The experience of dissociation and depersonalisation are confusing enough - but then comes the search for professional help. Many people worry that they will not be believed, or that professionals will not understand what they are trying to describe. It can also be complicated navigating the various different teams, pathways, and levels of care within the NHS.

So here is the Midlands Dissociation & Depersonalisation Centre (MDDC) “cheat sheet” of how to get help for dissociation and depersonalisation in the UK. (And if you’re a clinician reading this, we have tips for you, too!).

People might use the term ‘dissociation’ to mean many different kinds of experience. At Midlands Dissociation & Depersonalisation Centre, we know the key feeling is a sense of ‘strangeness’. A sensation that something is not quite right.

Finding a qualified therapist is important to be sure the support you receive is safe, professional, and effective.

It surprises a lot of people to learn that anyone can call themselves a therapist and set up a private practice. The term ‘therapist’ is not a protected job title. Neither is ‘psychologist’!

So how can you figure out whether a therapist you'd like to work with is the real deal? 

Dissociating can be worrying, confusing, and scary. You may even begin to wonder if you are ‘going mad’. The good news is: no, you are not. Dissociative experiences, including depersonalisation, can be thought of as a step beyond the famous ‘fight or flight’ response. Thinking about it in this way can help identify where some extra support can help you break free of the bubble.