Are you Losing Time? 6 Signs of Dissociative Time Loss
(Summary) If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be “losing time,” you’re not alone. For many people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or other dissociative experiences, time loss can be subtle and easy to miss. This video gently explains six common signs of time loss — from missing hours or conversations to noticing unfamiliar belongings or writing — and offers reassurance that these experiences are survival strategies, not personal failings.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be “losing time,” you’re not alone.
Many people who experience dissociation—whether they have Dissociative Identity Disorder or not—find themselves confused by gaps in memory or a sense that time just disappears.
In this video, I’ll gently walk you through some common signs of time loss, and help you better understand what to watch for. And I want to mention something important up front: Lost time isn’t always easy to spot—especially from the inside. Many people go for months or years before they realize they’ve been losing time, simply because the signs can be subtle or confusing. If you have DID, hiding lost time is another way your system is staying under cover.
Losing time isn’t always obvious. It can show up in ways that don’t look dramatic at all. For some people, it’s small gaps in memory—missing conversations or parts of their day. For others, it shows up through physical clues—things in their environment, their body, or even their emotions. It’s something the brain does automatically to help manage what feels overwhelming.
Here are six common signs people notice when they’re losing time:
- Missing Hours or Days
You suddenly realize it’s much later than you thought—or you don’t remember entire sections of your day or week. - Unfamiliar Belongings or Objects Moved
You might notice that things in your home or workspace have been moved—or you may find objects, food, or clothing you don’t remember buying.
This can sometimes happen when another part of your system takes care of something, but you don’t have access to that memory. - Unfamiliar Writing or Creative Work
You may come across journal entries, artwork, texts, or digital notes that don’t feel like they came from you. Often, these were created by other parts of the system during times when you weren’t fully aware or present. If these examples feel strange or unsettling, please remember—they’re common in dissociative experiences and are often ways your brain has been trying to help you cope. - Conversations You Don’t Recall
People reference discussions or events that you have no memory of. - Sudden Emotional Shifts Without Explanation
You “wake up” in a strong emotional state that doesn’t seem connected to anything around you. - Unexplained Physical Signs
You notice changes in your body—like unexplained injuries, different grooming, or pain you can’t trace.
If some of these signs are familiar to you, you might want to explore further and get a more definite idea of how much time loss you are experiencing. You might not know how to go about tracking your time loss in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you. I’ve got you covered! In my next video, I’ll guide you through how to start tracking time loss in a way that feels safe and manageable and share a free downloadable document to help you start tracking time loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does losing time always mean I have DID?
Not necessarily. Time loss can happen with different types of dissociation, not only DID. What matters is how often it happens, how much it impacts daily life, and whether you want support understanding it.
Why don’t I notice when I lose time?
Because your brain is designed to hide it. Dissociation keeps experiences separate so you can function. From the inside, that can make time loss very hard to spot until clues build up.
Is time loss dangerous?
Time loss itself isn’t dangerous, but it can feel unsettling or create practical problems. If you notice risky behaviors happening during those times, it’s a good idea to put safety measures in place and consider professional support.
What should I do if I think I’m losing time?
Start gently. Try noticing small clues without pressure to track everything. My next video (and the free tracker) will walk you through safe, simple ways to begin.
Will noticing time loss make it worse?
Sometimes awareness can feel overwhelming at first, but noticing doesn’t create new time loss. Over time, gently increasing awareness can reduce confusion and strengthen cooperation inside.