Hi Teen Idle - and welcome.

I also have Depersonalization Disorder, mixed with a healthy dose of Bipolar. The biggest help for me with the DPD was just knowing what it was. I'm in my mid-40's and only learned about dissociation when I was 30. I've been dissociating since I was 3. Knowing I'm not "going crazy" or "losing my mind" makes the episodes less scary. Knowing that this is something that isn't my fault and that others also experience it has helped.

There is a good book out called "Feeling Unreal" by Daphne Simeon that only deals with DPD. Hearing about others' stories helps me feel less alone. There are also sections that deal with the biology of DPD and the work that is being done to find a medical treatment. Also, websites like DPSelfhelp.com - Depersonalization Community , depersonalization - DreamChild Home , Dissociation and Trauma: Join ISSTD! , and this forum can help.

My DPD can range from a mild spacey/unreal feeling clear on through to a total shutdown where I can't see, move, or hear. Thankfully, the shut downs don't happen that often, but the other degrees of dissociation can still be very disabling. I use different things to help myself return to my body or try to prevent the episodes in the first place, but sometimes I just have to ride them out.

Glad you've found us. I hope it helps the unreality feel less lonely for you.