Depersonalization is a dissociative disorder; depersonalization is when someone has episodes of feeling like they are not in their body, their limbs, or are watching themselves from afar. Dissociative disorders like depersonalization and derealization often occur as a result of psychological trauma and ongoing periods of distress. Dissociation is an instinctive trauma response that activates when we’re under intense distress but can’t get away from the trigger, as a way for our body to help us tolerate being stuck in it.  But when these responses are prolonged, chronic, or occur during times where there isn’t an environmental trigger or threat, it can be really alarming and disruptive to our lives. Kelsey Harper, trauma therapist and clinical psychologist dives into depersonalization and derealization, and gives recommendations for next steps to get help.

This "Ask a Therapist" installment, I address the questions you've submitted on a wide range of mental health topics focusing on understanding how to handle trauma and knowing what are trauma triggers. I also include helpful skills for what to do when you are triggered.

PTSD triggers years later can still cause us to have trouble in our life and experience an uptick in trauma symptoms. Many of us struggle with what to do when you are triggered. Navigating the aftermath of trauma is a tricky journey that often resembles a winding road, filled with unexpected turns and occasional setbacks.