People often describe their experiences as if they are living in a dream or viewing life from behind glass. Even their own voice, reflection or parts of their body may seem strange and unfamiliar. They may feel emotionally numb, as if nothing really matters anymore, and have a lack of empathy or love. There may be physical numbness in the body and/or a sense of weightlessness
The outside world can appear fuzzy and out of focus. Familiar places can feel unfamiliar (jamais vu), or appear artificial as though replaced by a stageset. Other people may seem like actors, and objects can appear two-dimensional
Other cognitive and perceptual symptoms are commonly reported, such as finding it hard to concentrate or take in new information, alongside sensory distortions such as alterations in perspective, sizes of objects or sounds
Transient symptoms of depersonalisation and derealisation are very common but in some people these feelings can continue and can become chronic, distressing and impair functioning. This is when the symptoms have become Depersonalisation-Derealisation Disorder. Some people can recover naturally from this but others will need specialist help and therapy is important to aid recovery
