Depersonalisation is a dissociative experience where you feel detached from your body, thoughts, or emotions—as if you’re watching yourself from outside. It can be frightening and disorienting, but it is a recognised psychological response to stress or trauma.
“I felt like I was floating behind my eyes, not really in my body. Everything looked normal—but I didn’t feel real.”
Depersonalisation often begins during or after intense stress, trauma, panic attacks, or emotional overwhelm. It may be brief or persistent, and can occur alongside derealisation—the sense that the world around you is strange or distant. Adults experiencing depersonalisation might worry they’re “going mad” or losing control, but the experience is common and treatable.
People struggling with depersonalisation present with anxiety, emotional numbness, or disconnection without realising it’s part of a dissociative process. Some describe feeling robotic or emotionally flat; others feel like they’re observing their life from a distance. Depersonalisation may be a protective response to trauma or prolonged stress, and can co-occur with PTSD, panic disorder, or depression.
“Working with depersonalisation is about helping people feel safe enough to come back into their body—gently, steadily, with deep respect.”
At Bloomfield Health, we offer trauma-informed, evidence-based care for adults experiencing depersonalisation. Our clinicians provide calm, thorough assessments and take time to understand what triggered your symptoms. We offer therapies including trauma-focused CBT, grounding techniques, compassion-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches to help you reconnect with your body and emotions. Treatment is never rushed. We work at your pace to reduce fear, restore presence, and rebuild emotional safety.
Often stress, trauma, panic, or emotional overload. It’s a protective response from the brain—not a sign of psychosis.
No. Depersonalisation is distressing but not dangerous. With the right support, it can be managed and resolved.
Depersonalisation is detachment from self; derealisation is detachment from the world around you. They often occur together.
Yes. Therapy helps you understand the symptoms, what is keeping them going, it can reduce fear, identify triggers, and rebuild emotional connection.
Sometimes. Medication may help if anxiety or depression are contributing—but talking therapy is the main treatment.
Often, yes. Many people experience depersonalisation after emotional trauma, neglect, or chronic stress.
Yes. Many people live with depersonalisation for years before getting the right support. It’s never too late.
With the right help, yes. Most people recover or significantly improve—and reconnect with themselves and their lives.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
