Disconnection Affect Youth Mental Health?

While detachment may start as a coping mechanism, its long-term continuation can have serious psychological consequences:

1. Anxiety and Depression

Chronic detachment leads to an accumulation of negative emotions.
Lack of real interaction weakens emotional regulation.
Loneliness and helplessness intensify symptoms of depression and anxiety.

2. Distorted Self-Perception

Youth may feel as if they’re watching themselves from outside their body or that the world around them is surreal.
This is often described as derealization or depersonalization disorder.
It can lead to loss of identity or disconnection from one’s body and feelings.

3. Social Isolation

Detachment often leads to withdrawal from social relationships.
This reduces social skills and increases feelings of rejection or alienation.

4. Reduced Coping Skills

Avoidance prevents young people from developing effective tools to face challenges.
It creates dependency on escape rather than problem-solving, weakening long-term mental resilience.

5. A Vicious Cycle

The more one disconnects, the harder it becomes to return to reality.
This may lead to chronic psychological conditions such as dissociative identity disorder or severe anxiety disorders.

Related: [The difference between ambition and stress in female college students]

How Can These Effects Be Mitigated?

Early psychological support: Talking with a therapist can help uncover the root causes and develop realistic coping strategies.
Real-life activities: Volunteering, sports, or the arts help reconnect youth to the real world.
Self-awareness: Understanding that detachment is not a permanent solution but rather a sign of unmet internal needs.