Depersonalization and derealization are common dissociative experiences among people who have DID or OSDD. They are often everyday expressions of dissociation within dissociative systems, not unusual or separate phenomena. Experiencing depersonalization or derealization does not automatically mean something is wrong or that your DID is getting worse. Some parts may experience depersonalization more often, while others may experience derealization more frequently. Different parts may also experience these forms of dissociation to different degrees.
These forms of dissociation may occur during:
- stress
- triggering situations
- overwhelm
- emotional activation
- switching
Like other forms of dissociation, depersonalization and derealization may have developed as part of your nervous system’s attempts to protect you from overwhelming situations. While they can be uncomfortable, they often reflect protective adaptations rather than danger.
This page is part of the What Is Dissociation? section of the CommuniDID site, which explains how dissociation works and why it develops.
Explore related topics:
- Questions about dissociation
- What Is Depersonalization?
- What Is Derealization?
- How to Recognize When You’re Dissociating
- What Does Dissociation Feel Like?
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