- Depersonalization Disorder
- Interviews
DannyDunana's interview
How did all start?
The traumatic loss of my cousin. She was murdered by a nurse during a hospital stay by being overdosed with heart accelerant. It could have been done for a lot of reasons, we never found out because the nurse was never convicted. My cousin had Downs Syndrome. She is the most beautiful soul I have ever had the opportunity to know.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I have been diagnosed with multiple things by numerous practitioners. But we've narrowed it down to derealization, add, and anxiety as one big fun concoction.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I'm having trouble understanding the wording of this question.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Finding ways to ground myself, removing stressors from my life.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Not understanding what derealization even was until a little over a month ago, and not knowing what was going on. I know this world is real, but it doesn't feel real so it probably isn't. But I know it is real
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I have a supportive network of loved ones and friends. It has been hard for everyone, but narrowing it down has helped us all find ways to handle it.
What things have you stopped doing?
Well I have TRIED to stop being around toxic individuals and anxiety inducing situations. It's very challenging to achieve.
What do you think about the future?
I have no idea. I don't feel as if tomorrow is going to happen. I mean, of course it is, however it just doesn't register. I still doubt the existence of any of this thing I'm living in.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The best year of my life has been this year. I have worked on my mental health journey, have support from family and medical professionals, and have somewhat reduced the things that have triggered those episodes of doubt. They're not gone, and in fact make up most of my day, but now I know they exist and I'm not losing my mind. That's definitely a step in the right direction
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
No clue. I guess I would be less anxious and not live in almost constant doubt of everything around me.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
A person who does what she can to be good, but can't seem to figure out this whole existing thing.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Find a professional to help. Find the things that ground you to the here and now. You are here. I am here. But even if it doesn't feel that way, you might as well be the best version of yourself.
