Anyone have depersonalization disorder (DPD)? Want to discuss.

Hello @onamay and welcome to Mayo Connect. I appreciate your post about depersonalization disorder. As I was not familiar with the term I found some information on Mayo's website regarding the symptoms and treatment. Here is the link to this information, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352911

I would like to invite others into this conversation including @gailb @parus and @georgette12.

You mention that you have had this disorder since age 14. Are you an adult now? If you feel comfortable sharing more about yourself, how does this disorder impact your life currently (socially, in your work life, relationships, etc.)? Have you discovered the cause of this disorder through mental health counseling? Have any meds been helpful?

This is the first time I've heard of this. I looked it up on Google, and I was shocked to learn this is something I have--or had in the past. I must ponder this before I respond with your request in detail. Thank you so much for asking your question! Welcome to Mayo Connect.

For years I thought everyone had these type of experiences. My symptoms have become far worse with age. I know not to mention it as I would be thought senile, etc. There are things I have learned not to mention lest I be locked a way again. I no longer enjoy being involved in much of anything.

I've been diagnosed with it with for episodes in the presence of medical professionals. It doesn't bother me as much as it does others. They want to put me on serious drugs, but I won't take them.

Hi, @onamay - wondering how you are doing lately? How is the depersonalization disorder you mentioned?

Hi there …. yes, when I was going through the worst of my life at home as a child, and also during my marriage, I experienced this regularly. It is as if you are two different people, mentally. I would be driving down the street and suddenly I felt like I was driving in a tube with no one else around. Often these splits would happen when I was most stressed. Then I realized I did this a lot as a kid, as a form of protection. Raised in an alcoholic home, I always felt at risk, threatened, so I just "left" ….. mentally. It's scary when it happens and few people know about it, but with excellent therapy from a Psychologist and medication from an excellent Psychiatrist, it finally stopped. During my divorce, it would happen occasionally , so that I could "go away" from the hurt and pain. People who have not experienced this have no idea, and it sounds a little weird, but believe me, it isn't. I think there are a lot of us out there who do this, but are afraid to admit it. Take care,
abby