Shaun O Connor – Author of The DP Manual & DPDR Recovery Coach

💥 The Onset of the Disorder

But in 2005, everything changed.

Out of nowhere, I was hit with Depersonalization Disorder (DPDR). It completely derailed my life. I went from being a happy, creative person to someone constantly consumed by intrusive thoughts, fear, and anxiety. I struggled to focus, connect with reality, or understand what was happening to me.

One of the most terrifying parts of DPDR was how little clear, actionable information was available about it. I felt alone, confused, and unsure if I would ever feel normal again.

🌱 How I Found My Way to Recovery

After two exhausting years of searching, researching, and journaling every detail of my experience, I finally found my way to recovery.

By piecing together what I had learned — from both personal trial and error and scientific research — I began to understand exactly why depersonalization happens and, more importantly, how to recover from it.

✍️ Creating The DP Manual

As someone with a background in writing and journalism, I decided to create the resource I had always needed: A practical, personal, and proven guide to Depersonalization recovery.

That became The DP Manual — a recovery program based entirely on lived experience, research, and a deep desire to help others avoid the confusion and fear I went through.

What began as a single guide has since grown into a full multimedia recovery program with:

• The updated and revised DP Manual

• An audiobook version

• Guided video content

• Relaxation audio tracks

• Optional 1-on-1 coaching sessions

• Translations into multiple languages

💡 Helping Others Heal

Since publishing the first version of The DP Manual, I’ve helped over 50,000 people in more than 50 countries understand and recover from Depersonalization and Derealization Disorder.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve poured everything I’ve learned - personally and professionally - into new editions of the manual and into my coaching service. As DPDR cases continue to rise, especially in connection with high-potency cannabis and global stressors, the need for accurate, hopeful, experience-based information has never been greater.

Today, my mission is simple:

To make Depersonalization recovery accessible, effective, and grounded in lived experience. So that no one has to face this condition feeling scared or alone - like I once did.