ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Depersonalisation — when nothing feels real
Depersonalisation — when nothing feels real
Depersonalisation — when nothing feels real
Saturday 2nd August 2025
Explore depersonalisation disorder with Nathan Dunne's story and expert insights on symptoms, causes, and treatments.
30 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Engaging
Eye-opening
About this podcast
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ABC Radio
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Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!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.