Top products from r/dpdr

I recommend spending some time on /r/luciddreaming . It's a community that teaches individuals the discipline and exercises necessary to control their dreams, understand those states of consciousness, and perform a variety of reality checks. This trains individuals to understand the various manifestations of consciousness. It also stresses all-day awareness; a form of mindfulness that emphasizes focus and appreciation of the phenomena of the waking world. Consciousness is not a black and white issue (awake/conscious/normal vs. unconscious/asleep); but rather a gradation of different manifestations (alert, stressed, groggy, dream, deep sleep, psychedelia, irritable, et al.).

I highly recommend "The Lucid Dreamer: A Waking Guide for the Traveler Between Worlds"; it details the history and use of dreams and altered states of consciousness throughout time and across societies. It also contains practical exercises for controlling conscious experience. While there is a large discussion of lucid dreaming within it, it has a very good discussion on the blurred sense of reality that DP/DR entails as experienced by many people throughout time; it frames that discussion in the historical and cultural understanding of these states of consciousness and discusses much of the science behind it.

This phenomenon is nothing new to mankind; shamans, sages, mystics, and others have all written and purposefully cultivated this sense of "no-self" since time immemorial. Read any text of Tibetan tantra, Dzogchen Buddhism, Sufi poetry, listen to shamans, or read the Upanishads and you will immediately see that these people are fully aware of this phenomenon. The Dzogchen school of Buddhism believes that all of waking reality is a form of dream; one believes the dream is real while they are in it, can one not say the same of waking life? There is hope; in learning to appreciate the curious phenomenon of "waking reality", understanding the nature of the Self, and appreciating the unity of natural processes, one can come to no longer be afraid or perturbed by the undulating forms in which conscious experience manifests.

I just wrote a long reply, but I don't think it was on point.

Are you sure you recognize all of your issues? Because there might be more than you know.

People spend years dealing with, learning about, living with and recover from all kinds of trauma (yea, hi). Talking it through, connecting with like-minded people, accepting yourself and learning is just some of the things required. It's a process so relax and give yourself time to heal and move on.

Just an easy place to start could be youtube, just for an approach. This from Kati Morton could be something, although not right on point.

This was just some half-random things I thought looked interesting with a quick googling. Note that NOT ALL ADVICE ARE EQUALLY GOOD and you should only use the things that make sense to you :)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

CPTSD here! Mine *is from being sexually abused as a child, but also from growing up in a cult with narcissistic parents. It sounds like we had similar experiences in school though.

The symptoms of CPTSD do align a lot with those of GAD, so being misdiagnosed is common, or so agrees my psych team.

I recommend this book!
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma https://www.amazon.com/dp/1492871842/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3ppTDbE253ZAZ

It has helped a ton. It's been rather insightful, especially helping finally put words to thoughts/struggles I'd had long before my diagnoses. Once I knew what I was dealing with, it was easier TO deal with.

Good vibes to you!

As with most DP sufferers the constant pre-occupation with many philosophical questions is pretty normal. I go through the same kind of questions in my head and I thought I was the only one doing it. What if everything's in my head? Why does the universe exist? Does it actually exist? What is existence? How did it come into the first place? Am I me? This was just constant noise in the background.

I then got http://amzn.com/1572247061 and it lists pre-occupation with philosophical questions as one of the symptoms of DP/DR. It was a relief to see others also experience similar issues.

What you are doing is right. Accepting the condition and ignoring it subsequently is the method to overcome this disorder. Focusing on life activities such as work, gym, play, reading, creating, sleep will eventually make your brain to move on from its current pre-occupations.

It is initially very difficult, at least it was for me, but in the last few months I have made good progress. Keep calm and carry on (with Life).

P.S: And stop all intoxication, a glass of beer or wine is ok, but not more than that. And nothing else. I din't make the initial connection either. The mind needs to get it's balance back first.

Hmmm, I see. Well it sounds like exercise is worth it, still.

By the way, I recently bought this book and it seems to be v helpful - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Overcoming-Depersonalization-Feelings-Unreality-Books/dp/1845295544 - would recommend and if you use the free kindle app you could start reading as soon as you bought it!

> The main take home is that depersonalization may be specifically linked to alexithymia

That source suggests no such thing. All it's saying is that there are overlaps in symptoms between different psychological disorders.

Second article pretty much is the same thing.

Third article again is pretty much the same thing, showing how certain symptoms may overlap. The sources you are citing ONE, are very brief abstracts. Not only are they very brief and unspecific, the type of dissociation it seems that is related to shizotypy is non pathological dissociation, which is a type of dissociation every human being experiences. The non pathological end involves simple daydreaming and zoning out. Pathological dissociation, meaning in the context of a dissociative disorder, is involuntary and is used as a defense mechanism. If you want a good read on the context of all dissociative disorders, I suggest you buy this book.

https://www.amazon.com/Dissociation-Dissociative-Disorders-DSM-V-Beyond-ebook/dp/B004OBZX1W?ie=UTF8&btkr=1&ref_=dp-kindle-redirect

I am also not able to find anything backing up what you said about Depersonalization being a symptom of Cotard's Delusion.

>Nobody thinks that stress by itself causes cotards syndrome, schizotypy, or autism, yet those are all situations where DP can be central

Again, no research has stated that Depersonalization is a symptom specific to those disorders. The sources you cited didn't support that, they only showed how people with certain disorders may be more likely to experience dissociation, but that dissociation is not a defining feature of any of those disorders.

Here's a good free read on dissociation:

http://www.isst-d.org/?contentID=76

Cool thanks. I'm a doctoral student in clinical psych and hadn't come across those terms before, so thanks for helping me learn. That being said, based on my understanding of similar concepts and a quick literature check (see here for instance), your definitions here are a little off. Desomatization concerns a lack of physical sensation (not functioning) or numbness. De-ideation concerns a lack of awareness of thoughts and other mental activity. Quite different from what you wrote.

You might want to look into conversion disorder as well (recently redubbed 'functional neurological symptom disorder') which technically involves dissociation of motor and/or sensory functioning from awareness/voluntary control. While the DSM places it in a distinct category, the ICD lists it as a dissociative disorder, for good reason. It was one of the earliest recognized disorders to be labelled as such, back when it known as "hysteria." I highly recommend reading into the history of psychology as dissociation plays an enormous role in it. I cannot recommend this book enough. I see a 2nd editionhas just been released

Feel free to PM me with specific questions if you like. I prefer not to give out my name.

Check this out. It's wild and may help.

Alkuajatus - The Original Thought https://www.amazon.com/dp/9522865303/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ylD9ub1BM751M

Here's a free intro pdf.

http://alkuajatus.org/imuri/lataamo.php?t=jne01&k=2

Curious what you guys think.

Dude, you got to get out of whatever cycle you are in right now. You don't want this to turn into a full-week alcohol addiction. If you still use so much alcohol despite the consequences, then it's clear you can't do it alone. Get help, professional or not.

If you haven't already tried it, then I suggest getting some Ashwagandha from NOW Foods (2.5% withanolides) or Jarrow Formulas (KSM-66). I've had success with the NOW foods one, but I've heard the Jarrow Formulas one is better.

Not an e-book, but really great book written by doctors in currently reading: Overcoming Depersonalisation and Feelings of Unreality: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques (Overcoming Books) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1845295544/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_h.ORCbFD90YBG

If you are more interested in the scientific aspects then I'd recommend this book as well: https://www.amazon.com/Neurobiology-Treatment-Traumatic-Dissociation-Embodied/dp/0826106315

Ah Jesus Christ... This hurts to read. This resonates all too well with me. It's scary to practically read your own thoughts and experiences. I'm sorry you're going through this horrible experience.

This was my life a couple years ago, I was, like you, in a high stress environment. Constantly scared that my mind would turn on me. Day in and day out, just waiting for the first symptoms to show up so that I knew it was over, that I was positively insane.

Like you I didn't sleep much, not at all some nights.

Here's what I can recommend:

1. Fix your sleep: everything will improve as a result of you getting enough sleep. Buy sleep trackers, keep a sleep journal, eat 1kg of melatonin every night- whatever it takes. Treat sleep like a chore. Just keep working at it.
   
   
2. Buy Ashwagandaha: This stuff is great for immediate anxiety relief (For me it's about 3g-5g in the span of 1hour), is none toxic and fairly cheap, especially if you buy it in powder form. (also check out L-theanine)
   
   
3. You most likely don't have schizophrenia: You may think I'm being condescending, but I think it's important to attempt to remind yourself that you have no proof indicating that you have schizophrenia. No tests, no data, just feelings that are lying to you. Additionally, if you look through this subreddit or read the literature on this disorder, you will find that this fear is quite common among suffers of dpd, further discrediting the claim that you might have schizophrenia.
   
   In closing I would like to add that you are more than welcome to message me directly if you have any questions or would generally just like to talk with someone that has experienced what you are currently going through.
   
   I hope this will help you.

https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Unreal-Depersonalization-Disorder-Loss/dp/0195385217

Here’s a good book about DPDR written by a doctor

If you’re looking for a good fiction, [Steppenwolf(https://www.amazon.com/Steppenwolf-Novel-Picador-Modern-Classics/dp/1250074827)’s titular character is someone you might relate to.

I really like this book

Dictionary of obscure sorrows - Lutalica

Personally, I think labels shouldn't be called as such. Labels, tend to be words steeped with meaning. AKA, a word with a deep connotations and complexity. Choosing to identify with labels tends to limit yourself. But they are useful because learning about new things and new ways to understand reality can help expand your understanding of yourself. You are more than a chronically ill, depersonalized, transsexual who lives in a van.

The Game of black and White - Allan Watts.

This essay is from his book The Book: on the taboo against knowing who you are

That's my take on it.

^edit: ^redudency

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C1P4QWH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00

ignoring is not what he is saying. I suggest reading this https://www.amazon.ca/At-Last-Life-Paul-David-ebook/dp/B007MEMDOS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1542517242&sr=8-1


he talks about trauma DPDR in there too

I'm in the 11th grade (in my country we have a different system for school years, but I have just 1 year and half of high school ahead) and I've born with that shit too. I have had all the symptoms, in different ages ( rumination at 7 ,
anxiety at 10, panic attacks at 12 and 15, the impression that my life is fake, since I can remember)
School never was a good place to me (but I always liked to study) but I learned how to handle it. Things got rly bad at 8th grade. It's kind silly remembering that now, but I fell in love with a guy and lost what I had left of my identity to the image I made of him. Anyway, I get over it in the 10th grade, when I move to another school, just to have the worse year of my life. I almost killed myself a lot of times and couldn't make any friends (I still don't have any in that school).
But, after all, this year is being great. I feel new and with a lot of possibilites in hands, I start a new course and i'm making some new friends. I'm happy that I could pass through the last year to live what i'm living now.
Anyway, I can't say much to you, because we are in the same boat, but I want you to know that in some point everything just start to slowly get better, and you have to hold on until that point. When I was at your age I though that I would never get better or be happy again, but here I'm. ( Sorry for my bad english, I hope you can understand what I wrote)

PS: When I discovery what was DPD that book helped a lot: http://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Unreal-Depersonalization-Disorder-Loss/dp/0195385217 (I found it in PDF, but I can't find the link right now)

Be careful! Can help on some peoples but can cause panic attacks! It's not for everybody. (I have to try too)

Read the reviews: amazon link

I'm not an expert but from what I understand the term depersonalization refers to both a symptom and a disorder. Many people experience the symptom depersonalization at some time in their life, but for a much smaller percent it happens persistently or constantly and so can constitute a "disorder".

Here's a quote from the book "Feeling Unreal" that might help:

> Everyone feels "unreal" from time to time. It may happen after a traumatic event, while in new or foreign surroundings, or in times of severe stress. ... But this mechanism can go awry and exhibit a darker side, which manifests itself as depersonalization disorder.

I think the "while in new or foreign surroundings" is particularly relevant to your gas station experience.

Again, I'm not a therapist, and if these feelings continue or are discomforting to you, then it might help to talk to a professional.

P.S. Here's another quote from the book that I think is relevant. The "she" refers to Sarah, an anonymous person with depersonalization disorder:

> "Most people have played little games with their minds at one time or another," she says, "like staring in the mirror so long that you no longer recognize your face, or repeating the same word over and over until it no longer sounds familiar--it sounds like something you've never heard before." These momentary impressions of strangeness that normal people can induce in themselves are quite similar to what Sarah feels much of the time, but cannot control, she says.

I'm glad to hear that dp/dr didn't seem to bring you down through all your time of having the condition. Do you remember when you began to disassociate? did you have a panic attack or did it seem to come on slowly? dp/dr is a very strange illness that affects people in different ways.

you mention wanting to run and hide away and sleep it off. I've been there before, and capitulating to that won't help - trust me. you gotta get out and do things that you enjoy in spite of how anxious you feel. at first it's extreeeeemely difficult, but you'll get there, anyone can. a lot of sufferers ruminate and try to come up with the 'answer' to this spiritual crisis that we find ourselves in, but really, you can't 'think' your way out of dp/dr. you gotta get on with your life. it will become more bearable, hang in there buddy.

check out this video. I don't so much like this guy as he's always trying to sell you his 10-hour DVD thing for an extortionate amount of cash, but his youtube vids can actually be quite useful. But try not to get bogged down in reading about dp/dr too much, it's helpful to reassure yourself that others suffer from it and they recover, but having it constantly on your mind all the time will make it worse. STAY AWAY from dpselfhelp.com (I'm deleting my account there soon), unless you plan to read the 'recovery stories' section, but again, different things work for different people. You will find most people who recover from this combine 'acceptance' and 'distraction', that is, they accept the feelings of dp/dr and let the anxiety be without fighting it (let go of that internal struggle against the way you're feeling and just let it be) and that they distract themselves by engaging in social activities (socialising with friends has helped me enormously over time) and doing things they normally enjoy. for me its making music, i'm trying to make an EP at the moment which takes a lot of work because there's a lot of processes involved (writing, producing, recording, mixing etc) and i can take my mind off of how i'm feeling. the more i do this, the more distant DP becomes. sure i have some relapses and some weeks are better than others, but generally i'm starting to come out of it.

this suggestion is a bit of a long shot, but it might work, or be helpful for anyone still reading. you mentioned that you've always been a sensitive person. People with DP/DR tend to be like this. Would you describe yourself as caring, creative and somebody who tends to overthink things a lot? are you generally quite anxious, depressed and lethargic, find it hard to get out of bed? do you by any chance have quite youthful facial features? if so then you might want to look into zinc deficiency/copper toxicity. I recently found out that i may be zinc deficient, and that a 'copper personality' that some nutritions are starting to become aware of these days (characterised by the traits i mentioned above, and caused by a build-up of copper in the brain) may be linked to dp/dr. i've been taking zinc supplements and i think it's helped me tremendously. obviously it's not going to work for everyone, but look into the 'copper personality' and copper toxicity if you can relate to the questions above.

The difference between DP and DR, is basically that depersonalisation involves estrangement from one's internal self, and derealisation involves estrangement from the outside world. DP sufferers feel detached from their emotions (they may describe feeling 'numb'), from their thinking process (they may describe feeling as if their head is 'full of cotton wool' or that their mind has gone 'blank') and DR suffers often feel as if the world around them appears fake or unreal, like they were in a dream or a movie or something. They may also report that people seem cartoonish and strange. However they tend to cross over. I suffer mainly from DP but i get episodes where i feel like I'm in a dream-world all of a sudden. DP/DR suffers are often obsessed with existential, philosophical, metaphysical and hypochondriacal (health) issues, such as the meaning of life, how the mind works, whether or not the world is real (solipsism etc) and whether they have a health issue like brain tumours or permanent damage to the brain (as most suffers get drug-induced DP/DR, usually from smoking cannabis or taking LSD/MDMA). DP/DR does not arise as a result of brain damage, or at least there's no scientific link. It's generally accepted to be just an anxious state of mind brought on by trauma (a lot of people's dp/dr is onset before/during/immediately following a panic attack) and it's reversible. There have been people who have suffered this condition for 20 or so years and have recovered (but don't scare yourself into believing that you'll suffer like this - it really depends on the person and a lot of these people had no idea what they were even suffering from, and once they learned about it, recovery soon followed - which should be the case for you now that you're aware of dp/dr) which shows that it's not a permanent condition at all.

sorry for my incoherent waffling and such but i hope this has given you some insight, and i think you'll recover soon.

In the meantime this book is great for anxiety/panic (and even involves a section on obsession and 'feelings of unreality'). it's called 'hope and help for your nerves' and really helped me through my initial anxiety. I would highly recommend getting it on audible as an audiobook as this woman has a very soothing and reassuring voice. It's from 1962 but it's amazingly relatable and i can't stress enough how much this woman has helped me. Another, more clinical book worth getting is this one which also helped me. It was written by a group of psychiatrists in london who dedicate their study to Depersonalisation Disorder, that is, the disorder in itself, not as a symptoms of another mental health issue such as PTSD or depression. it contains reassuring information about how they understand the illness works.

TL;DR: just keep going, don't let dp/dr stop you from doing what you love, do those things regardless of how anxious/freaked out/unreal you feel. get busy, let the anxiety wash over you like a wave. stay away from dp/dr forums and don't worry - you're not going to go crazy.