When Reality Feels Far Away Dissociation can feel strange and unsettling. Sometimes it’s like the world is behind glass—you can see everything, but not quite feel it. Other times, it’s like being in a dream or a video game. Sounds are distant. Your body feels unfamiliar. You know you’re here, but you don’t feel here. For some, it’s numbness. For others, fog. For others, a sense that reality itself isn’t stable. This is often called derealization (the world feels unreal) or depersonalization (you feel unreal). As scary as it feels, it’s usually not a sign you’re “going crazy.” It’s a survival response. When the nervous system is overwhelmed, it may disconnect to protect you. And sometimes, it keeps doing that even when the danger has passed. Healing isn’t forcing yourself to snap out of it. It’s helping your body feel safe again. When dissociation shows up, try: 🌿 Name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste 🧊 Use cold water or hold ice 🦶 Press your feet into the ground 🌳 Remind yourself: “I’m safe right now” 🤲 Gently squeeze your body to feel its boundaries 💜 Don’t fight it—get curious. “My nervous system is protecting me. Can I gently come back?” Dissociation isn’t weakness. It’s what happens when your system becomes very good at surviving. With time, safety, and care, you can teach it that it no longer needs to disappear.