Here are some easily available resources on dissociation of various types.
Table of contents
Books on dissociation
‘The Stranger In The Mirror. Dissociation: The Hidden Epidemic’ by Marlene Steinberg, M.D. and Maxine Schnall
The book divides dissociation along the lines of amnesia, depersonalisation, derealisation, identity confusion and identity alteration. It includes a questionnaire for each, so that you have some idea how Dr. Steinberg would understand and assess each of them. It includes an outline of the 4C’s treatment method and three case studies. Note: there are at least a dozen books with a similar title, so check you have the right one before buying it! E.g. try here.
Overcoming Depersonalisation and Feelings of Unreality, 2nd Edition: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques’ by Elaine Hunter, Dawn Baker, Emma Lawrence & Anthony David
Cognitive behavioural techniques are never going to be my favourite way of working. But you can be sure there is no more experienced team worldwide on the use of CBT for depersonalisation and derealisation. Yes, the book covers both! Make sure you buy the second edition.
Online resources on dissociation
Unreal
This UK-based charity provides information and support for people suffering depersonalisation and derealisation. You can find them here.
Petals of a Rose
‘Petals of the Rose’ is a new (Feb. 2023) short film by Dylan Crumpler. It gives an accurate, enacted portrait of a day in the life of a woman with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The film-maker Dylan grew up with a mother with DID. Please read the trigger warning at the top of the page. There are more information and resources on the page introducing the film.
First Person Plural
This UK charitable organisation works for and on behalf of people affected by complex dissociative identity disorders. According to its website, it works to facilitate mutual support between its members, primarily through written and online resources. They also offer limited support to anyone considering setting up a face to face mutual support group for people with DID in their locality. For the wider public benefit, they provide information, training and resources. (Please note: as of February 2023, their future existence is uncertain as per their website.)
All in the Mind (24 November 2021)
This is an episode of the BBC Radio 4 programme, dated 24 November 2021. It includes an account of on-going depersonalisation by Joe Perkins, a man in the United Kingdom. It underlines how unfamiliar doctors and even psychologists are with the condition. Perkins takes the view that depersonalisation is a response to something, usually an extreme stressor or trauma-inducing event. And that, to recover, the root cause must be found. Further explanation comes from Daryl O’Connor, Professor of Psychology at University of Leeds.
Joe Perkins has also written a book: Life on Autopilot: A Guide to Living with Depersonalization Disorder.