What Is Derealization?
3. How Is Derealization Different from Depersonalization?
In a nutshell, depersonalization is dissociation from oneself, whereas derealization is dissociation from one’s surroundings. Depersonalization occurs when people feel out of touch with themselves. They may not be able to control their words and actions and tend to not experience their emotions as their own. They may even feel detached from their senses, becoming unable to experience taste, touch or smell.
By contrast, people who experience derealization still tend to have a strong sense of self. It’s not who they are that seems distorted but rather everything around them. Their view of the physical world seems to be from the outside looking in. They often feel like they are watching their surroundings on a screen rather than participating in them directly.
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