What is derealisation?

Derealisation is categorised as a mental disorder, which manifests itself as feelings that the things around you are not real. The feelings of detachment from reality can be episodic, or chronic. It may sometimes feel that you are living in a dream.

Derealisation and depersonalisation go hand in hand, and combined, whether chronic or episodic, are very emotionally upsetting. Bouts of this disorder can last hours, days, weeks, and sometimes even months. In some people, these episodes of unreality might turn into ongoing issues, which may get better or worse at times. However, studies have shown many people have passing feelings of one or the other, and are not a cause for any concern. Ongoing feelings though, should not be ignored, as it could be a sign of another mental health or physical condition. It is always best to visit a doctor if you are concerned about anything.

 Symptoms of derealisation and depersonalisation conditions.

Derealisation symptoms include:

·        Feeling that surroundings and people are not real.

·        Feeling emotionally disconnected as if there was something like a glass wall between you.

·        Buildings and open spaces may appear blurry, colourless, or completely out of shape.

·        Thoughts about the passing of time that are unreal, such as recent events feeling like they happened in the far distance past.

·        Forgetful about the size or shape of objects you see almost every day.

Depersonalisation symptoms may include:

·        A feeling that you are seeing your thoughts or parts of your body disassociated from your body, almost as if you are floating on air, looking down at yourself.

·        Anxious thoughts that you are not in control of what you say or how you move around.

·        An idea that your legs or arms are twisted and not the right shape.

·        Feeling that your head is exposed and needs to be covered by a hat or cap to prevent it being banged by some object.

·        Confusion about whether the things you remember are really your memories.

The symptoms of these conditions can cause serious mental upheavals or disturbances. They can also negatively impact your relationships, your job, studies and daily activities.

Treatment protocols for derealisation and depersonalisation.

Experts agree psychotherapy with an experienced therapist would be an excellent path to follow. Many of the triggers for the disorder are lurking in the subconscious mind, as a result of unresolved trauma, harmful memories, abuse, anxiety, or stressful circumstances. It has been suggested that a combination of NLP, hypnosis, and TLT be employed. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) helps you to overcome fears by correcting irrational thoughts, hypnosis is able to access the subconscious mind, and also time-line therapy (TLT) which uses your own individual time line by working with the subconscious mind to eliminate unwanted thoughts, as well as irrational emotions and behaviours.

These modalities are linked to the broad spectrum of NLP techniques and tools which are designed to assist you eliminate any limiting beliefs which may be in your subconscious mind, no matter how long they might have been there.

Therapy.

Consulting a trained therapist familiar with these treatment methods is a recommended route to follow, for a successful outcome of the derealisation/ depersonalisation disorder. With a new mindset you will be able to move forward with confidence.