[JAG]

So imagine this....

Not yet ever having experienced DP you spend a long period of time under some sort of intense emotional stress, but then later for one reason or another the stressor is removed and you're left to your own devices. Then maybe you create your own stress and/or perhaps depersonalize to fill the void.

 

[dreamcatcher]

Its more likely that after a prolonged period of stress the dp/dr sets in and creates the illusion of lowered stress levels by reinterpreting your perceptions of stress. If your stress levels reduce naturally then your mood would have lifted accordingly and your 'normal' life would have continued without the need to dissassociate.....

This is just my opinion through my own life experiences.....

 

[DM]

Yes, I have to agree with dreamcatcher - it is a 'simple' survival mechanism tampering some feelings (which are causing stress) and by that trying to reduce stress.

In extreme situations it is something wonderful - it flattens you feelings and hence makes you more aware (ie your rationality gets stronger - you can make a judged decision without the annoyance of fear or some other emotion) - if it stays permanent it develops into an illness - the symptom becomes the driver.

That's why I always tell to reverse the causality of things - by looking for emotions and doing the things you are avoiding DP/DR will gradually disappear.

Cheers!