Others assert that it’s less of a protective function and more like a scar from the traumatic event (or set of events) itself. Many theorists believe that dissociation is your body’s way of protecting you from extreme trauma or stress.
This can result in a diagnosis of depersonalization/derealization disorder (DPDR).ĭissociation can also occur with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), so you may not necessarily be diagnosed with DPDR separately. For 2% of the population, the symptoms become more frequent. With that in mind, here are several resources that you may find helpful.Ībout 75% of people experience feelings of depersonalization at some point in their lives.
Various types of support may help ease your distress around depersonalization - from self-care and online groups, to therapy and education. If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, you’re not alone. In addition, anxiety or depression can often occur alongside depersonalization, which can make your experience more intense. Sometimes, depersonalization is caused by a negative experience with cannabis or other substances.Īdditional symptoms of depersonalization can include memory loss and out-of-body experiences. What they do know is that it’s a type of dissociation, often caused by traumatic or stressful events like a panic attack, an accident, abuse, or assault. The good news is, learning what causes depersonalization, as well as using a few self-care tools, can help make it more manageable.ĭepersonalization is a complex topic, and researchers still don’t know a lot about it. Share on Pinterest Alina Hvostikova/Stocksy Unitedĭepersonalization can be a frightening or confusing experience.