Dissociation, Depersonalisation, and Derealization - How to Come Back When You Dissociate

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Do you ever feel numb? Detached? Like you’re completely separate from your body or like you’re floating above it, watching yourself like you aren’t even real?
Or does the world around you sometimes feel foggy? Dreamlike? Or like time is moving super fast or super slowly?
These are all signs of dissociation, derealization or depersonalization. These three terms all have some overlap in symptoms. Dissociation is a common response to trauma and other overwhelming experiences, but it can also become a chronic state or a learned response to emotions.
In this video you’ll learn to identify the triggers and internal signs leading up to dissociation and when you have a framework to understand why dissociation happens, then you can be more gentle with yourself and learn skills to manage overwhelming situations more adaptively and flexibly and be more resilient. I have worked with many clients who’ve experienced dissociation or depersonalization.
Dissociation is most common for people who have experienced childhood trauma or other intense situations where they were unable to escape or overcome the danger. It’s our body’s innate wisdom, a survival strategy for when things are overwhelming, to protect us from feeling the pain by temporarily disconnecting the mind from the body and environment.
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In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.
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[@notactuallyginger1]

To everyone experiencing dissociation, depersonalization or derealization right now- accept it. The best you can do for now is accepting it, not being afraid of the feeling itself or of being "crazy", trust me, you're not :) i believe that thinking of dissociation as a threat that desperately needs to be pushed away makes it worse. I have dealt with depersonalization from time to time, had a very intense phase for the past two weeks, and simply reminding myself that it's just an uncomfortable feeling that can not hurt me helped me A LOT. When I suddenly felt "real" two days ago, I happy-cried, I thought it would only last for a few seconds but it remained until now. You won't feel like this forever! Thank you so so much for your videos, for helping tons of people, THANK YOU!

[@MrCmon113]

There is people, who spend decades in isolation, fasting, chanting and meditating trying to "depersonalize" and "derealize". Meanwhile in the West people do it on accident and think it's a pathology.

[@opheliapo3771]

⁠@@MrCmon113I understand where you are coming from, but I think maybe you are misinterpreting what dissociation is. People who isolate, fast, and meditate in various ways do so to achieve a kind of ‘hyper-presence’ with themselves, an absolute oneness with themselves in the now. Dissociation may look the same, but it does the opposite. It attempts to help the person experiencing it to escape themselves and the present, because trauma has caused the brain to consider those things unsafe. Meditation is actually a really great way to help PREVENT dissociation.

[@TMH792]

Thank you for this! I needed to hear it so bad right now! I’ve been reprocessing trauma for 9 months and have been checked out for a a couple weeks and all I keep thinking is I can’t feel like this, I have things to do. My therapist told me it’s part of it, but I actually think I’ve been re traumatized with not enough tools to have opened what was opened. I’m usually anxious or in flight mode, so this feels scary! It took me a week to realize this, tho. I don’t remember last week, it’s a blur. 🤯

[@Raelunil]

I spent the majority of my teenage years and 20s feeling very detatched from reality and myself. Between getting a great therapist and my lovely cats working to bring me back to the present, I'm now usually living in the present and am able to do more and most importantly, I can live vibrantly and feel emotions again. If you're dealing with this, I see you, and you can get back to being present too.

[@sourgreendolly7685]

I miss my kitty. I wish I could afford a pet right now, they really do help! It's hard to stay checked out when you've got snuggles, purring, and whisker tickles when they sniff at you 🥰 Getting pets again is my biggest why.

[@Raelunil]

@@sourgreendolly7685 I really hope you're able to get pets again soon! Honestly, mine are the reason I'm still here. They have helped me through extremely hard times, and they are the biggest blessing. I love them so much!

[@shivranjanigandhi2114]

Thank you for sharing. I just got a trauma therapist and I'm planning to get a cat too 😊 it's pretty difficult to imagine what it would be like to leave survival mode but I want to keep trying. 😊

[@Sorchia56]

Well done! I’m so pleased for you!

[@slv6470]

thanks for this comment. ive been dissociating my 20s and im hoping to feel better :(

[@dr.bandito60]

Sensory processing issues can also push you to dissociate. If you are extra sensitive to light or sound (or other senses) you may have learned to dissociate in response to normal life conditions. You can try wearing sunglasses or earplugs regularly to test if this is an issue. This is a common issue for neurodivergent people.

[@juliefall2892]

Interesting , what is neurodivergent?

[@dr.bandito60]

@@juliefall2892 It’s a term used for some neurological and behavioral conditions that have been traditionally classified as “disorders” like autism and ADHD. There has been community movement to recognize that those may really be fairly normal expressions of consciousness but that our current society is designed in a way that makes life harder for people with these types of rhythms. Basically, noticing that your mind works differently than society seems to expect it to, but it does work fine under the correct conditions.

[@Francesca948]

After an intense trip with my partner, I could feel that I had dissociated a lot, and reflecting on the theory that overstimulation during the day, living so much together for the first time... led me to dissociate without realizing it at the time. moment. your point of view confirms that intuition!

[@elisabethcasale6642]

I could spend much of my day without earplugs in. I carry them wherever I go. It’s wonderful..

[@juliet6200]

That's interesting. As someone who also has sensory issues I find, wearing sunglasses, earplugs, etc make me dissociate more because they can make it easier to check out. Just a caution for anyone who sees these tips. Check in with yourself :)

[@gerp9870]

I remember years ago nonstop researching depersonalization/derealization. It took years of working on relaxing my body and not fearing symptoms before it vanished, and I just never thought about it again really. It is wild to think I used to spend every day feeling like I was in a dream and fearing everything about existence and I just can't relate to those feelings anymore. It certainly was not all at once but day by day in 2021 I thought about it less and less and now has just been gone. I remember also hearing recovery stories and not believing them, I would think that my case was special and that I was doomed to suffer from it forever. All the people that say you can recover are 100% correct. I had hundreds of DP/DR symptoms in the past but none of them bother me anymore. Be patient friends, you will recover!

[@timur...222]

hi, why did you have derealization ?

[@gerp9870]

@@timur...222 Hello, I could answer that, but I won’t….and here is why! The most simple answer is that it doesn’t matter how you started experiencing it whether it was built up stress, anxiety, trauma, drugs because you get out of it the same way. By relaxing your body, accepting/not fearing symptoms, staying busy, living life.

[@timur...222]

@@gerp9870 I see

[@bestactress1281]

Hii can you please help me and tell me what your symptoms were and how you helped yourself cure it. I feel I may have this I'm not sure bc my symptoms are not as severe. I just feel I shut down when there's too much fear (over simple things) and that ruins all my relationships. Bc when I calm down I feel nice and great towards a partner but then I get too anxious and have to leave and shut down. And ofc this is such hot and cold behavior for anyone in my life so any insight would be helpful!

[@mannygalindo8235]

This made me smile & gave me hope even if it’s just for now! I also been replaying that thought over & over, especially when I’m stuck in that “trance” & don’t know how to get out of it, I start thinking of everything that I’ve been dealing with & that no one else has gone through what I’ve gone through, making it a special case, but at the same time I just know that I won’t be living the rest of my life like this, it’s just terms of getting help & learning how to move forward! Thank you for sharing :)

[@Hoclem]

I’ve suffered from chronic depersonalization / derealization for 12 years. It’s literal hell at times. Others it’s manageable. It definitely stems from my bloodline and trauma. It makes it hard to believe you’re a real person or that reality is what we think it is. It’s almost like psychosis but you know shit is real. It comes with visual symptoms too like visual snow and ghosting

[@theresag.4188]

I'm following the Linden method currently. I did it 12 years ago when it happened now I had an incident and I have it again. So here i am trying so hard again!!!! It was hard and it took time but it did go away!!! I had so many years living normal again. I will get my life back again!!!!👊

[@ramblchat55]

I didn't know visual snow was a symptom- also what is ghosting? :O

[@suneater_zeef050]

it really is hell. it becomes so hard to navigate the world. i remember crying in my bed for an hour because i felt so detached from my home and pets. i pray to get better and heal from this

[@martinoffl]

Anyway u know the reality of life that's u r aware of what's happening within u many peoples like me who are'nt aware of this they thinks everyone's mind will be the same 😂😂 And just they become senselessness

[@aibasei3254]

I have this from 2010 also somehow chronic. But it gets better when I am happy, and worse when I am depressed. Same thing I don't feel that I am alive. And it seems to be dream. But in my dreams I learned to make up situations, if I wanna fly I will. So that's my difference between reality. But often I touch myself or bite. To feel that I am here. It's really scary. I hope I will conquer it. Because I ve never went to the psychologist thinking that he will accept me as a psycho.

[@minieyke]

It makes me feel so happy knowing that your patient who was struggling in the lobby had you there to just wait it out with her. The world is just a cruel place and I can't think about how many times my family, or a partner, or a healthcare provider just treated it like over-reacting attention seeking from me when I would go numb and not be able to respond.

[@sarayusarayu832]

“Let’s get better at feeling” is the best line for a therapy video.

[@Catscalligraphy]

We need more therapists addressing this very important topic. We are all numbing ourselves in today’s society, but I have dealt with disassociation quite a bit as an adult. I feel like I’ve lost chunks of time and when it’s been extremely bad, I felt like I was in a video game. It was creepy. I understand why my body was doing it, but am scared of going back to that place. Again, thank you for addressing this/

[@EarlofSedgewick]

Right! I haven't had the experience of moving around like in a video game, but I have felt like I was observing a movie - that the trees and forks around me weren't there but were a simulation instead. At other, separate instances I would see myself in the mirror and I wouldn't feel like the face I saw was mine. I logically knew "I'm looking in a mirror, so that is my face," but it had a quality of unreality to it. It's not unlike the feeling of noticing the details of something for the first time; ie, looking closely at an ear. When I try to talk about these sensations with family, they often react poorly or defensively. But slowly I've met people who experience the same things. And myself I find that I notice dissociation in many things: playing games or sports I will often dissociate when my anxiety increases, and the grounding techniques help to improve my performance by keeping my mind and body alert and receptive to changing information. It's the single biggest skill for performing well at a complex task. I kind of feel like much of the political discourse is so rocky because more and more people grow up dissociated from the world. They have a story that makes them feel good, that regulates then. Then, if someone challenges that story, they experience anxiety increase and they'll dissociate back into their story world, looking for an argument that keeps their story intact instead of trying to just observe what is being said, what exists, etc. Whether it is transgenderism, Trump's presidency, COVID or even if the Earth is flat or round, we all find a story about them that feels right and true based on our experiences and relationships. "I know people aren't trustworthy, so when someone tells me to trust an authority, I won't. Last time I did that, I was abused." Nothing about this is unnatural either. It's probably much like that gazelle she talks about in this video. Dissociating is an adaptive survival mechanism, so we all have that on speed-dial. It's whether we can feel safe in uncertain circumstances that allows us to be rational. Not easy, but nothing worthwhile is easy, as they say

[@nicoletiana]

I've been struggling with this A LOT lately. I'm noticing myself not even being able to fully be present in the moment or i look back after my whole day and i can't even remember i was even in those moments 😭 I cry about it all the time, i hate that i disassociate a lot, it's a bit concerning 😪

[@sourgreendolly7685]

It's so scary the first time you start catching it get to that degree - I know exactly how you feel.

[@sarahbeekman3814]

It’s so difficult! I’ve been working on this for years. It was hard for me to even realize it was a problem because disassociation can feel so much better than facing your feelings. But disassociating also feels incredibly sad for reasons that are hard to explain when you’re in that state. I’ve been in therapy once a week for years now and I’m finally able to say that working through my feelings is so much better than disassociating. Keep working at it, but also give yourself grace because recovery is not a straight line. Best of luck, my friend ❤️🙏

[@sarahbeekman3814]

I remembered of a good place to start! Each day identify 3 feeling words. Such as frustrated, stuck or calm

[@UnsinkableShips]

Same here! It has been so tough and scary to realize but reading that a lot of people have come out of it makes me feel a lot better. Also I’m not the only one who feels this way!! 💜

[@lovealexxxx3491]

I’m no therapist but try facing whatever you’re avoiding in your life and find time to pamper yourself by yourself. Even when showering do it slow, smelling the soap and feeling the act of getting clean and receiving care and affection towards yourself. I love to go shopping and while it may be an unhealthy addiction of mine, it still helped me remember my old self and feel more connected to my emotions, thoughts, opinions, and ideas. Journaling also helps. I pray you find the bravery you need to face everything in your life knowing that the Creator loves you, is covering you, and healing you. ❤💗🫶🏾🙏🏾

[@violet00261]

for anyone experiencing this, it can get better. i was in non-stop dp/dr for about 2-3 months, it was was triggered by my anxiety and ocd. looking back, i can't remember much but panic attacks and constantly being paranoid. it severely impacted my functionality and i genuinely thought i was losing my mind. it's the scariest feeling I've ever felt. with the help of my therapist, starting medication, and my coping mechanisms (journaling, meditating, drinking tea, etc...), i was able to get so much better. I'm able to function now, i even got a new full-time job! and while i can't say that I'm "happy," i am doing a lot better and can enjoy moments of my life now and i rarely experience dissociation anymore. it can get better, i promise you, no matter how scary it seems. keep going.

[@AnnaAnna-nr8uh]

How did you came back ?

[@violet00261]

@AnnaAnna-nr8uh Honestly, therapy and medication (sertraline) helped me a lot. Meditation also helped so much. I learned to stop fearing how it felt and it gradually went away. It's easier said than done, but you just need to carry on when you're experiencing it, you can't give into how horrible it feels. I still experience it once in a while, which my therapist says is normal, but I just shoulder it and live on. If you're dealing with this, just keep onto the hope that it gets better because it does with time.

[@felbaud]

@@violet00261I start sertraline soon and CBT therapy with my psychiatrist Do you think I will fet’ better ? What can I do also ? Meditation ? Sport ? Thks

[@twylenb]

A big problem with a lot of the grounding techniques for dissociation is that they are so sensory based. For someone like me who can get overstimated to the point of dissociation, it makes me feel awful feeling the air on my throat as I breathe, touching ice overwhelms me, etc. The only thing that breaks me out is connecting with my memories and sense of self. I remember my thoughts, good or bad, and cling to them so I can get control of my body again.

[@carmagurl317]

me too, I hate the sensory stuff. My therapist told me, wherever you go, you get to take all your memories with you . That really helps.

[@brendamoon2660]

Have you tried circular breathing? Inhale for 3 seconds, hold your breath 3 seconds, exhale 3 seconds, hold 3 seconds. Putting ice in my hand would trigger disassociation for me. I can't stand to touch ice.

[@user-io9bj3qb7k]

EXACTLY MY THOUGHT AND FEELING !

[@user-io9bj3qb7k]

I DONT WANT TO FOCUS ON MY BREATHINHG !! THAT IS THE CAUSE OF MY PANIC !! I NEED TO FLOW !

[@b7nv6v]

I had an experience Derealization a few months ago, and it was a very frightening feeling. I felt like I was dying from fear, and I felt it after I was struck by a physical illness, but now I am better and have recovered, but now I realize that my body was trying to protect me from pain stay strong y'all and don't give up 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@pear92]

I used to live in a state of almost constant dissociation before I went on thyroid medication. It also still sometimes happens if I allow my blood sugar to get low (fixed by eating a nutritious meal with protein in it). Not trying to negate or discount the type of dissociation caused by trauma or mental health issues, but it could be helpful to some people to see my comment and realize that maybe they should get checked for hypothyroidism and/or hypoglycemia (both of which I have).

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

Really interesting and helpful. This morning I actually reached out to some endocrinologists to interview them about the impacts of hormones on mental health.

[@ACD1994]

Appreciate your comment. Makes sense that a thyroid condition could cause dissociative symptoms, vitamin deficiencies are also a possibility, that could trigger dpdr. There's a condition called BVD, where, basically, the eyes are misaligned, and are, unable to process images in the way they are supposed to. I'm going to get the examination, with a neuro- specialist to see if this, is what's causing my derealization and dissociation.

[@gogogolyra1340]

I dissociate but my TSH is normal. I even did a thyroid ultrasound and it came back normal

[@pear92]

@@gogogolyra1340 That’s good for you, then.

[@pear92]

@@ACD1994 I hope you get your answers!

[@cherylhmackie]

I had a diagnosis of DID due to childhood trauma. I am fully integrated now (which is a quite the journey in itself). I underwent years of trauma counselling. It was incredibly difficult, but also a beautiful time of healing. I still struggle with triggers, occasional dissociation and get pretty low at times. I see all of these things now more as a symptom of a greater internal issue that my body is attempting to make me aware of. As part of my ongoing processing/healing I do mindfulness, yoga, walking, sitting in gardens (observing nature), prayer n art. My art is incredibly therapeutic, my mind enters a deep place of mindfulness; helping me become mind/body aware n process things. Even after integration I don't think I really started to become more of my whole healed self, until I left the toxic environments that caused the most damage. I live a fairly introverted/isolated life as a result (maybe to my detriment), but the few friends I have are deep friendships. Catching up for coffee with them can be incredibly uplifting.

[@carmagurl317]

It sounds like you've built an amazing life for yourself ❤

[@freeviebee]

It's pretty amazing to hear you are fully integrated now. When I struggled with DPDR, one of my biggest fears actually was to develop DID. But I know it was just the anxiety in my body and if you have it, DID as you said is also just a trauma response to survive. It's great to read your story about healing. I wish you the best in life :)

[@camillerodriguez5161]

I’ve pretty much been living in long states of dissociation for the past 20+ years. It’s only been getting worse 😔 it’s overwhelming and lonely.

[@susanlore345]

I’m sorry. Same here. Hugs.

[@camillerodriguez5161]

@death is negus thank you I will definitely check it out! Appreciate it!

[@camillerodriguez5161]

@@susanlore345 much love Susan

[@kjo9982]

Me too. It’s awful

[@jokicback2backmvp877]

Hey sorry to hear that, I know how you feel I've been like this for the passed 30 years. I'm gonna start this medication next week that people said it cured them from depersonalization/dissociation, it's called naltrexone. There are studies that this helps/cures dissociation. I will keep you updated I'm praying it works out

[@HolldollMcG]

THANK YOU for pointing out that dissociation can be as simple as distraction. Certain triggers for me will make me feel like my body is shutting down, like I'm falling asleep, I struggle to hear and to focus on what people are saying, and I do get distracted. I never really had a word for it, I felt like the word "dissociate" was reserved for people who were in dire straights. This is very validating, and I think it will help me to be more compassionate to others who get distracted. Thank you.

[@Twinmama143]

Same

[@saltiestsiren]

I derealize very easily in overstimulating environments, and when it first started happening, it would send me into a panic attack. I still hate how it feels to my very core. It's the reason I can't do any kind of drug like weed--I need to be firmly rooted in reality. Now that I know the feeling itself isn't dangerous, I don't tend to panic, but I feel extremely upset because derealization totally ruins fun events like concerts and conventions for me. It prevents me from properly encoding memories and engaging with everything going on around me. I feel resentful toward my depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD, but derealization really takes the cake on being a life-ruiner, because it's actually what gave me my first panic attack, which in turn caused panic disorder, agoraphobia, and depression when I was 14. You could say derealization has indirectly destroyed my life. Edit: I didn't have any trauma when all this started, either. If anything, the derealization and all the mental illness have traumatized me more than anything ever could have.

[@Lemoncare]

I hear you. This dp/dr is such buzzkill. It has destroyed me.

[@Lemoncare]

But I won’t give up. I just won’t. Better times are coming.

[@ChocolatSunshine]

Thank you for sharing your story. It’s made me realize I am not alone and neither are you.

[@nadinem.1382]

These skills unfortunately don’t work well for me. I am in a chronic state of dissociation and this has become my „normal“ state. Numb and withdrawn from the world. It’s honestly not a nice state for living life and I feel like all the therapists are clueless about how to help me after all standard trauma therapy methods have failed. Thank you for the video

[@MoritsukiRei]

I dissociate during medical procedures, so I can definitely advocate for it being extremely useful in select circumstances.

[@coccinellejay]

This is my current reality, and I’m desperately trying to find my way back to me. I’m grateful to come across this video, and I’m hoping that I can get back to normal soon. Last year, I lost my job. 2 weeks later, I lost my baby (a stillborn), and 1 month later I lost my youngest brother. So, I definitely experienced a great amount of trauma leading up to my current state. However, I noticed that I would have random moments like this since I was a child. Right now, it has become a constant state for me. I know that I need help, but I haven’t known how to be helped because whenever I explained it to people they looked at me like I was crazy and didn’t understand what I was saying. I have definitely experienced the amnesia part, and that’s very scary!

[@coryrocko8784]

Hang in there, I’m battle with anxiety and OCD/ panic as well, God gives me supernatural strength, and he puts great channels like this as tools for us to learn from, but I love you and Jesus loves you. Stay strong

[@AmandaJYoungs]

I didn't even realise dissociation was a "problem" or something that I might benefit from dealing with, I used to think it was a gift! LOL Thank you, this is an incredibly valuable video.

[@sourgreendolly7685]

It can be! It's like most things- it's not bad for you in moderation.

[@littleninnie]

Same..as kid/teenager, I used to think I had some superpower too

[@saltiestsiren]

You're lucky...when I would derealize as a teenager I would have a panic attack or a mental breakdown. It feels awful to me.

[@gogogolyra1340]

It is a gift! It saved me from feeling the full impact of the trauma thats why i didnt experience a mental breakdown

[@Gunbudder]

yes! i found this video trying to learn how to trigger it more often and more deeply

[@desertrose9063]

I learned a trick as a child. I'll be 60 yrs old in June '23. I've been very "sensitive" since birth. I can't tolerate violence in any form. Physical or verbal. When an angry person, like my mother, would get in my face screaming ... I'd freeze. And in my mind, I could cause a visual distortion that stretched the room. My attacker was no longer 12 inches from my face ... I'd stretch the room so it "appeared" that the person was 10 feet away. I didn't stop doing this until I'd been in psychotherapy for a couple of years. If we touched on a difficult subject ... I'd tell my therapist, "You just moved across the room." It eventually stopped. Then came my years in the Marine Corps. I may have been a cracked egg when I enlisted ... But my last duty station 32 yrs ago B R O K E me. I've been using VA care for 4 years now. NOT a picnic. I've lost count as to how many doctors, nurses & psychiatrists I've fired. Not because I'm denying I'm sick & need help. I've stayed under psychiatric care since my discharge 12-31-1990 ( new years eve). I've been TRD for over 30 years. 1 year ago February, I began weekly 1 hour ketamine IV infusions. It's like waking up from a 30 year coma. No exaggeration. But I hadn't planned for HARD setbacks. Tunnel vision. Unable to speak. Loss of time. Crushing sadness. Pissed off when I wake up in the morning ALIVE! I need a therapist! The VA's version of cognitive behavioral therapy is: 8 weeks with a psychiatrist. A syllabus ... yes ... syllabus for the doctor to READ to you every week. Nooooo talking! After the 8 week course is finished? THAT'S IT! They'll push pills at ya all day long. But there's a massive shortage of mental health care providers at the VA. So, disabled veterans, like myself, do without ... unless they can pay out of pocket to see civilian doctor. Like I do.

[@marjamerryflower]

Sending you a big hug

[@Anita-sn3ug]

Praying for you.

[@kp4911]

Dissociation is the first coping skill that all humans learn the moment they pop out of the womb because you have nothing else. You can't speak, write, walk away, deal with anything...you're just a baby, then a small child, then a child growing up in a world run by adults. The child dissociates to cope with the external pressures of it's needs not getting met, particularly when it comes to attachment issues with its primary caregivers. The prime directive in your brainstem says, if my attachment needs are not getting met, I'm going to die, but babies, children, they can't handle concepts of death. It's overwhelming. So it dissociates. There is actually two forms of dissociation: numbing out (hypo-dissociation) and an elevated form that feels like panic attacks (hyper-dissociation). If the pressure of your childhood, teen years, etc. is great enough, you'll keep dissociating to a great degree because of your trauma. Add in extremely bad life experiences that wire into your original childhood trauma and you have an interconnected web of all your unprocessed hurt, unmet needs, trauma, fears, abuse, etc.Trauma is essentially a time orientation problem within the brain. You get a trigger and your brain loses orientation to time. It's lost in your past, even as you are somewhat aware that you are in 2023, until you dissociate and then you're really gone, lost. So when you feel dissociation coming on, remind yourself that you are in the here and now, 2023, you are safe; do grounding exercises, stay conscious of your environment and your body, your thoughts and emotions. You brain is trying to enact its original coping skill from childhood, but it no longer serves you as an adult. You've outgrown it and this is why you are struggling. You must develop new skills to deal with your adult reality and stay oriented to time. You also need to process out whatever childhood experiences are haunting you. I have heard great things about ketamine treatment for PTSD. They do hope to have MDMA out perhaps next year and that is supposed to be better than ketamine.

[@MrCmon113]

The moving something away thing sounds cool and smart. Don't know what's the problem with that. Did the doctors give you mdma? If not, that's my first prescription.

[@tayzonday]

I experience autistic hyperacusis, misophonia and numerous other sensitivities that cause ordinary experiences for an allistic person to be overwhelming for me - resulting in semi-perpetual dissociation. Neither cognitive behavioral therapy nor psychiatric meds completely resolve it.

[@essennagerry]

Oh man, so sorry to hear that. But I honestly have a lot of hope for many psychological and psychiatric conditions that we're really connecting more dots and understanding more about the greater picture so I really have hope there will be new treatments and new solutions available at some point. I sincerely wish you full healing for everything you need. And I want to say, though it's not exactly a happy thing, but it's so encouraging to see you around leaving comments on psychological content on youtube, it makes me feel encouraged that I'm not the only one diving into it but even people I know from ages ago are diving in now! Thank you for your openness and sharing your experience.

[@DAMfoxygrampa]

Is your pp the chocolate rain guy?

[@DAMfoxygrampa]

Oh my goodness, I just realized that you're actually the legend himself. I wish you all the best with your future endeavors to achieve stable and more comfortable mental health!

[@qwandary]

Woah, Tay it's actually you! I also have all of those hearing conditions, as well as diagnosed 'super acute hearing' lol yay for useless superpowers. That and my CNS is super hyperactive with light sensitivity, ADHD and migraines and widespread nerve pain. Bleh If you haven't already, check out portable noise generators, you can get them on your phone, or you can get them in hearing aids (they don't need to enable the microphone if you don't have poor hearing). Then they have different volumes, sounds (like brown, pink, white, red noise, or sounds of nature) and the option for oscillation. You play them on the *quietest* sound you can hear, it's not meant to drown things out, but it gives you a level of control over the sensory input :)

[@MrCmon113]

Maybe you can jump in the deep end with psychedelics. What you report sounds like a bad trip.

[@Jay10.13]

I live my life on the outside looking in. Like being at a concert and listening to it from the lobby. I've had cptsd for most of my life. I turn 45 next week. I feel I've never amounted to anything. I've tried the gym for years. Therapy. Psychiatry. The last four years I been trying to become a journeyman electrician. My dissociation disorder attached itself to trying to learn anything. I dissociate every day at work. I can't learn what I'm supposed to. I can't remember anything. Even people's names. People I see often. I sometimes get scared of my own body and how strange it is. I can't comprehend how people have jobs, families, plus all the other things they do. In in a constant fog. Sometimes it just gets way worse than others.

[@angelawhite2022]

This is exactly how I feel at 42. I even did the electrician thing. I had to leave it because my brain would only let me learn so much before shutting down; yet more was expected of me as I progressed. I can handle 240 volts but not 13,800. feels like I will be a stranger in my own head forever. I’m here but I’m not here.

[@Jay10.13]

@Angela White I've never felt like I was going to be an electrician. I still don't. Everything gets way too abstract for me to comprehend or retain. I feel like I'm going to be starting over yet again. The not knowing what's next, or where my future may lie sure doesn't help bring a cure. Grasping at straws at this point.

[@angelawhite2022]

@@Jay10.13 likewise. I always felt like a fraud when someone said, “There’s an electrician, ask her. “ Like no, don’t ask me, I’m just playing along here.

[@Jay10.13]

@Angela White along with the "don't ask me" I feel like I get shot up with morphine when they do. Back to the drawing board I go. The search for relief continues. I wish you the best on your battles.

[@angelawhite2022]

@@Jay10.13 Thank you so much. I wish you the best too.

[@savahbejin7511]

After the death of my daughter in a car accident eleven years ago, I just completely disconnected from the world.

[@Illuminary333]

😢I am very sorry for your loss💓 Would she want that to be happening with you? You’ve got a Higher Power, Coldplay song❤

[@Raelunil]

That is completely understandable. The death of a child is horrific, and I am so sorry for your loss. If you are still disconnected now, I truly hope that you get the help you need to be able to fully live again. Much love!

[@maddie9185]

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you can get the help that you need because I am sure that your daughter would want that for you. ❤

[@catwoman3247]

❤🤗

[@fiction589]

Disconnection helps us to survive, as there is intense pain, grief, lying underneath it. It is like a life saving mechanism and it should not be removed too quick. But it definately can be removed: With the help of other people. Someone can give you their hand and guide you gently out of the fog. ❤

[@jzen1455]

It's only recently that I've realized I dissociate the majority of the day. I thought I just had lots of brain fog and that my mind went blank often simply because I ran out of stuff to talk about or maybe just had some anxiety. But it's deeper than that. I've learned to "grey rock" (or shut down and tuning out) with my mom around 8 years old when I realize there's no use in having a rational or reasonable conversation with her. I also didn't want things to escalate and not rock the boat. Over the years, I tend to shut down readily and whomever caused me to shut down turns into a stranger whom I totally want to escape from. It can cause friends or other people I know well to turn into strangers.

[@sadies8100]

I have serious ADHD, and I've long thought that I do a good amount of dissociation as a response to stress, which I'm under constantly. Thanks for making this video!

[@nicktheavatar_]

I have impostor syndrome trauma from an abandonment wound that left me with low self-esteem . As well as trauma from my spiritual awakening, which happened be the time the pandemic started. It’s harder to connect with people now. It’s hard to have small talk now. It’s so hard to genuinely love people and I disassociate by avoiding talking to people/strangers and deal with social anxiety everyday. I know so many people but I feel like I don’t have many real friends. It’s crazy that I feel so detached from reality when I didn’t feel this way 4 years ago. The world is such a different place and it’s hit me really hard 😕

[@ArtistSarahLong]

Me too ❤

[@benleonheart]

I felt derealized the moment i started being followed and being shot at in my car back in 2016. the feeling of "this timeline not feeling real, ad everyone just being a figment of my imagination" lasted almost all the way into 2020... it was bad after a TON of therapy, medication, and finally being able to get a dog of my own; things have been better

[@rahilaalieva]

Çok tebrik ederim🎉🎉🎉Bir sorum var . Deli olmam dimi? Ya da psikoz😢😢😢21 yaşım var. 10 aydır dprım

[@benleonheart]

@@rahilaalieva i used google translate: sen deli değilsin, iyileşmek çok zaman alacak ve daha iyi olmak için her gün gayretle çalışman gerekecek. umutlu kalın!

[@rahilaalieva]

@@benleonheart thank you 🌸

[@annabellemoore4214]

History of trauma Dissociative Amnesia Derealization Multiple Personalities Dissordor Childhood Trauma, intense situation you were not able to escape Keep us from feeling the pain 1.) Get support from Trauma expert, hard to do on your own 2.) Create a sense of safety -Create a calming place -positive 3.) Trying to escape a traumatic memory 4.) Grounding Skill -grounding exercises -5 you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste 5.) Process your trauma -Writing, Talking -EMDR Altering stimulation 6.) Somatic Therpy 7.) Internal Family systems therapist

[@sourgreendolly7685]

And it can be hard to find an expert provider that you have access to and clicks with you well enough to do it too. My last "trauma informed therapist" scared me away from therapy for years 😔 But we can keep trying. We live in a world of infinite possibilities, something's gotta work eventually as long as we keep trying.

[@annabellemoore4214]

@@sourgreendolly7685 Thank you for your comment. About how much did you pay for the trauma therapist. I want to apply for one for my sister, but I’m not sure if we can afford it.

[@saragreenfield1648]

I opened up my phone to dissociate, and there was you video haha. I can't decide if you video made me feel better or worse. All this tips seem great, but feel so unattainable. I've been in therapy for 9 months, and still don't feel like I'm improving. I still just sit on my couch all day and do nothing. It's very frustrating and pointless. Anyway, thank you for creating your videos. I appreciate the resources they are.

[@laralebeu36]

Hang in there. These months are needed for you to learn the lesson. Imagine a caterpillar wanting to rise out of the cocoon earlier than nature intended to. Imagine that you too need time to feel and realize in yourself what dissociation teaches you. Also it might be that you don't have a social support network of family and friends and thus stay where you are. That's fine, and also reach out to those you love and trust in this time of need. You can reach out for them anytime and also to strangers for help because you need it right now. All the best!

[@laralebeu36]

My phone was and still is the best dissociation tool 😄 but doing the work isn't looking like butterflies and rainbows. Sometimes it's just a mundane desert for countless miles in any direction.

[@catherine2709]

Reconnecting with the body is essential, I've been practising this intensively for about 8 months now and it has great effects. Almost every morning I massage my feet before I wake up. Then during the day I do grounding and rooting exercices, Qi Gong exercices (there are some good videos on You Tube), deep breathing, body massages, etc... and I also walk or just sit in the nature. All this is very effective, I see great results from week to week. Good luck to you 💖

[@angelaaho6223]

Hi Sara, I just saw your post on here. I hear you and like someone said here hang in there especially hang in there in therapy. Keep doing the work 😮even when it’s tough and difficult 😞. When it in therapy ask your counselor for homework and do the work that your therapist gives you, write in a journal and let it all out. Healing is a journey there is Hope too. I been there I have struggled with PTSD and I was in therapy for three years and I can tell you this personally Im doing a lot better now. Hang in there and work on being self aware and eventually you’ll have a break through and eventually you’ll how far you have come and healing will take place. There is light at the end of a tunnel and you’ll have to want it. God loves you very much and He is for you. Hugs to you

[@kasban8672]

Would you say you have more awareness that you did nine months ago? If so, then that is improvement you should be proud of. Maybe there is a lot that youre fighting against, and your body is still learning what your new era will look and feel like. You will get there. There is not rush to get there, but it sounds like you are moving in the right direction.

[@judemorales4U]

When I had Covid a year ago, I had this symptom for 3 months. I thought i was living in the matrix. It was confusing and horrible. It was surreal, like I was living in a dream. I didn't feel "real". I felt invisble walking down a crowed street. What the virus did with me was devasting and I didn't think I would ever come back. I was sick for 5 months and the neurological impact was one of the top worst symptoms. God bless all of us.

[@notoriousosc1669]

I got this too during COVID, it was horrible. Having it again due to anxiety. Hope I get better soon 🙏🏼

[@judemorales4U]

@@notoriousosc1669 yes, it returned to me periodically. A year later I got another variant of COVID and did NOT get this symptom, thank God. I hope you recover soon and please consider medication for anxiety. I resisted it but in the end, I took it for some time and it helped. That being said, in general I am not the person I was before that first case of Covid. I have gut issues relentlessly that I never had before the virus. I exhaust easily and really, that virus beat me up. Take care.

[@amywilliams6637]

I'm going through a painful breakup and this is helping me. Thank you. He left me a month ago for another woman.

[@sourgreendolly7685]

You deserve someone that loves you, not the concept of a relationship. Hang in there💕

[@MoonBeamLight]

Im so sorry this happened to you. Hang in there. It will have been a blessing in disguise when the day comes and you meet the right man who respects you and treats you as you deserve. You dodged a bullet. But I’m sorry for the pain and grieving you are experiencing now because of his selfishness :(

[@Zeldaantibes]

I’m so sorry this happened to you. It happened to me as well. I didn’t know how I would go on without him. My life is so much better now! I got through it and became happier. I hope this for you as well. Please hang in there and take good care of yourself. ❤

[@russ942]

❤

[@catwoman3247]

❤🤗

[@dorflumkin]

Ive recently realized that, for an entire decade now, what I've been experiencing as "sometimes I kinda feel like im playing a video game but it's real life, y'know?" Is dissociation. I don't think it has a trigger, or anything. It's just something that happens, usually very randomly, when im walking, or when im alone. The first time I remember this even happening is in 3rd grade when I was walking to the library or computer lab or something, and suddenly I feel myself being ripped into reality. Because it's never felt like I can sense it start, I always just "wake up" so to say, and then realize that I couldn't feel anything. My best descriptor is like playing a 3rd person video game. You control yourself (however vaguely it may be in that state), but you can't feel anything. You can't feel your feet on the ground, or your body's motion through space. It's all like you're sitting on the outside controlling it all. Very strange feeling. Obviously I have a very mild case, if any at all, and it isn't much of a problem. I'm grateful for that.

[@puck7572]

Some people say they go full blank, thats crazy. i feel exactly like you do, as if thats someone else, or as if this is just some memory from something that happened to me long ago or in a movie I watched. I woke up in highschool, one day just Bang, woke up and realized I was sleeping my whole life, thought everybody was like that for a good time.

[@NehaSharma-wq9yc]

" can't feel your feet on the ground " - wow thank you for validating this . I thought I was the only one going thru this

[@tahitihawaiiblue]

Thank you for addressing this topic. It’s very debilitating and not even easy to spot from the outside. It is also very difficult for the sufferers to realize they have it. It’s very stubborn and difficult to get rid of this debilitating condition.

[@berriesncreme]

I didn't know I had it. I thought I was just becoming more forgetful...

[@sarahm3614]

This is exactly what I need! Patting my legs has helped me not back down from responsibilities that cause me stress in my business.

[@TheSoftballstar1261]

I was bullied severely growing up and I dissociate some times during situations that remind me of the bullying because of my child-adulthood trauma. I think this has caused me to not get along with others well, and has caused me to lose jobs. I'm in therapy right now, just to let y'all know. I recognize some of these techniques from my therapy sessions. I have an awesome therapist too!

[@elyaequestus1409]

I used to dissociate a lot as a child. I would come home and though my mom would comfort me, I do not have any memories of that. I came back to reality by sitting in front of the TV. Being autistic, bullied and generally speaking misunderstood, there was not much to keep me grounded. Last year I noticed that I was suffering from immense pain in my muscles, like everything completely cramped up. I decided to go to my physiotherapist and asked where they did guided yoga as well. I started doing private yin yoga and it helped so much with staying in the moment. After that, receiving EMDR, family therapy, PMT and a lot of journaling exercises, I was able to join a project which focussed on logging emotions 5 times a day, reflecting back on a journal entery, lectures on emotions and a support channel for everyone who was doing the project. In 8 weeks, my emotional regulation shot up. This was in november and last month I decided to work on anxiety management. In hindsight, my anxiety has been life long and having treatment/focus on it, really helps a lot with improving my overal health.

[@makermeliss]

I learned a technique in yoga that has helped called Ujjayi Breath or fire breath that really helped me be present. It was the first thing that ever really worked for me!

[@riccardoaddis5746]

How does it work?

[@makermeliss]

You breathe in and out kinda like you’re snoring. Another way is to say ha for a few breaths but then do it with your mouth closed

[@britann9539]

Lol I was a psychology major for 4 years and, "for some reason I just don't quite understand what dissociation actually IS - I have a hard time relating to it" this was in stark contrast to all the other symptoms I felt like I had a good concept of academically and in an empathic or lived experience way. I didn't find out til a couple years later I was doing it all along. It's something you can sincerely be unaware of I think. Now I know exactly when it's happening - usually my vision unfocuses and I see double lol

[@Sorchia56]

Brilliant job! I’ve read The Body Keeps The Score several times. It comforts me to know I’m not insane! I’ve been working with a therapist for 4 years now and he’s an angel! I’m able to know now what my triggers are and can avoid them, my family has been taught how to help me when I “go away”. It’s saved my life. I have CPTSD from a number of things including 30 yrs working for a govt agency and active combat along with losing both my older siblings to suicide and being the one to identify them. I never thought I’d have this beautiful life that I have today. I thought I was dead when I identified my big brother. I didn’t speak for months, was on IV nutrition…it was wretched bad. But now I laugh, smile, plan trips. The body and brain are amazing entities that protect us in such fascinating ways.

[@carmagurl317]

WOW you have done a lot I am so proud of and impressed by you

[@TheGrubbFamily1]

What really brought you out of it?

[@amynaddra7230]

I have complex PTSD and BPD from childhood trauma and neglect. Later in my adult life, I’ve had layered traumas. It’s too much. I can’t believe all I’ve survived. I have dissociation a lot. I did 8 months of EMDR therapy. It helped relieve many symptoms, but I still have more work to do.

[@KatM272]

I needed this 2 years ago so bad… for anyone who needs help go out in nature and breathe and do the mindfulness grounding exercises it truly helps just BREATHE

[@maddie9185]

I’ve been experiencing this for the past 3 months after a really bad accident which has left me with occasional anxiety. I am working through it and this channel has helped me a lot.

[@FlOwErZ171]

you are so gentle, i love the way you explain things 🥺

[@mallinen0777]

I am so grateful for Your channel. It's been literally life-saving.

[@victoriacoombes7753]

You’re doing such a great job Emma. You’re one of the best experts in mental health area, I watched programmes from many other various therapists, and it is only very few amongst whom you’re - that I find truly helpful, very informative and easy enough to understand for someone who isn’t used to too many medical terms used when usually you find in most programmes from other experts. This helps a lot to understand and to begin to faster and easier to implement your precious advice to my life, and many of those advice you gave I already found out very useful for treating such issues as depression and anxiety, etc. Bless you, and happy Easter to you and your family!😊❤

[@jessicalynn233]

I was just trying to learn more about this the day before you posted and am so glad you posted this because I value your insight. Thank you for the invaluable education and tools, Emma!

[@aamershareef8491]

one of the best videos i have ever seen on youtube - thank you very much for sharing and for your work in helping people ! you are amazing !🙏

[@amyhuber2697]

I prefer to disassociate. It’s the only time I truly feel safe.

[@dutchhustler]

Thank you so much for spending time to create a video about this very annoying but important issue

[@mistywatercolormemories]

I love your content. I keep coming back to the same issue though: I would LOVE to have the support of specialists such as a somatic therapist, but lack of funds and state insurance is my roadblock.I feel sort of left out of complete healing because of this.However, I do find support and make it work and I do use your resources and THANK YOU SO MUCH for making it affordable for all!! You are a lifesaver xo

[@crystaldragon471]

I recall watching another one of your videos several months ago about dissonance and some of the things that help bring us back to our senses, and it has actually been very practical and useful advice that has helped me many times. I just want to say thank you for being who you are and doing what you do. This is, in my opinion, the best psychology/ therapy channel on KZbin.

[@a.k.3110]

Thank you. Very helpful. Just had a trigger sending me in dis and have shorten it and could bring me in balance. Using the 54321 method. I even unwraped the gift what is the offspring of the trigger. That's new. And i celebrate it. You helped me embrace the once hurt me and feel what's happening and needed right now. I'm in awe. 🙏♥️

[@babybluecheeks]

I have childhood trauma and adult trauma. Why do I Dissociate when everything is fine? When I'm just walking down the street

[@carriemeyer9222]

If one is used to being in chaotic, volatile, unsafe situations, it becomes their "normal"- that is to say, it becomes their "comfort zone". So, when things are good, safe, predictable etc, that can cause discomfort. We are wired to dissociate when circumstances cause psychological stress. If we are experiencing discomfort "when everything is fine", because we are conditioned in favor of the opposite, we tend to mentally check out.

[@sourgreendolly7685]

I go through the same. A lot of people dissociate during repetitive or familiar activities - I thought I was blacking out during my walks at one point but it's apparently not uncommon, even for people without Trauma! Knowing that helped ease my anxiety and it started happening less. That said, I still go through periods where my dissociation gets severe. It's been a rough year for me with a lot of changes and recently I found out my health issues were contributing too (I got diagnosed with sleep apnea). tldr; if things are fine, your health is alright, and it's not negatively impacting your life it's most likely okay. If it feels like it's happening constantly or completely out of control, that's when you need to look deeper. Good luck💕

[@tahitihawaiiblue]

It happens to me way to often even if something subconscious enters my mind. Some unpleasant task I need to do or something triggers me almost without my conscious awareness. Sometimes I can stay like that for days without realizing it.

[@ambern.9887]

It becomes a habit . Your brain gets used to it .

[@Juanah92]

@@carriemeyer9222​ I don’t understand. We are wired to dissociate when circumstances cause psychological stress. But when when things are good, safe, predictable, is there still psychological stress? Why do we dissociate when things are alright?

[@saravone3292]

Thank you for your videos! You’ve given me continuous help and education on issues applying to me. Thank you!!

[@Standridge.System]

I'm feeling dissociated right now. It's part of the reason we're relaxing and watching KZbin.

[@Peanuts76]

You are one of the most helpful resources for me battling with my trauma, and yeah, i read other comment on this video, i used to numb down my pain and feeling, and experiencing a lot of trauma, sometimes, out of nowhere, i am re-experiencing my teenage bullying through some people i met in a workplace, and yes, it sends me down to fight or flight responnse, altough those people are new guy and we were never met before, just because i notice triggers, with their hat and outfit, i mean, some bully have their own, idendities, like having some hat and shirt they put on, because they were on some group, yeah you know those bad kids that gang up on something and picking alone timid guy who doesnt fit in, and socially awkward, it still affects me through adulthood altough i do try to fit in a workplace, i do have issues Emma..... Im pretty grateful that at last i can tell my experience and my triggers, and oh, i was afraid being targeted by a group when i was on my teens, because those bully always works on a group and those rumours back when i was teen, that they will end up targeting you if you having a problem with them or they just simply picking on you, the silent and calm kid who doesnt fit in, well, it still affects.... I know it sound illogical and weird, but that's my stories....

[@altynaistar3779]

this info gave me so much stress and anxiety. i really need therapy. but thank you for sharing, i feel like you acknowledged that my problem is real and not made up

[@heidiperez1387]

I've had dissociative amnesia 4 times now. It's very scary waking up in the hospital, not remembering anything. It's only been during really traumatic incidents, so I have to really protect myself from stressful situations now. Don't wish this upon anyone!

[@Lemoncare]

❤️therapy in a nut shell. You are a compassionate, kind soul.

[@avtomatt554]

I suffer from major depressive disorder and anxiety. Panic attacks often trigger pretty bad dissociative episodes, and vice versa. In instances where I become critically depressed (especially regarding external factors) I tend to suffer mild dissociation and shut down emotionally to the point of shrugging off biological imperatives like desire or self-preservation. The strange thing about these responses is that I have never experienced any sort of trauma or abuse in my life. I handle stress in a manner consistent with CPTSD, but I've never really had anything too terrible happen to me. What's more is that it consistently keeps getting worse the older I get. Wish I knew what that was about. Beats me. So it goes. Great video, subbed.

[@user-io9bj3qb7k]

Exactly....Panic causes dissociation...and vice versa

[@ratherbfishing455]

Awesome video ! I never thought I'd be in the predicament I'm in and now . In September hi waited 10 hours to see a resident that was not familiar with detached cornea. I've had a cataract surgery with a cornea transplant at the same time. No ophthalmologist or a cornea specialist at a teaching Hospital in a huge City . The cornea is doing well. However the eyesight is getting worse and cloudy. I have been riding Paratransit for the last 7 months. Sometimes I get up at 3:30 in the morning and get home at 6 or 7 at night, as I need to work. Last month I was in the hospital after throwing up for 10 days. I waited 20 hours in the ER and finally got admitted to the trauma unit. I had previously gone to the minor emergency Clinic twice and the nurse practitioners said I was okay. Finally got out of the hospital after 5 days and several procedures. My sister picked up my dog and we decided to have him put to sleep. It was not the most humane way to do it. I've had a dog my whole life and I'm not able to take care of one now or the expense of having a dog. They need to raise they poverty level, as I do not see how people make ends meet. I have other health issues going on also. Social workers local hospitals are not informed about Healthcare and the vision impaired and applying for a new job.

[@MR-kc2re]

I’m so glad you made such a comprehensive video on this-this is all the information I wish I’d had at 16 after being diagnosed with depersonalization/derealization disorder. I’m 29 now and so glad there’s so much more information available for people struggling with this.

[@Simplecontours]

29 here also, struggling with chronic DPDR since 13. I recently got more into Somatic Therapies like Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Somatic Experiencing/Grounding and I think this is the way. I will need some more time to heal, but I feel like I finally found something that helps me. I´ve been practicing mindfulness meditation and breathing techniques (vagus nerve breathing etc.) for many years, but I think it lacked a more active somatic part (movement) to really help me. Anyway, hope You´re doing better! I can really recommend Somatic exercises if you´re struggling with DPDR.

[@mia6089]

@@Simplecontours what kind of vagus nerve breathing? I recently met w/ a nutritionist and she mentioned my vagus nerve is being affected with some of my health issues going on. It all makes sense now, it’s all connected like a puzzle. What im experiencing in my brain affects my body and vice versa. Especially my gut health. Im having physical health issues probably due to a-lot of emotional stress & trauma throughout my life. Which has caused ptsd, depression, anxiety, vasovagal, an autoimmune condition, & so on & im sure I have dissociation. Because I can just tell I feel disconnected from reality prob did it all my life during trauma w/out realizing I was doing it. Maybe it was a way of my brain protecting itself but now I feel stuck in that state. It’s hard explaining it to people around me. They don’t understand if they don’t have dissociation.

[@Simplecontours]

@@mia6089 I'm not doing vagus nerve breathing, those never helped that much. Im doing Somatic Experiencing exercises like rockin from one side to the other and the like.

[@jokicback2backmvp877]

​@@Simplecontourscan you tell me some somatic exercises to do please, I've had dp for like 30 years now . I actually just started somatic experiencing with a therapist last week had my first session hopefully it can help me

[@bethmoore7722]

Thanks for reminding me of some of these techniques. Having had episodes of dissociative amnesia, and other forms of dissociation, it’s a challenge to be in my body, and be able to handle triggers and flashbacks. This was very helpful.

[@user-zr6pl6nb6z]

The world feels as you describe all the time to me.

[@laralebeu36]

After 2 overwhelming God mushroom trips my normal tendency was to dissociate many times for a few seconds throughout the day. I noticed with time that my sense of reality and self-image got distorted and temporarily broke down just randomly during normal day to day things (DPDR). Thankfully I had still self-awareness to seek therapy and by chance got to my current therapist who is specialized in trauma. Interesting that you mentioned it, I developed a capacity to heavily forget who I was and the world around me by engaging in distraction in order to avoid mental discomfort and pain when attempting to do my studies. Listening to and feeling myself certainly helped a lot, including replacing distractions with mindfulness activities (forest walk, watching the lake and clouds, eating my meals in silence...). Good luck for everybody on this path. I wish you everything.

[@zachhall2575]

That basically all describes how it has been for me lately. Started happening after a couple of shroom trips. I have been distracting myself a lot and don’t feel as fully myself as I did before. It’s almost like I went into a little bit of a shell. Thankfully I am getting better. Do you feel like you are back to yourself?

[@laralebeu36]

Good to know I am not alone in this! Yes, it got better because external stress was removed and I had consistent support from friends which allowed me to co-regulate and self-reflect and incrementally build self-awareness and more ease in allowing myself to follow my heart and let go of seductive distractions. Am still in that process but the dissociation lessened significantly since I respond to my needs more and more immediately (e.g. resting break) even if it's against my agenda (distraction).

[@zachhall2575]

@@laralebeu36 what did following your heart and letting go of seductive distractions entail for you? Do you feel that these two things were contributing to the disassociation?

[@laralebeu36]

@@zachhall2575 Distraction contributed to dissociation. Following my heart led me to feel myself and the world in a normal way again. I always knew the way deep in my heart, but I wasn't conscious, aware and sensitive enough to choose to follow that intuitive knowing. Certainly, not following my heart was contributing to dissociation. Distraction was, and still is, the main reason why my daily life was so heavily dimonated by dissociation. Distraction became a huge coping mechanism and enabled me to stay stuck in unconscious day-to-day living. Letting go of that seductive pull of distraction looked like limiting information and stimuli input (starting meditation again, slowing down, doing less activities (more simplicity), socializing, spending lots of time in nature). With time it became easier to break this distraction addiction, to let go of the distraction impulse and to focus on the relieving feeling that it provided. Getting into stillness and feeling that impulse was hard, but when my focus shifted to better feeling activities it became a new way of being. I am still in that process and I get tears of gratitude how far I have come. Being a lot in nature, surrounded by friends and being active & doing light exercise for hours each day (2 week bike tour, working in intentional community,...) was grounded me and made me feel more embodied. Funny, even my therapist remarked this to me in our last session.

[@MrCmon113]

Breaking down my sense of reality and self image regularly throughout the day is why I take mushrooms and similar substances in the first place. It's kind of weird to see what I'm trying to accomplish with regular meditation described as a problem.

[@dee5356]

Thank you for this very informative, very compassionate and very helpful video!

[@davefischer2344]

When I first felt this it was one of the scariest things I have ever experienced. Over the years I’ve learned different ways to handle it better.

[@TheGrubbFamily1]

Can you please elaborate on what helped you?

[@davefischer2344]

hey so drinking a lot of water@@TheGrubbFamily1

[@Awkwardgr1]

I've noticed that i start to disassociate when I'm anxious or when I'm stressed out. I hate depersonalization at random moments because I feel so weird and not like Im even a real person and my surroundings are fake or dream like.... its been more frequent since i've moved to a new city.

[@musethx1]

Thank you Emma. This video and info is spot on!

[@ownedMM]

Im currently struggling with dissociative episodes. I make progress but i can easily slip back into it when i get triggered. Im all over the place but im trying to find reality again. I still live with my abusive dad and i figure this is the reason why i fall back into this pattern. Thank you for your content. It keeps me grounded. I hope to become as aware of my emotions as you are some day (mind my grammar english is not my 1st language)

[@tcmtech7515]

You're not crazy. Too many of us can now also see the odd impossible things happening around us constantly too.

[@puck7572]

Hey.. you awake? Weird to find someone going through the same thing I did, so maybe me sharing can help you? I only woke up a few years ago, I felt like dreaming as long as I can remember before that, maybe because my dad would also hurt me pretty bad sometimes, I cant remember everything. But, I woke up. I woke up after my dad started going to the psychiatric to control his impulses. Living far from my parents house today feels awesome. Derealization only happens sometimes like last month when I got mugged, but its quick to go away. You will be okay and wake up soon.

[@edlajoie4267]

Thank you so much for your videos, they have helped me beyond measure.

[@mostafazohary4738]

You are great.i am from Iran.youtube had been filterd in Iran.but I am eager to see your calming videos that really make me feel free and remove anxiety and reduce the effect of depression on Me.i am not really in good mood.😢

[@user-oe1bc8fk6l]

your videos really helped me a lot.thank you for sharing them!

[@Zeldaantibes]

Thank you for this! So glad I found you.

[@chris_losin_it]

I am recovering from years of dissociation. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) through self help. And thankfully with online videos from you and a handful of others. 🙏🏼 ❤

[@sc6115]

What it worked for me was TAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique) I did it with my therapist. Unfortunately his channel is in Spanish, but you can learn from Doctor Tapas, the creator. Basically when I accepted and processed my trauma the desociation disappeared. It took me 2 sessions! You can do it!

[@chris_losin_it]

@@sc6115 🙏🏼 thank you for the information. I’ll check into that as well. I appreciate the reply.

[@faisalbi1330]

​@@sc6115hi are you back to normal?

[@sc6115]

@@faisalbi1330 I am !!

[@anitat9727]

​@@sc6115 Could you link that channel pls?

[@debih2938]

I deal with BPD and dissociate to give my mind a break. It’s not easy to live with mental issues

[@angelawhite2022]

Same… it’s like you need to get away from your own brain for a little while, it’s just too much sometimes.

[@littlenamujoon628]

that's why these past 10 years I always been feeling I never truly experience the present moment.

[@ikumiikumi7512]

Very valuable information. Thank you so much as always. ♥

[@marthatori]

We're a DID system, and we've learned to work just fine within a framework of multiple personalities without needing to integrate. This is the first time I've heard a professional support non-integration as an option. Thank you.

[@jemilia]

Thanks for the work you do ♥️! This is a very good and informative video.

[@Jane_Snow_]

I don't know who I love more, you or The Brain Coach. 🙂

[@annaklaus8377]

This has been so helpful, thank you.

[@modestMousse]

6:02 what an incredible point you get to around here. Just imagine living through that. Utterly terrifying. Strangely thrilling, although in a way that does NOT diminish the terror. If one lives through that and escapes... what a painful relief. How glad are we to have this escape valve. But if that keeps happening over and over again... now we're back to terror as we keep passing through escape valve after escape valve, wondering up where we will end beyond knowing we will end up safe, but only just barely.

[@GMc-iw2fy]

Thank you, I dissociated yesterday. It was extremely wdisturbing. I managed to drive home, some how.. My dog was at home, he is a great source of comfort.

[@cillebille137]

Thank you for this video. Wery helpfull. I struggle with this a lot all of my life. Love your work🙏

[@ToastyGhost2]

I feel like i was often in a state of dissociation when i was a teenager. I never felt like myself or never felt like what i did was real. Just recently i've realized it was all real and all those years were actually years passing in my life. It didn't really register to me for years.

[@NehaSharma-wq9yc]

Same . I use to think that people vanish when they leave my vision sphere and then suddenly re-materialise. l

[@bennekin]

10:10 this is what my school psychologist did with me while I was having an anxiety attack, I don’t struggle with disassociation but this definitely helped me either way

[@jennifer97363]

“My mind and body split apart” was how I described it as a 16 year old learning to drive on a highway. Fast forward several decades,I still face the problem, still hate the feeling. Exposure therapy while moving at 110 km/hr is not doable, despite what my psychologist maintains. I’ve tried. Terrifying.

[@labreaspivey3074]

This was very helpful. Thank you

[@lovelokest2]

Your videos have helped me so much, calling to find a therapist again. Thank you.

[@marilynoverton8142]

God bless you for this! So, so helpful!

[@madshadows7083]

I spent about 2 years in my teen completely dissociated but didn't know what was happening to me. Since then it's been decades battling depression and anxiety. Just recently learned about dissociation. Trying EMDR now. I wish I knew what caused the dissociation.

[@AMcDub0708]

You are so amazing Emma! May the Lord bless you!

[@amyjudy33]

This video is really helpful! Thank you!

[@patrickgerard2016]

I fell into chronic DP/DR in 2011 when I was in high school. Was a very good student so I think it might have had to do with the constant sense of fear I felt around my father. But I still have it. Also happen to be back living with my parents. It truly feels like a never-ending bad dream. Autism symptoms only getting stronger it seems, meds never helped, live in a rural America (my mother is a very militant/angry nationalistic kind of person). It truly feels hopeless.

[@Swordkid669]

Therapy in a nutshell is amazing

[@cherylj7460]

What an excellent example of dissociation- the impala!

[@KnockOut242]

I’ve spent much of my life in a dissociative state 🥺