Depersonalisation — when nothing feels realDepersonalisation — when nothing feels real
All In The Mind
Have you ever felt like things were not quite real? That you were no longer connected to your body or didn’t know who you were? Nathan Dunne felt this way for years. And it’s never quite stopped affecting the way he sees himself or the world around him. Today, depersonalisation disorder — and what we know about its symptoms, causes and treatments. And a heads up, this episode discusses heavy topics such as suicide. Please take care while listening. Guests: Nathan Dunne Author, When Nothing Feels Real Dr Emma Cernis Clinical psychologist and researcher Assisant Professor of Clinical Psychology University of Birmingham Centre Lead, Midlands Dissociation & Depersonalisation Centre Credits: Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/Senior Producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound Engineer: Tegan Nicholls If you enjoyed this episode, you might like: Can we trust our memories? Memory loss and identity Dissociation and coping with trauma Depersonalisation — when Nathan lost his sense of self and nothing felt real (Conversations) More Information: When Nothing Feels Real - Nathan Dunne Unreal: Depersonalisation and Derealisation Support Like being trapped behind a pane of glass – depersonalisation, derealisation disorder explained (The Conversation, 2025) Depersonalisation-derealisation as a transdiagnostic treatment target: a scoping review of the evidence in anxiety, depression, and psychosis (Frontiers in Psychology, 2025) The Prevalence of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: A Systematic Review (Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 2023) Support resources: Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue
30:06•2 Aug 2025
Feeling Unreal: Nathan Dunne's Journey Through Depersonalisation
Episode Overview
- Depersonalisation disorder affects around 1% of the population.
- Symptoms include feeling disconnected from reality and oneself.
- Misdiagnosis is common due to overlapping symptoms with anxiety and depression.
- Exposure therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation are promising treatments.
- Recovery is possible with understanding and appropriate interventions.
“"The last thing that I want to do is surrender to this illness. The instinct is to fight."”
Have you ever felt like you're living in a dream, disconnected from your own body? That's the unsettling world Nathan Dunne found himself in after a midnight swim changed his life forever. This episode of 'All In The Mind' dives into depersonalisation disorder — a condition that affects around 1% of the population, yet remains largely misunderstood and often misdiagnosed.
Nathan shares his personal journey, detailing the surreal experiences and challenges he faced, including the breakdown of his relationship and a struggle for identity. Alongside Nathan's story, Dr Emma Cernis, a clinical psychologist, sheds light on the symptoms, causes, and potential treatments for this perplexing disorder. From chronic stress to drug use, various factors can trigger depersonalisation, making it difficult for sufferers to feel connected to their own lives.
You'll learn about Nathan's innovative treatment journey, including exposure therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation — therapies that slowly helped him reclaim his sense of self. The episode doesn't shy away from the tough topics, discussing the emotional toll depersonalisation can take on individuals and their loved ones. It's an eye-opening exploration of how a single moment can alter one's perception of reality and the uphill battle to find clarity and healing.
If you've ever questioned your own reality or know someone who has, this episode offers valuable insights and hope. It’s a reminder that even when life feels surreal, there are paths to recovery. Dive in and discover how Nathan found his way back to himself — one step at a time.
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