{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out","path":"/answers/checking-out","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out","title":"What causes someone to mentally check-out?","family":"Answers detail","description":"A reader describes a family member mentally checking out during stressful situations and later having little memory of what occurred.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/checking-out","wordpressId":"6077","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person","name":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:10Z","dateModified":"2026-05-24T19:55:04Z","lastReviewed":"2025-09-15"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">What causes someone to mentally check-out?</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page answer-page\" data-answer-template=\"conversation\"><header class=\"answer-heading article-heading\"><a class=\"answer-back\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a><h1>What causes someone to mentally check-out?</h1><div class=\"answer-credits\"><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Written by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.</span></span></a><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Medically reviewed by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</span></span></a></div><dl class=\"answer-heading-dates\"><div><dt>Published</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2024-06-01T00:35:10Z\">June 1, 2024</time></dd></div><div><dt>Updated</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2026-05-24T19:55:04Z\">May 24, 2026</time></dd></div><div><dt>Reviewed</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2025-09-15\">September 15, 2025</time></dd></div></dl></header><nav class=\"answer-nav\" aria-label=\"Answer navigation\"><a href=\"#summary\">Summary</a><a href=\"#question\">Question</a><a href=\"#answer\">Answer</a></nav><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\" data-answer-thread aria-label=\"Reader question and professional response\"><section class=\"answer-overview\" id=\"summary\" aria-labelledby=\"summary-title\"><h2 id=\"summary-title\">Summary</h2><figure class=\"answer-question-image\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/checking-out-20261003.webp\" alt=\"A person seated on a terrace beside sunlit leaves.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" fetchpriority=\"high\"></figure><p>A reader describes a family member mentally checking out during stressful situations and later having little memory of what occurred. The reader wants to identify suitable professional support.</p><p>The response suggests dissociation as a possible framework and distinguishes everyday spacing out from frequent, impairing episodes.</p><p>It raises trauma as something a professional might explore without assuming it occurred, and recommends a psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in dissociation.</p></section><div class=\"answer-originals\" id=\"original-conversation\"><div class=\"answer-originals-body\"><section class=\"answer-post answer-question\" id=\"question\" aria-labelledby=\"question-person\"><div class=\"answer-avatar answer-reader\" aria-hidden=\"true\">?</div><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"question-person\">Question</h2><span>Reader · Identity withheld</span></header><p>What is the condition or syndrome that causes someone to mentally check out during certain situations?</p>\n<p>A common example I have noticed is in the medical field. A shy and self-conscious female patient undergoing a significant procedure with a male doctor may mentally check out just before or as the procedure begins and not fully come back until it is over.</p>\n<p>As a result, she cannot remember what happened, what was said, any advice given, or questions asked. After dressing, she leaves the office completely unaware of what just took place.</p>\n<p>I have a family member who experiences this (not just during medical visits) and I would like to help her find appropriate support.</p></div></section><section class=\"answer-post answer-response\" id=\"answer\" aria-labelledby=\"response-person\"><a class=\"answer-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\" aria-label=\"View Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D. profile\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"44\" height=\"44\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"response-person\">Answer</h2><span>Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.</span></header><p>What you are describing sounds like it could be in the ballpark of dissociation, a phenomena defined by the presence of ‘checking’ or ‘spacing’ out, memory loss, alterations in identity, etc. Everyone probably dissociates a little from time to time (as in normal ‘spacing out’ behavior).</p>\n<p>However, frequent and severe dissociation is considered to be a serious mental problem. At its most severe, dissociation problems culminate in what is termed, “<a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/top-dissociative-disorder-articles\" class=\"article-inline-link\">Dissociative Identity Disorder</a>” (commonly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) in which dissociation is such an integral part of life for a person that they don’t have a coherent single sense of self. In milder forms, dissociation is associated with amnesia (forgetting) for events.</p>\n<p>Dissociation is frequently associated with <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/trauma\" class=\"article-inline-link\">trauma and abuse</a>. The behavior you describe is not considered normal and would raise enough flags for me that I would investigate past or current abuse (possibly sexual abuse?). This is not to say that abuse is happening or has happened, but rather that it would be something to inquire about.</p>\n<p>Help for dissociation would best be sought from a Clinical Psychologist, or specialist Psychiatrist specializing in dissociation.</p></div></section></div></div></article><div class=\"answer-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-expert answer-expert-card\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/13152.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-expert-copy\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel\">Carlos Protzel <span class=\"expert-credentials\">Psy.D.</span></a></h2><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Integrative mental health care</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-9900.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Emotional Health</h2><p>Explore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/emotional-health\">Explore community</a></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Author</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\">Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D. is a trauma-informed psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate mental health challenges.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Medical reviewer</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-related\"><h2>Related questions</h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/spitting-behavior\">What causes spitting behavior?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/liar-and-kleptomaniac\">How do I deal with someone who is a liar and a kleptomaniac?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/lack-of-social-skills\">What causes a lack of social skills?</a></section></div></div>","text":"HomeAnswersWhat causes someone to mentally check-out?AnswersWhat causes someone to mentally check-out?Written byMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.Medically reviewed byJesse Hanson, Ph.D.PublishedJune 1, 2024UpdatedMay 24, 2026ReviewedSeptember 15, 2025SummaryQuestionAnswerSummaryA reader describes a family member mentally checking out during stressful situations and later having little memory of what occurred. The reader wants to identify suitable professional support.The response suggests dissociation as a possible framework and distinguishes everyday spacing out from frequent, impairing episodes.It raises trauma as something a professional might explore without assuming it occurred, and recommends a psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in dissociation.?QuestionReader · Identity withheldWhat is the condition or syndrome that causes someone to mentally check out during certain situations? A common example I have noticed is in the medical field. A shy and self-conscious female patient undergoing a significant procedure with a male doctor may mentally check out just before or as the procedure begins and not fully come back until it is over. As a result, she cannot remember what happened, what was said, any advice given, or questions asked. After dressing, she leaves the office completely unaware of what just took place. I have a family member who experiences this (not just during medical visits) and I would like to help her find appropriate support.AnswerMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.What you are describing sounds like it could be in the ballpark of dissociation, a phenomena defined by the presence of ‘checking’ or ‘spacing’ out, memory loss, alterations in identity, etc. Everyone probably dissociates a little from time to time (as in normal ‘spacing out’ behavior). However, frequent and severe dissociation is considered to be a serious mental problem. At its most severe, dissociation problems culminate in what is termed, “Dissociative Identity Disorder” (commonly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) in which dissociation is such an integral part of life for a person that they don’t have a coherent single sense of self. In milder forms, dissociation is associated with amnesia (forgetting) for events. Dissociation is frequently associated with trauma and abuse. The behavior you describe is not considered normal and would raise enough flags for me that I would investigate past or current abuse (possibly sexual abuse?). This is not to say that abuse is happening or has happened, but rather that it would be something to inquire about. Help for dissociation would best be sought from a Clinical Psychologist, or specialist Psychiatrist specializing in dissociation.Subject matter expertCarlos Protzel Psy.D.Integrative mental health careView experienceRelated communitiesEmotional HealthExplore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life.Explore communityAuthorMark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D. is a trauma-informed psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate mental health challenges.View experienceMedical reviewerJesse Hanson, Ph.D.Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…View experienceRelated questionsWhat causes spitting behavior?How do I deal with someone who is a liar and a kleptomaniac?What causes a lack of social skills?","wordCount":483},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Answers","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What causes someone to mentally check-out?","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/checking-out-20261003.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/checking-out-20261003.webp","width":1000,"height":667,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A person seated on a terrace beside sunlit leaves."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person","name":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck","jobTitle":"Doctor","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9364.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-dombeck-phd-530a573/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","jobTitle":"Clinical Affairs Director","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-hanson-phd-7215216/"]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out","headline":"What causes someone to mentally check-out?","description":"A reader describes a family member mentally checking out during stressful situations and later having little memory of what occurred.","wordCount":377,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Answers","inLanguage":"en-US","datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:10Z","dateModified":"2026-05-24T19:55:04Z","author":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person"}],"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#primaryimage"},"hasPart":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#question"},{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#answer"}]},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#question","name":"What causes someone to mentally check-out?","text":"What is the condition or syndrome that causes someone to mentally check out during certain situations? A common example I have noticed is in the medical field. A shy and self-conscious female patient undergoing a significant procedure with a male doctor may mentally check out just before or as the procedure begins and not fully come back until it is over. As a result, she cannot remember what happened, what was said, any advice given, or questions asked. After dressing, she leaves the office completely unaware of what just took place. I have a family member who experiences this (not just during medical visits) and I would like to help her find appropriate support.","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#answer"},"inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#question","answerCount":1},{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#answer","text":"What you are describing sounds like it could be in the ballpark of dissociation, a phenomena defined by the presence of ‘checking’ or ‘spacing’ out, memory loss, alterations in identity, etc. Everyone probably dissociates a little from time to time (as in normal ‘spacing out’ behavior). However, frequent and severe dissociation is considered to be a serious mental problem. At its most severe, dissociation problems culminate in what is termed, “Dissociative Identity Disorder” (commonly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) in which dissociation is such an integral part of life for a person that they don’t have a coherent single sense of self. In milder forms, dissociation is associated with amnesia (forgetting) for events. Dissociation is frequently associated with trauma and abuse. The behavior you describe is not considered normal and would raise enough flags for me that I would investigate past or current abuse (possibly sexual abuse?). This is not to say that abuse is happening or has happened, but rather that it would be something to inquire about. Help for dissociation would best be sought from a Clinical Psychologist, or specialist Psychiatrist specializing in dissociation.","author":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person"},"inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#answer"},{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#webpage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out","name":"What causes someone to mentally check-out?","description":"A reader describes a family member mentally checking out during stressful situations and later having little memory of what 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The reader wants to identify suitable professional support.","answer":"The response suggests dissociation as a possible framework and distinguishes everyday spacing out from frequent, impairing episodes. It raises trauma as something a professional might explore without assuming it occurred, and recommends a psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in dissociation."},"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/checking-out","sourceReviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"question":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#question","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#question","html":"<p>What is the condition or syndrome that causes someone to mentally check out during certain situations?</p>\n<p>A common example I have noticed is in the medical field. A shy and self-conscious female patient undergoing a significant procedure with a male doctor may mentally check out just before or as the procedure begins and not fully come back until it is over.</p>\n<p>As a result, she cannot remember what happened, what was said, any advice given, or questions asked. After dressing, she leaves the office completely unaware of what just took place.</p>\n<p>I have a family member who experiences this (not just during medical visits) and I would like to help her find appropriate support.</p>","text":"What is the condition or syndrome that causes someone to mentally check out during certain situations? A common example I have noticed is in the medical field. A shy and self-conscious female patient undergoing a significant procedure with a male doctor may mentally check out just before or as the procedure begins and not fully come back until it is over. As a result, she cannot remember what happened, what was said, any advice given, or questions asked. After dressing, she leaves the office completely unaware of what just took place. I have a family member who experiences this (not just during medical visits) and I would like to help her find appropriate support."},"answer":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#answer","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out#answer","html":"<p>What you are describing sounds like it could be in the ballpark of dissociation, a phenomena defined by the presence of ‘checking’ or ‘spacing’ out, memory loss, alterations in identity, etc. Everyone probably dissociates a little from time to time (as in normal ‘spacing out’ behavior).</p>\n<p>However, frequent and severe dissociation is considered to be a serious mental problem. At its most severe, dissociation problems culminate in what is termed, “<a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/top-dissociative-disorder-articles\">Dissociative Identity Disorder</a>” (commonly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) in which dissociation is such an integral part of life for a person that they don’t have a coherent single sense of self. In milder forms, dissociation is associated with amnesia (forgetting) for events.</p>\n<p>Dissociation is frequently associated with <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/trauma\">trauma and abuse</a>. The behavior you describe is not considered normal and would raise enough flags for me that I would investigate past or current abuse (possibly sexual abuse?). This is not to say that abuse is happening or has happened, but rather that it would be something to inquire about.</p>\n<p>Help for dissociation would best be sought from a Clinical Psychologist, or specialist Psychiatrist specializing in dissociation.</p>","text":"What you are describing sounds like it could be in the ballpark of dissociation, a phenomena defined by the presence of ‘checking’ or ‘spacing’ out, memory loss, alterations in identity, etc. Everyone probably dissociates a little from time to time (as in normal ‘spacing out’ behavior). However, frequent and severe dissociation is considered to be a serious mental problem. At its most severe, dissociation problems culminate in what is termed, “Dissociative Identity Disorder” (commonly known as Multiple Personality Disorder) in which dissociation is such an integral part of life for a person that they don’t have a coherent single sense of self. In milder forms, dissociation is associated with amnesia (forgetting) for events. Dissociation is frequently associated with trauma and abuse. The behavior you describe is not considered normal and would raise enough flags for me that I would investigate past or current abuse (possibly sexual abuse?). This is not to say that abuse is happening or has happened, but rather that it would be something to inquire about. Help for dissociation would best be sought from a Clinical Psychologist, or specialist Psychiatrist specializing in dissociation.","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck#person","name":"Mark Vigil Dombeck, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/mark-dombeck"}},"summaryScope":"Editorial overview of the original question and response; original review dates apply to the source conversation."},"presentation":{"updatedAt":"2026-10-03","template":"answer-conversation","imageGeneratedAt":"2026-10-03"},"seo":{"title":"What causes someone to mentally check-out? | MentalHealth.com","description":"A reader describes a family member mentally checking out during stressful situations and later having little memory of what occurred.","canonical":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/checking-out","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/social-tiles-20261006-dots/answers.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Answers","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"answers"}},"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Carlos Protzel, Psy.D.","url":"/people/carlos-protzel","profileId":"13151","topic":"wellbeing","focus":"Integrative mental health care","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"navigation":[],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/emotional-health","basis":"topic match"},"collections":[]}