Do you sometimes feel like you aren’t yourself? If you experience dissociative episodes, a mental health disorder could be the cause. One condition that causes these episodes is depersonalization disorder. This condition is also known as depersonalization/derealization disorder. Depersonalization disorder involves a profound feeling of detachment. You may feel separated from your mind, body and surrounding environment. As a college student, it can be hard to manage the symptoms of depersonalization disorder. College tends to be a time for self-exploration and actualization. When you’re experiencing dissociative episodes, you may have an especially hard time learning about yourself. A common aspect of depersonalization disorder is a confused sense of identity.

Are your symptoms relatively new? Depersonalization disorder developing during a person’s college years is fairly common. In most cases, this condition develops sometime between a person’s middle teenage years and early adulthood. Studies show that later onset is rare, with only 5% of cases starting in people above the age of 25. If you’re diagnosed with depersonalization disorder, early intervention is crucial for finding relief before your symptoms worsen. By learning more about depersonalization disorder, you can get a better grasp on your condition and what you can do to work toward recovery.

Why does depersonalization disorder make you feel like you aren’t yourself?

A number of factors can contribute to the development of depersonalization disorder; stress and trauma are two of the most common factors involved. Research shows that depersonalization can be an acute trauma response to motor vehicle accidents and abuse. In many cases, depersonalization is an automatic coping mechanism for avoiding emotional pain. 

For college students, depersonalization disorder symptoms may have a range of causes. Childhood trauma may be a factor as well as new academic stressors. A qualified psychotherapist can provide a comprehensive assessment and offer insights. Understanding your condition is a crucial step toward finding a solution that works.

3 key symptoms of depersonalization disorder

• Detachment — The most common symptom of depersonalization disorder is detachment. Sometimes called dissociation, this happens when a person feels disconnected from their body. You may feel as if you are outside your body, experiencing life from a third-person point of view. When this happens, you might feel like you have lost control of your body. The actions you take may seem to occur independently of your thoughts. During this time, you may also feel a sense of disconnection from reality. The experiences you have might feel less real than usual, as if you are watching yourself star in a movie. With personalized mental health treatment, you can develop coping skills and find ways to anchor yourself to reality.
• Distorted sense of time — Do you often lose track of time? This could be a sign of depersonalization disorder. People with depersonalization disorder tend to have a distorted sense of time, especially when experiencing a dissociative episode. You may experience periods where time seems to pass very slowly or quickly. When your experience of time returns to normal, you might feel disoriented. Dissociative episodes can also cause you to lose time. After dissociating, you may have only fragmented memories of the episode. If you’re experiencing difficulties regarding your memories and sense of time, seeking help is crucial. With the right treatment, you can address the core processes behind your symptoms and make progress toward lasting relief.
• Anxiety symptoms — The symptoms of depersonalization disorder can be stressful. As such, people with this condition often experience anxiety. Studies show that people experiencing depersonalization and derealization report more anxiety. They are also more likely to have interrelated mood, anxiety and personality disorders. Dissociation can trigger a range of anxiety symptoms, including physical symptoms such as sweaty palms and a rapid heartbeat. By finding solutions to your depersonalization disorder symptoms, you can limit your anxiety triggers. Tailored psychotherapy can help you develop relaxation techniques. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines may also be helpful in managing your symptoms.

Lightfully U can help address depersonalization disorder symptoms

If you’re experiencing dissociative episodes, at Lightfully U, we’re ready to help you each step of the way. Our clinical experts are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based and holistic care. With our Precision Care Model, we provide personalized treatment that integrates an array of carefully selected interventions. Through your course of treatment, you can develop new skills and make progress toward overcoming the symptoms of depersonalization disorder.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to start feeling more like yourself again, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.