Call us: (714) 683-1472
e-mail: info@orangecoastpsychiatry.com
Book Appointment

Derealization vs. Dissociation: How to Reclaim Your Sense of Reality

Derealization vs. Dissociation: How to Reclaim Your Sense of Reality

Blog Outline

Back to Top

Derealization and dissociation are quite similar in that they represent the same meaning. It is a state where a person loses interest in or attachment to their surroundings, people, and world. It makes them fully detached from the world. Furthermore, it gives you a complex feeling that nothing seems real or the way they are. You don’t need to worry if you get stuck with the same feeling. It is valuable with the right treatment and options. Further, we will explain derealization vs dissociation, why it happens, and what one should do towards the healing process.

Feeling Disconnected From Reality: What Is Derealization Vs Dissociation

Let’s understand the difference between dissociation and derealization. Dissociation refers to mentally disconnecting from thoughts, memories, and feelings. A person may feel like they are losing their identity and self-worth. However, it can be strongly linked with acute stress and can be a defense mechanism to cope with stress. Derealization is defined as a disconnection from reality. For instance, you might be new to the environment, but you are exploring it. It might not be dangerous, as everything feels like a dream and two-dimensional.

Read More: Understanding Episodic Acute Stress: Causes, Symptoms, And Management

How To Recognize The Symptoms Of Derealization Vs Dissociation: 

It can happen in different ways. But you can explore the following symptoms or signs to help your loved one.

  • A person may feel like life is a dream.
  • It can affect your memory.
  • It can blur the vision.
  • A person may feel disconnected from the environment.
  • A person may feel emotionally numb.

What Causes Derealization & Dissociation: 

It can be due to several factors. However, they are interlinked with a few mental disorders. You can discover the following causes to gain a better understanding.

  • It can be due to panic disorders. The person may feel intense fear or anxiety that makes them feel detached from reality.
  • A person with any sort of trauma and traumatic experiences can relate to derealization and dissociation.
  • A person with PTSD can have a dissociative disorder. It can affect their relationships and put their emotional safety at risk.
  • Consistent depression and stress can cause both.
  • Use of alcohol or any other substance.

Why Past Pain Leads To Present-Day Dissociation: 

Dissociation works as a defense mechanism. It erases the traumatic events or memories to relieve you from pain. In case your brain won’t be able to process what’s happening in your surroundings. The dissociation comes forward as a survival mechanism in this particular situation. It is the perfect way that deals to cope with the long-term pain.

How Derealization & Dissociation Disrupt Daily Life: 

The deterioration and disscoacition can make your life challenging and hectic. It can abdly affect your social work and personal relationships, and duties. The feeling of isolation and confusion can lead you towards anxiety and depression. It can add additional stress to your mental health. However, you can figure out the following ways that can impact your daily life functions.

  • A person struggles with their thoughts.
  • A person may feel suffering from emotional struggle in relationships.
  • A person can get detached in conversation.
  • A person may face difficulties in completing the tasks.

Read More: Trauma Brain Vs Normal Brain: How Trauma Affects The Way We Live

How Mental Health Professionals Identify Derealization & Dissociation: 

Talking to a professional therapist might help you with your healing. The qualified experts will do in-depth interviews to build understanding. They will build up the connection to set a goal that can work for both of them. Besides this, Do you ever relate emotional disconnection with your loves ones? This might sound awkward but it can be happen due to derealization and dissociation. The experts will do psychological questions on what you might being experiencing.

Therapy & Medication Options That Help You Reconnect: 

Both can work wonders in your recovery. Therapy will help you to understand your emotional struggles, while medications will help you to reduce and manage your symptoms. However, you can discover the following treatment for your mental well-being.

Therapy-Based Treatment: 

The following are a few approaches that can help you cope with your irrational feelings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: 

It will help in framing the structure of a person’s thoughts and feelings.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy:

This approach will target and emphasize on person’s intense emotions and how to manage them. It will compel a person to reconnect with reality to reduce the symptoms of dissociation.

Eye Moment Desensitization & Movement: 

It is a highly effective approach that will help in restoring emotions.

Medication Support: 

Antidepressant SSRIs and anti-anxiety medications can be used to treat depression, stress, and high functional anxiety.

Lifestyle & Self Care Practices That Make A Difference: 

Self-care practices can make a huge difference in bringing change to your lifestyle.

Sleep Hygiene:

You need to maintain a regular sleep pattern. Otherwise lack of sleep can contribute to dissociation and derealization.

 Nutrition: 

Take a good, balanced diet, it will help in fulfilling your nutrients. It will help in reducing your stress and improving your overall health.

Physical Activity: 

The physical activities, such as exercise, yoga, walking, and stretching can help in reducing dissociation symptoms.

Journaling: 

You can keep a record of your feelings. You can write down your feelings to get relief from stress. It will help you manage your stress. 

Limit Screen Time: 

The overuse of gadgets can affect the brain’s sensory system. It can impact and overstimulate the barin processing system, which can cause dissociation and derealization.

Read More: The Hidden Mental Scars of Childhood Trauma in Adults

How To Regain Control & Feel Real Again After Derealization & Dissociation: 

When life feels like a dream it can be frustrating at times. But you dont need to worry as it can be temporary. You can overcome these challenges and normalize your feelings the way they are with effective treatment and medication plans. Besides this, you can take your first step towards us at Orange Coast Psychiatric. We will deal you compassion and utmost care.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should practice mindfulness practices such as touch, breathing so you can connect with reality.

You can do exercise, deep breathing to relax your mind and body from unwanted stress.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines are perfect for derealization and dissociation.

It can often happen due to excessive stress, domestic nd physical abuse.

Reference and Footnotes
  1. Schiavone, F. L., Frewen, P., McKinnon, M., & Lanius, R. A. (2018). The dissociative Subtype of PTSD: an update of the literature. PTSD Research Quarterly, 2. https://www.homestudycredit.com/courses/contentDID/DID-Dissociative-Subtype-PTSD.pdf
  2. Whalley, M., & Kaur, H. (n.d.). Learn about depersonalization and derealization. Psychology Tools. https://www.psychologytools.com/articles/learn-about-depersonalization-and-derealization
  3. Whalley, M., & Kaur, H. (n.d.-b). Learn about depersonalization and derealization. Psychology Tools. https://www.psychologytools.com/articles/learn-about-depersonalization-and-derealization

Latest Post

Dr. Grawert

Psychiatrist

Dr. Lauren Grawert is a double board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Addition Psychiatry. She is an integral part of the team of Supervising Psychiatrists for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast Psychiatry.
In previous roles, Dr. Lauren Grawert was the founder of LHG Telemedicine LLC, as well as Chief of Psychiatry (Northern Virginia) for the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group; she has also worked in private practice specializing in general psychiatry, substance use disorders, and medically assisted treatment (MAT). Dr. Grawert has served as an expert for the San Diego Community Response to Drug Overdose Task Force; the Addiction subcommittee leader for Kaiser Permanente National Mental Health & Addiction Leadership Organization; and a Professor of Psychiatry at Penn State College of Medicine. She received her medical and psychiatric training at Medical University of South Carolina.
Dr. Grawert is also experienced with a variety of behavioral healthcare models through both private practice and leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente and other organizations.

Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Mina Cheriki

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Mina Cheriki is a masters-prepared Registered Nurse (RN), certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She brings nearly a decade of experience within the healthcare industry, particularly within the fields of nursing, mental-health, education, research, and leadership. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, followed by a Master of Science degree in Nursing at The Ohio State University.
Rooted in the highest quality of evidence-based practice and informed by a holistic, collaborative, person-centered approach, Mina’s clinical skillset encompasses psychiatric assessments, medication management, psychotherapy, and education. Her clinical focus covers symptoms and conditions related to depression, anxiety, panic, mood imbalances, attention/concentration deficits and hyperactivity, executive dysfunction, life transitions, acute stress, grief, trauma, and more. Additionally, Mina has experience in providing ketamine-assisted therapies and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for mental health.
Coming from a family of immigrants, Mina is familiar with providing culturally-, religiously-, and spiritually sensitive care while also maintaining efforts in delivering highly therapeutic communications. Furthermore, she continues her commitment in providing evidence-driven care and in upholding standards of quality by remaining active in organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Above all, Mina is committed to empowering her clients throughout their journeys toward recovery and well-mindedness. More specifically, she uses her combined knowledge and passions for physical and mental health to assist her clients toward achieving a lasting balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Aside from her dedication to providing mental health care, Mina also enjoys exploring nature and hiking, making photography and art, as well as spending quality time with friends, family, and her dog, Kona.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.