ok, so, this isn't the type of post i usually use this blog for, but i seriously think dpdr isnt talked about enough.
dpdr, dp/dr, or dpd stands for depersonalization-derealization disorder, a dissociative disorder where one experiences either continuous or persistent, repeated episodes of depersonalization and/or derealization.
depersonalization: a type of dissociation, disconnect from one's self or feeling as though one's self/identity isn't one's own
derealization: a type of dissociation, disconnect from one's surroundings that causes feeling as though oneself or one's surroundings aren't real
both of these can be scary as hell, especially if you don't know what it is. the wikipedia page for dpdr literally includes this statement:
Recognizing and diagnosing the condition may in itself have therapeutic benefits, many patients express their problems as baffling and unique to them, but are in fact: one, recognized and described by psychiatry; and two, those affected by it are not the only individuals to be affected from the condition.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depersonalization-derealization_disorder
This is something I can attest to with my own experiences! It was EXTREMELY DISTRESSING to depersonalize on and off for months before finally coming across the term 'depersonalization' and realizing, 'oh, that's what's happening to me.'
of course it still fucking sucks even knowing what's going on. when i'm depersonalizing (my dpdr is episodic and wayy more heavy on the depersonalization, though derealization does occur for me occasionally) it gets super hard to do things and talk to people. it's hard to even explain how and why because that's another thing! dpdr is so hard to explain. especially if you don't know there's a WORD for it!! which makes it even more isolating.
that's the thing about it. the isolation. that's why i'm making this post! for everyone who experiences this, and thinks they're the only one: you're not alone. listen, if you depersonalize, derealize, or both, and are scared, ashamed, or even don't mind but don't know what it is, listen: you're not alone.
i'm going to admit something here, because it's something i've never heard anyone else talk about, but i'm sure there's other people who deal with this. this is pretty embarrassing for me, but it shouldn't be! i can't control it and it sucks to experience. often when i'm depersonalizing, it's not just a vague 'away' from myself, but also 'towards' a fictional character. this is kind of hard to explain. i'll feel like i was, should be, or should have been, someone/something else, even knowing for certain it's just me.
tl;dr depersonalization-derealization disorder exists and isn't talked about enough, and if you have dpdr, you're not alone
(This user and this post supports self-diagnosis!)
(Please do not say 'this sounds like [x]' or try to argue with me about my own depersonalization. i promise, whatever possibility you're thinking of, I've already thoroughly considered it. i know my brain better than you do.)
(This post is ok for anyone to rb! Seriously, I want to spread the word)
QUICK EDIT: other ppl with dissociative disorders (especially dpdr) are 100% free to add on or correct me on any points here! unless you're arguing against self diagnosis in which case don't bother i will block you.
