Derealisation is a dissociative experience where the world feels unreal, distant, or dreamlike—even though you know it isn’t. It often occurs during high stress or trauma and can leave you feeling disconnected from your surroundings.
“Everything looked normal—but it felt like I was behind glass, watching life instead of living it. I couldn’t shake the feeling that nothing was real.”
Derealisation can arise suddenly or gradually, often during or after intense stress, trauma, panic attacks, or burnout. People describe the world as foggy, artificial, or distorted—like a film, simulation, or dream. You may feel emotionally numb or cut off from the environment, sounds, or people around you.
Affected adults often feel terrified, fearing they’re going mad or developing a serious mental illness. It’s a common and treatable response to overwhelming experience. Derealisation frequently co-occurs with depersonalisation, PTSD, anxiety, or dissociative disorders. With psychological support, symptoms can reduce and resolve over time.
“Helping someone feel grounded again after derealisation is powerful. We start with safety—then gently rebuild connection to the world around them.”
At Bloomfield Health, we provide gentle, trauma-informed support for adults experiencing derealisation. Our clinicians carry out careful assessments to explore possible triggers and co-occurring conditions. We use therapies such as trauma-focused CBT, grounding techniques, and compassion-focused therapy to restore a sense of safety and connection. We never pathologise your experience—instead, we help you make sense of it, reduce fear, and feel present in your life again
Often stress, trauma, panic, or emotional overwhelm. It’s the brain’s way of protecting you when things feel too much.
No. In derealisation, you still know the world is real—it just doesn’t feel that way. That insight is key.
Yes. With the right support, most people recover or see significant improvement in their symptoms.
It’s distressing but not harmful. Therapy helps reduce fear and reconnect you with your environment.
Derealisation is disconnection from the world; depersonalisation is disconnection from self. They often happen together.
Yes. Many people experience derealisation in response to overwhelming trauma or long-term stress
We work gently and slowly. Therapy is tailored to keep you grounded and emotionally safe.
Sometimes, if anxiety or depression contribute. But therapy is the main, evidence-based treatment for derealisation.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
