Dissociation as Survival: Coming Back to Yourself Without Forcing Healing with Kerisma Vere

In this episode of Cosmic Confluence Podcast, hosted by Sana, we explore dissociation—not as something “wrong” with you, but as a protective response when life becomes too much. Guest Kerisma Vere, holistic wellness coach and author, shares how disconnection can look subtle: spacing out, emotional numbness, functioning while feeling far away from yourself.This conversation is for anyone who feels foggy, detached, or quietly disconnected—and wonders why healing isn’t instant. You’ll hear how dissociation can begin in childhood, why “distraction” isn’t always the same thing, and why coming back to yourself often happens through safe connection, not isolation.About the Guest:Kerisma Vere is a holistic wellness coach and author of The Light Switch Myth. Her work is shaped by lived experience navigating trauma, mental health challenges, addiction, and long seasons of adversity, including a major breakdown that became a turning point in her healing journey.Episode Chapter:00:03:10 — What dissociation can feel like: present, but not fully here00:06:42 — How dissociation showed up in Kerisma’s early life00:08:37 — The “curtain” metaphor: surviving by walling off memories00:11:52 — Distraction vs dissociation: what’s temporary vs unconscious00:16:02 — Therapy for years… without realizing she wasn’t fully present00:18:01 — When the “second iceberg” surfaced: breakdown as overwhelm00:26:09 — Healing relational trauma through community and safe supportKey Takeaways:Dissociation exists on a spectrum—from everyday “autopilot” to deep emotional shutdown.Distraction is often temporary; dissociation is usually unconscious and protective.When big parts of you are walled off, deep self-relationship becomes hard to access.Breakdowns can be signals: your system carried more than it could hold alone.Relational trauma often heals best in safe connection, not forced isolation.Support can look like therapy, coaching, groups, trusted people, or spiritual grounding.How to Connect With the Guest:https://towardswellness.ca/InstagramYouTubeLinkedIn🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?Send me a direct message on PodMatch.👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it has become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate the platform now reaches 200K+ global listeners across 6000+ episodes, uniting voices, breaking stigma, and reminding us that every story matters.👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.Refer a GuestKnow someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at [email protected] with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to.Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast📬 Contact & LinksBrand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️Email: [email protected] | [email protected]: https://www.podhub.club/Based in: India & USA🎧 All Podcast Shows: https://podcreatorsnetwork.transistor.fm/shows 🤝 Be a Guest: https://www.podhub.club/beaguest📩 Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/🤝 Join Our LinkedIn CommunityConnect with a global community focused on mental health, wellness, and personal growth. Join meaningful conversations, discover insights from experts, and grow alongside like-minded individuals.👉 Join the LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14498362/📌 Disclaimer - This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media remains the property of their respective owners and is used under fair use for informational purposes. By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.#podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #dissociation #traumahealing #nervoussystem #emotionalregulation #innerhealing #selfconnection #mentalwellness #healingjourney #mindbodyconnection #relationalhealing #communityhealing #resilience #selfcompassion #personalgrowth