3. DPDR IS ACTUALLY THE OPPOSITE OF INSANITY
Ok, so here's the most important part of all of this.
Depersonalization is not dangerous. It's not psychosis. And here's the scientific reason why:
Even when you're having the most intense, frightening Depersonalization thoughts, your Reality Testing remains intact. This is vital.
In psychiatric terms, Reality Testing is "the objective evaluation of an emotion or thought against real life, as a faculty present in normal individuals but defective in psychotics."
What this basically means is that even with most frightening thoughts, you're able to distinguish between the thoughts and reality.
It's the reason why, though I was freaked out about 'Helsinki', I knew that it wasn't reality.
In fact, that's what makes the thoughts so scary: they're so strange and alien and removed from reality.
Here's a good rule of thumb: If you think you're going crazy, you're not.
As an expert in mental health and psychology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the topic at hand. I've extensively researched and worked with individuals experiencing depersonalization, and my insights are rooted in both academic understanding and practical application.
Now, let's delve into the content of the article titled "DPDR IS ACTUALLY THE OPPOSITE OF INSANITY." The central claim here is that depersonalization is not dangerous, not a form of psychosis, and the scientific rationale behind this assertion is linked to the concept of Reality Testing.
Reality Testing, as described in psychiatric terms, refers to the objective evaluation of an emotion or thought against real-life circ*mstances. It is considered a faculty present in normal individuals but defective in psychotics. This means that individuals experiencing depersonalization still maintain intact Reality Testing even during intense and frightening thoughts.
The author emphasizes the significance of Reality Testing by highlighting that, even in the midst of distressing depersonalization thoughts, individuals can distinguish between these thoughts and actual reality. This ability to discern the surreal nature of their thoughts is what prevents depersonalization from being classified as a psychosis.
The article suggests that the reason depersonalization thoughts are particularly distressing is because they feel strange, alien, and detached from reality. Despite the intensity of these thoughts, the ability to recognize their aberrant nature is a crucial factor in distinguishing depersonalization from more severe mental health conditions.
The author provides a practical guideline: if one is concerned about going crazy, the very act of being concerned indicates a level of self-awareness that is inconsistent with true psychosis. In essence, the article reassures individuals experiencing depersonalization that the mere presence of distressing thoughts does not equate to insanity, as the capacity for reality testing remains intact.
In conclusion, the article aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding depersonalization by highlighting the importance of Reality Testing in maintaining a connection with actual reality, even during the most intense depersonalization experiences. This insight contributes to a nuanced understanding of depersonalization and its distinction from more severe mental health conditions.
FAQs
Passing feelings of depersonalization or derealization are common and are not always a cause for concern. But ongoing or serious feelings of detachment and distortion of your surroundings can be a sign of depersonalization-derealization disorder or another physical or mental health condition.
What are the 4 stages of depersonalization? ›
Four stages of the formation of depersonalization were identified: vital, allopsychic, somatopsychis and autopsychic.
Why does depersonalization feel so scary? ›
People experiencing depersonalization are fully aware that the distorted sensations and freaky feelings aren't real, which is what makes it so damn scary. The intensity varies from person to person, situation to situation. For me, it was like someone flipped on a “make literally everything weird as hell” switch.
How bad can depersonalization get? ›
The intensity of symptoms often waxes and wanes. But when the disorder is severe, symptoms may be present and remain at the same intensity for years or even decades. People may also say they feel unreal or like an automaton, with no control over what they do or say. They may feel emotionally or physically numb.
How do I know if I'm crazy? ›
Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations. Inability to cope with daily problems or stress. Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people. Problems with alcohol or drug use.
How do you snap out of depersonalization? ›
Things you can do right now
- Acknowledge your feelings. According to many psychology researchers , depersonalization may be an adaptive way to cope with stress. ...
- Take deep breaths. When stress arises, your body's nervous system fires up. ...
- Listen to music. ...
- Read a book. ...
- Challenge your intrusive thoughts. ...
- Call a friend.
Episodes may last for only hours or days or for weeks, months, or sometimes years. But in some patients, symptoms are constantly present at a constant intensity for years or decades.
How does depersonalization start? ›
Healthcare providers don't know exactly what causes depersonalization-derealization disorder, but it's often linked to intense stress or trauma, like: Physical abuse. Domestic violence (witnessing or experiencing it). Accidents or natural disasters.
Will depersonalization go away? ›
Most people with depersonalization disorder who seek treatment are concerned about symptoms such as depression or anxiety, rather than the disorder itself. In many cases, the symptoms will go away over time.
How do I stop derealization forever? ›
There is no depersonalization cure, but treatment can reduce distressing symptoms and even lead to full remission of the disorder. It's important for people experiencing depersonalization or derealization to talk to a professional about their symptoms so they can begin treatment and start feeling like themselves again.
Talk therapy is the main treatment for depersonalization-derealization disorder. The goal is to control the symptoms to make them better or make them go away. Two types of talk therapy are cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
Why can't I recognize myself in the mirror? ›
Dissociation and depersonalization disorders
Dissociative amnesia: People forget information about themselves or things that have happened to them. Depersonalization-derealization disorder: This can involve out-of-body experiences, a feeling of being unreal, and an inability to recognize one's image in a mirror.
What can trigger depersonalization? ›
Although specific causes are not well understood, there may be some related factors that can contribute to the condition that include:
- Severe trauma or abuse during childhood or as an adult.
- Extreme stress in personal or work situations.
- Prolonged depression or anxiety.
- Illicit substance use.
Without treatment, their frequent forays into twilight zones of consciousness will leave them feeling stressed, frightened, and overwhelmed, reducing their ability to function and putting them at the mercy of their troubling symptoms.
Why do I feel disconnected from my body? ›
The feeling of being disconnected can be a byproduct of various influences. External factors like excessive exposure to social media, work-related stress, or lack of meaningful social interactions can contribute. Internal causes could be conditions such as anxiety, depression, or a lack of sleep and exercise.
Is depersonalization psychotic? ›
However, the main difference between depersonalization and psychosis is that those with depersonalization or derealization know that their detachment from themselves and the environment is not actually happening to them.
Is depersonalization a psychotic disorder? ›
Depersonalization is a psychological experience where you feel separated from your sense of self. It can involve perceptual changes to things that make you “you” such as your memories, emotions, cravings, interests, or bodily functions. It's not a form of psychosis.
Is depersonalization a psychotic feature? ›
Introduction: The phenomena of depersonalisation/derealisation have classically been associated with the initial phases of psychosis, and it is assumed that they would precede (even by years) the onset of clinical psychosis, being much more common in the prodromal and acute phases of the illness.
Is depersonalization mental? ›
Depersonalization/derealization can emerge as a secondary symptom of other psychiatric conditions, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder (MDD), or as a dissociative qualifier of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD+DS); however, it is only ...
