Laura's DPDR Recovery Story
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I recently interviewed Laura Karlsson from Perth, Australia about her experience with and recovery from Depersonalization / Derealization.
Laura had multiple experiences with DP and DR since she was 13 years old, which unfortunately went misdiagnosed for years.
It was only after the most recent and most intense experience with DPDR (at age 27) that she was able to finally understand and address the condition properly.
Laura talks about the differences in experiencing DPDR as a teenager, and then as a new mother in her late 20s.
Racing heart, constant nausea, 2D vision, loss of appetite, sleep issues and terrible nightmares, feeling 'like a ghost' -- and non-stop panic attacks.
Laura also talks about the Existential Thoughts, questioning everything, and being terrified of films like The Matrix.
Laura then tells me about her recovery process, and how the importance of the anxiety and existential thoughts starts to become less and less important in your life. And how she's now 'reborn again' and 'enjoying every day' of being a new mum!
We also discuss how the experience of having gone through an anxiety-based condition like DPDR can actually make you stronger going forward, and more empathetic to people who might be going through the same thing.
Thank so much to Laura for appearing on The DP Manual Youtube channel and you can check out hundreds more DPDR recovery testimonials here!
Written by Shaun O Connor
Shaun O Connor is the creator of The DP Manual Recovery Program and a mental health educator specializing in DPDR recovery. Since overcoming Depersonalization himself, he has helped tens of thousands of others do the same through his writing, one-on-one coaching and YouTube channel.
✍️🕒 Last Updated on July 25, 2025 by Shaun O Connor