[Grey Matter]

I just wanted to say hello. And maybe ask for some advice on how people who have had the same DX handled the diagnoses and found outlets and help, etc.

[lifelies]

Hello, and welcome to the Dissociative Imperium
We don't have depersonalization, but we've DID. Some of the alters have BPD, too, so we all experience depersonalization in some way.
All what I can recommend you is ADMIT and ACCEPT. Accept you've depersonalization, admit your life can be different due to that. But admit too that, with the adequate treatment, your life will also be different - in the good meaning!
Don't be scared when you have episodes - accept it. With time, you'll know by yourself how to handle depersonalization. It can sometimes seem that your mind isn't linked to your body (at least sometimes it happens to us), but remember that that's your disorder. If your mind isn't linked to your body, you can't be experiencing depersonalization!
You'll learn, one day at time, how to handle it.
Cheers,
Lana
Lifelies

[dragonfly2]

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.

[Jul32]

I have been doing some research and I think I may have this. No formal diagnosis yet but I have all the signs. I really don't see it as a problem though so I see no reason to get help for it.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Teen Idle

I just wanted to say hello. And maybe ask for some advice on how people who have had the same DX handled the diagnoses and found outlets and help, etc.

hello....

I found help and outlets through the treatment providers that diagnosed me with dissociative disorders. they would recommend /refer me to the various treatment providers/community agencies that dealt with my kinds of symptoms.

I also engaged in therapy and other modes of treatment with my treatment providers and community agencies like medications, yoga, my colleges athletic classes, college psych classes.....