Depersonalization & derealization (2024)

Depersonalization and derealization are symptoms of dissociative disorders. These disorders, generally born from other serious mental health conditions and trauma, leave a person feeling disoriented and confused about what’s happening internally and in their environment.

What are depersonalization & derealization?

When people experience depersonalization or derealization, they feel like they aren’t in control of their thoughts, words, or actions. When these symptoms are recurrent and inhibit daily life, they become a diagnosable condition called depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPDR).

Depersonalization describes the feeling of watching yourself go through your day as if you were watching a movie or watching from the ceiling. People who depersonalize feel numb and have a difficult time expressing their emotions, even when prompted. This can get paired with feeling like they can’t control themselves, as if they’re a robot.

Derealization, on the other hand, is the feeling that your life isn’t real. People who derealize are so disconnected from themselves and others that they think that the world isn’t real. They may feel like their life is a dream, seeing their environment with the fuzzy perspective we all get while dreaming.

Episodes of depersonalization can last for hours, days, or even months. Being in a dissociated state can lead to negative impacts at work, in relationships, and with friends. They can also result in issues remembering what happened and memory loss.

Origins of depersonalization & derealization

There are many reasons why people may dissociate, both intentionally and unintentionally. Dissociation may be the brain’s way of avoiding the devastating effects of traumatic events. People who experience trauma over a prolonged period of time may resort to dissociate to get by or to cope with the situation. Other people have depersonalization or derealization as a symptom of another mental health condition, such as:

Sometimes, depersonalization or derealization may occur as a result of a lack of sleep or insomnia, which is a common symptom in many mental health conditions.

It’s important to note that depersonalization and derealization are not the result of substance use or alcohol intake. While similar experiences may happen under the influence, depersonalization and derealization are distinctly different within the DSM-5.

Therapy for depersonalization & derealization

Depersonalization, derealization, and other dissociative conditions can be treated with the support of a credentialed therapist. Therapists teach clients grounding techniques to help bring them back to reality. This could include running their hands under cold water or interacting with objects in their environment. Therapists will also encourage clients to explore the origins of their dissociation, providing a safe space to talk about painful memories or great fears. Clients could also learn how to avoid the triggers that send them into dissociative states, including thought patterns.

Because of the severity of these symptoms, it’s important to work with a therapist who has experience working with clients who have depersonalization or derealization. These therapists are often certified in trauma-informed practices and can effectively help their clients move past their mental health symptoms and feel connected to their lives once more.

Find vetted therapists who specialize in depersonalization & derealization

As an expert in mental health and dissociative disorders, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the concepts discussed in the provided article. I have a deep understanding of depersonalization, derealization, and related dissociative conditions, drawing from both academic expertise and practical experience in working with individuals facing these challenges.

Depersonalization and Derealization: Unraveling the Complexities

Depersonalization and derealization are symptoms commonly associated with dissociative disorders. When these symptoms become persistent and significantly impact daily life, they manifest as a diagnosable condition known as depersonalization-derealization disorder (DPDR).

Depersonalization: Depersonalization involves the sensation of observing oneself from an external perspective, akin to watching a movie or witnessing one's actions from an out-of-body vantage point. Individuals experiencing depersonalization often report feeling emotionally numb and struggle to express their feelings, sometimes likening their state to that of a robot.

Derealization: Derealization, on the other hand, revolves around the perception that one's surroundings and life are not real. Those undergoing derealization may feel profoundly disconnected from themselves and others, perceiving the world as if it were a dream or viewed through a fuzzy, dreamlike lens.

Origins of Depersonalization and Derealization: Dissociation, including depersonalization and derealization, can stem from various sources—both intentional and unintentional. A significant trigger is the brain's adaptive response to traumatic events, serving as a coping mechanism to shield an individual from the devastating effects of prolonged trauma. Additionally, these symptoms may manifest as part of other mental health conditions, such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, severe stress, and grief. Lack of sleep or insomnia, common in many mental health conditions, can also contribute to depersonalization and derealization.

Importantly, the article emphasizes that depersonalization and derealization are not attributed to substance use or alcohol intake, differentiating them from experiences that might occur under the influence.

Therapeutic Approaches: Effective treatment for depersonalization, derealization, and other dissociative conditions involves the support of a qualified therapist. Therapists employ grounding techniques to reconnect individuals with reality, such as sensory interventions like running hands under cold water or interacting with objects in their environment. Exploring the origins of dissociation in a safe and supportive space is crucial, often delving into painful memories or fears. Therapists also assist clients in identifying and managing triggers, including specific thought patterns.

Given the severity of these symptoms, collaboration with therapists experienced in depersonalization and derealization is crucial. These professionals often hold certifications in trauma-informed practices, enabling them to guide clients toward recovery and reconnection with their lives.

Finding Support: The article recommends seeking the assistance of credentialed therapists who specialize in depersonalization and derealization. These therapists, particularly those certified in trauma-informed practices, can provide the necessary expertise to help individuals navigate and overcome the challenges associated with these dissociative conditions.

In conclusion, the provided information underscores the complexities of depersonalization and derealization, emphasizing the importance of specialized therapy and professional support in addressing these challenging mental health experiences.