Dissociation

Depersonalisation-Derealisation Disorder

Persistent feelings of being detached from yourself, or of the world being unreal, foggy or dreamlike.

What it can feel like

Not everyone has every symptom, and you do not need a label to deserve support.

Constant checking of 'am I real right now' fuels the loop. Let it be present without inspecting it.

Strong sensations such as cold water, a strong taste or brisk movement help re-anchor attention outward.

Sleep loss, caffeine, alcohol and heavy stress all raise the intensity.

Want to actually do these? Save them to your practices and tick them off as you go.

It is common and treatable. Speak to a GP if it persists, as it often accompanies anxiety, trauma or depression that can be treated directly.

A protective response to severe early trauma where different self-states hold separate memories and experiences, often with gaps in recall.