If you’ve ever felt like you were floating outside your body or that the world around you suddenly seemed unreal, you’re not alone. These experiences are called dissociation, and they’re more common than many people think—especially after trauma.
This article will help you understand what dissociation is, how it shows up in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—especially the dissociative subtype—and what it means to live with Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder. Whether you're looking for trauma-informed therapy in Edmonton or just trying to make sense of your symptoms, this article can help
What Is Dissociation?
Dissociation is the mind’s way of protecting you when things feel overwhelming. It can show up in small ways, like zoning out in a meeting, or in more distressing ways, like feeling disconnected from your body or surroundings.
Common signs of dissociation:
- Feeling numb or emotionally shut down
- Forgetting parts of your day or conversations
- Feeling like you're outside your body (depersonalization)
- Feeling like the world around you isn't real (derealization)
- Losing track of time or feeling disconnected from reality
These symptoms may come and go, or they may stick around—especially after traumatic experiences. While dissociation is a natural response to stress, it can become a barrier to healing when it continues long after the threat is over.
PTSD and the Dissociative Subtype
For some people, dissociation becomes a major part of how they experience trauma. This is known as the dissociative subtype of PTSD.
What is the PTSD dissociative subtype?
People with this subtype meet full criteria for PTSD, but also experience:
- Persistent depersonalization and/or derealization
- Emotional numbness or feeling "cut off"
- Difficulty accessing memories or connecting with emotions
This version of PTSD is especially common among people who experienced chronic trauma, such as childhood abuse, long-term neglect, or repeated interpersonal violence.
In therapy, people with dissociative PTSD may appear calm or detached, not because they’re unaffected—but because their nervous system is still trying to keep them safe by shutting down.
Recognizing this subtype helps ensure treatment is gentle, paced, and focused on safety, using approaches like EMDR, CPT, or grounding-based interventions that reduce overwhelming feelings.
What Is Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DPDR)?
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder is a separate mental health condition that can occur even without a history of PTSD. People with DPDR often describe feeling like they’re in a dream or not fully connected to themselves or the world around them.
Symptoms of DPDR include:
-
Feeling like a robot or as if you're watching yourself from outside
- Feeling emotionally disconnected from others or from life
- Experiencing the world as flat, foggy, or dreamlike
- Knowing something feels wrong, but being unable to "snap out of it"
These symptoms can be frightening, but it’s important to know that people with DPDR are not losing touch with reality. They know something is off, and that awareness helps distinguish it from conditions like psychosis.
DPDR often begins after trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, or drug use. It can be chronic or come in waves, but effective treatment is available.
What Causes Dissociation?
Dissociation is often a response to overwhelming stress or trauma—especially if escape wasn’t possible. It can also be triggered by:
- Childhood emotional or physical abuse
- Sudden losses or accidents
- Medical procedures or injury
- Panic attacks or extreme anxiety
- High levels of ongoing stress or burnout
- Certain medications or substances
In each case, the mind disconnects as a way to survive. But over time, this survival strategy can start to get in the way of daily life, relationships, and healing.
Can Therapy Help With Dissociation?
Yes. Therapy can help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more in control. At Genovese Trauma & PTSD Recovery in Edmonton, I offer trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment for people experiencing dissociation, depersonalization, derealization, or PTSD.
Effective therapy for dissociation includes:
- Psycho-education to help you understand your symptoms
- Grounding and stabilization techniques to stay present
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to resolve Depersonalization Derealization disorder
- Evidence based trauma therapy like CPT, PE or EMDR to resolve PTSD
If dissociation is part of your story, you deserve therapy that moves at your pace, and helps you reconnect—without pushing too fast or too far.
You’re Not Alone—and You’re Not Broken
Dissociation is not a sign of weakness or damage. It’s a sign that your mind and body have been working overtime to protect you. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of dissociative PTSD or Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, healing is absolutely possible.
If you're in the Edmonton area and looking for help with trauma recovery, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a space where connection, and recovery can happen—at a pace that feels right for you.
Want to Learn More about Dissociation or PTSD?
If you’ve recognized some of these symptoms in yourself—or you’re simply curious to understand more—here are a few links to check out.
- Trauma & Dissociation Fact Sheets
- Trauma & Dissociation Support Sheets
- Dissociative Subtype of PTSD
- Cannabis-Induced Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder
Genovese Trauma & PTSD Recovery | Trauma Therapy in Edmonton
Specializing in EMDR, PTSD treatment, and support for dissociation and depersonalization. Virtual sessions available across Alberta, and in person appointments starting early Fall, 2025.
