depersonalization vs derealization

Depersonalization VS Derealization: What’s the Difference?

One of the most common questions people have about DP/DR is: What’s the difference between Depersonalization vs Derealization? Are they totally different symptoms? Can they happen separately from one another? And do they have to be treated separately too? First, let’s look at both symptoms: 1. Depersonalization is a feeling of disconnection from yourself. You […]

How Long Does Depersonalization Last?

How Long Does Depersonalization Last? _____________________________ For anyone who develops the condition, one of the biggest questions they always have is: How long does Depersonalization last? In fact, one of the scariest parts of developing DP is not just the feelings themselves, but the worry that they might never stop. That they’ll just keep going […]

Can I Smoke Weed After Depersonalization?

Can I (EVER) Smoke Weed After Depersonalization?

Can You Ever Smoke Weed Again After Depersonalization Disorder? So you’ve developed Depersonalization / Derealization Disorder from a bad weed experience. You know you can recover, you might even be making good progress already.  But will you ever be able to smoke weed or eat edibles again? Will you ever be able to hang out […]

Depersonalization Disorder: The 5 Second Rule

Depersonalization Disorder: The 5-Second Rule

Depersonalization Disorder: The 5-Second Rule The 5-Second Rule is a wonderful little tip that gave me a huge amount of comfort and motivation back when I was struggling with Depersonalization and Derealization. And I think you’ll find it super useful too! Depersonalization Disorder can be a real struggle, and can certainly feel like it’s frustratingly […]

Depersonalization-The Questions ARE The Condition

Depersonalization – The Questions ARE The Condition

Depersonalization – The Questions ARE The Condition _____________________________ During my recovery from Depersonalization / Derealization, one of the single most important rules I discovered was this: In order to recover from DPDR, you absolutely MUST stop researching it. But sometimes that’s not as easy as it sounds… When the very first edition of The DP Manual […]

Depersonalization and Memory Loss

Depersonalization and Memory Loss

DPDR sufferers regularly experience problems with their memory.  But is there REALLY a link between Derealization / Depersonalization and memory loss? ________________________ Of all the strange symptoms that accompany Depersonalization and Derealization, there is one that seems to be particularly common and extremely distressing: memory loss. I hear it from DPDR sufferers all the time: […]

Depersonalization Disorder: The Mystery Condition?

Depersonalization Disorder: The Mystery Condition? Why Isn’t Depersonalization More Widely Known? One of the most common misconceptions about Depersonalization + Derealization is that it’s some strange, mystery condition. It’s absolutely not — In fact, it’s extremely common and pretty well understood. It’s very well recognized as a transient symptom of panic attacks, and is even […]

5 Reasons You THINK You Can't Recover

Top 5 Reasons (You Think!) You CAN’T Recover From DPDR

DPDR: Top 5 Reasons (You Think!) You Can’t Recover One of the most common worries that Depersonalization / Derealization sufferers have is that they might not be able to recover. So today, I’m going to go through the 5 most common reasons people think they CAN’T recover from DPDR – and why none of them […]

Film about Depersonalization

My Short Film About Depersonalization Disorder

My Short Film About Depersonalization I’m a filmmaker. I’m also a photographer and writer, but filmmaking is my first love. I’ve loved film since I saw ‘Jurassic Park’ in the cinema when I was 11 years old. And I’ve been lucky enough to pursue a career in filmmaking. In fact, I was just starting this […]

Depersonalization Without Anxiety

Depersonalization Without Anxiety

Is Depersonalization Without Anxiety Possible? _____________________________ Everything we know about Depersonalization / Derealization, both scientifically and anecdotally, tells us that it’s an anxiety-based condition. Feelings of DPDR are a perfectly normal part of anxiety. But if DPDR is an anxiety-based condition, why do some people report feeling it when they’re completely calm? Is there a […]

Six Reasons LSD Causes Depersonalization

Six Reasons LSD Causes Depersonalization

Six Reasons LSD Causes Depersonalization (….and the ONE reason you can recover!) _____________________________ While weed is the drug most commonly associated with triggering Depersonalization / Derealization disorder, psychedelics like LSD and mushrooms are a close second. Relative to weed, acid is a much less commonly used drug. But I regularly hear of and from people […]

depersonalization forums

Depersonalization Forums – Why You MUST Avoid Them

Depersonalization forums can seem like a fantastic resource. But one of the most common questions I’ve seen in all of my years of dealing with DPDR sufferers is this: “I’ve been looking on Depersonalization forums and there are people who have had the condition for 10 / 20 / 30 years…. If that can happen […]

Should You Drive With Depersonalization

Is Driving with Depersonalization Really Safe?

Is Driving with Depersonalization Safe? _____________________________ One of the most consistently stressful things for sufferers of Depersonalization / Derealization to do is drive.  Sufferers regularly report that the simple act of driving your car from one place to another can cause intense anxiety, resulting in increased depersonalization and derealization. Feelings of dissociation while driving can […]

Depersonalization is not Dangerous

PROOF that Depersonalization Is NOT Dangerous

PROOF that Depersonalization Is NOT Dangerous _____________________________ Please Note: This article is NOT a recommendation to take drugs, illegal or otherwise. If you are suffering from drug-induced Depersonalization, please do NOT take more drugs to try and alleviate the condition. This could set back your recovery and possibly trigger another DPDR episode. _____________________________ The antidepressant […]

Why Does Depersonalization Affect Sleep and Dreams?

Why Does Depersonalization Affect Sleep and Dreams?

Why Does Depersonalization Affect Sleep and Dreams? _____________________________  Depersonalization IS NOT directly linked to sleep and dreams. It can cause and be worsened by sleep deprivation, but so do all anxiety conditions. Because of the feelings of  ‘dreaming but I’m awake’ and general exhaustion due to anxiety, it can feel like Depersonalization and sleep are […]

Can More Drugs Cure My Depersonalization?

Can More Drugs Cure My Depersonalization?

Can More Drugs Cure My Depersonalization? _____________________________ For those of us who have developed chronic Depersonalization / Depersonalization at some point in our lives, there’s often a long, frightening phase where you’re trying to desperately find out what’s wrong with you and how to deal with it. I experienced this myself and believe me — […]

myths about depersonalization

The Top 5 Myths About Depersonalization + Derealization (DPDR)

The Top 5 Myths About Depersonalization + Derealization Disorder (DP/DR) There’s a LOT of confusing information out there about Depersonalization and Derealization — and in particular, some persistent myths that you tend to hear over and over, especially on forums and discussion boards. They might seem frightening, but there’s very simple explanations for all of them. […]

Tinnitus-and-Depersonalization

Tinnitus and Depersonalization

People with depersonalization / derealization will sometimes describe a ‘ringing in the ears’ as one of their many symptoms.  Though I never personally experienced tinnitus and depersonalization / derealization at the same time, I know that they can exacerbate each other. And years later, after a brush with temporary tinnitus, I became aware of the […]

Does Depersonalization Come BackDoes Depersonalization Come Back

Does Depersonalization Come Back After Recovery?

Does Depersonalization Come Back After Recovery? When you recover from Depersonalization, how likely is it to return? One of the most frightening prospects for anyone suffering from Depersonalization is that it might be permanent. Thankfully, that’s not the case! But even for people who have made a full recovery, isn’t the prospect of Depersonalization coming […]

Can Alcohol Cause Depersonalization?

Can Alcohol Cause Depersonalization?

Can Alcohol Cause Depersonalization? _____________________________ We already know that there is a direct link between drug use and Depersonalization — but what’s mentioned less is the possible link between Depersonalization and alcohol. DP sufferers often report feeling more Depersonalization after drinking. So can alcohol cause Depersonalization? Can it make it worse? Can it make it […]

Depersonalization During Coronavirus

Depersonalization During Coronavirus: 10 Simple Tips To Get Through It

Depersonalization During Coronavirus – 10 Simple Tips To Get Through It It’s a stressful time for pretty much everyone on the planet. The news is filled with frightening stories about Coronavirus infection and death rates. We’re all concerned for our health and the health of our friends and loved ones. And what’s the best thing […]

What Causes Depersonalization

What Causes Depersonalization Disorder?

What Causes Depersonalization Disorder? – The 3 Most Common Triggers _____________________________ What causes Depersonalization Disorder? In almost all cases, Depersonalization is caused by stress and trauma (barring a physical cause like a major head injury). The three most common triggers for this are:  1. Panic Attacks 2. Bad Drug Experiences 3. Accumulated Stresses  So why […]

Depersonalization Disorder in the Media

Depersonalization Disorder in the Media

I’m a pretty avid consumer of culture. In fact, I work in the media (TV / Film / Photography)  so it’s part of my job to stay up to date with what’s happening in the world.  I read widely, I follow the news, I love movies and TV. And I’ve noticed that Depersonalization isn’t mentioned […]