Emily’s Survival Guide to Life with DPDR
- e-k-r-t
- Sep 19, 2016
- 3 min read
Tips
1. Smile!
If you’re not smiling right now, do it. Smiling always helps to uplift your mood even if it’s a fake smile. Fake smiles turn in to real smiles.
2. Remember You’re Not Alone
It totally feels like you’re walking this path alone, but you’re not. Depersonalization is the third most common psychological symptom preceded by depression and anxiety. Most people you meet have experienced this. The number of people who suffer from the disorder is much smaller but there are still a lot of us! If you’ve had DPDR for one second or one decade you’re still a survivor and you will conquer.
3. Be Careful on the Internet
There are many Facebook groups and even a great website, DPSH, that are there for you to use with discretion. People who suffer from DPDR come from many different walks of life and you’re bound to end up meeting someone who is way too not nice. Choose your safe spaces and don’t be a not nice person.
4. You Don’t Need a Significant Other
You’re probably pointing out that I have no room to speak since I have a boyfriend and don’t need to worry about these things. I’ve had DPDR off and on for my entire life and chronically for 8 years. I’ve only had a boyfriend for one year. I know what it’s like to feel so lonely and lost that I needed someone else to survive, but I don’t. You must rely on yourself because at the end of the day other people can help you but only you can fix you.
5. Religion (optional)
Spirituality is not for everyone. But if you’re like me and feel a special connection then follow your heart. I was raised Southern Baptist but always felt got calling me to Islam. The peace I feel trumps the persecution. Of course, don’t put yourself or anyone else in danger.
6. Be Selfish
Whoever said being selfish is bad was a fucking asshole. When it comes to your health always put yourself first.
7. Do Something Productive
The best way to escape the feelings of DPDR is to live your life as you normally would. Sometimes that just isn’t possible. If you feel so awful that all you can do is go to the bathroom, then pick up your toothbrush and brush your teeth. Put some deodorant on. If you’re brave, then take a shower. The smallest things like picking up a piece of trash can help you feel good and accomplished. And if you do it then I’m super proud of you.
8. You’re not Useless
I always, and still do sometimes, feel completely useless. But guess what! You’re the most important person in the world. You’re lovely and you matter.
9. Remember that You Are Loved
No matter who you are, I don’t care if your Donald Trump, I love you and there are thousands of other people that love you too. I probably don’t know you and you may not even have DPDR, but I love you.
Helpful Resources
1. DP Self Help
This is a great place to help you get started on your journey to recovery. I advise not staying around too long because it’s easy to get sucked in the being miserable with other people. With that said, the moderators are great and I have met many wonderful friends here. [x]
2. Facebook Purity
This browser extension has been a lifesaver for me. I’ve always been afraid to watch the news and Facebook is always wanting to tell me the news, so I customize my Facebook with this nifty app. You can hide panels, customize your viewing, it’s just really cool all around. [x]
3. AdBlock
AdBlock does exactly that, it blocks ads. This ties back in with the whole “I’m afraid of news” thing. If you haven’t noticed, ads can get pretty weird and possibly triggering.
4. Facebook Groups
Yes! Facebook did something useful. In my personal opinion Facebook groups are better than a forum because you can’t get away with as much and it’s a more modern platform.
I hope this helps you. If I think of anything else I will add it to this list. I fyou would like me to add anything I would be super grateful. Keep staying strong. I love you!
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