Life on Autopilot: A Guide to Living with Depersonalization Disorder

by Joe Perkins

Overview

Drawing on the author's experience of depersonalization disorder (DPD), this book aims to provide support, understanding and advice on how to manage everyday life with DPD.

With insight from respected figures in the field and those with lived experience, the book details the depersonalization experience, from what it is to the impact it has on everyday life. It also offers coping strategies and practical, positive advice for seeking professional treatment.

In both the public and clinical spheres, awareness of DPD is low and it takes an average of 7-12 years to diagnose. This is therefore a much-needed resource, illuminating the experience of those living with this disorder and providing guidance on getting help.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787755994
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	06/21/2021
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	896,331
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.71(d)

About the Author

Joe Perkins has had DPD since 2008, like many, researching his symptoms online before seeking an official diagnosis. He is on the board of Unreal, the UK's first DPD Charity, runs the YouTube Channel, DPD Diaries and has spoken publicly about his experiences. He is based in Bristol, UK.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Note from the Author 8

Foreword Dr Elaine Hunter Professor Anthony David 10

Preface 14

Ch 1 Introduction 17

Head Thing

Ch2 Brief History of Your Author 23

Ch3 'As If' 33

The Depersonalization Experience

Ch 4 So What Is This Hell? 49

The Science behind DPD

Ch 5 Loss or Disruption? 75

The Sense of Self

Ch 6 '…But Isn't Cannabis Cool?' 91

Drugs and DPD

Ch 7 Seeking Initial Help and Being in Therapy 101

Ch 8 Coping Strategies for a Depersonalized Life 115

Ch 9 I Love You (in Principle) 135

DPD and Relationships

Ch 10 Treating DPD 147

Ch 11 #Existing 171

Technology and DPD

Ch 12 Perspectives 181

About Unreal 195

Letter to My Friends (2017) 196

References 201

Editorial Reviews

A book written by someone who has personal experience of DPD and who can explain the current state of knowledge about DPD in an accessible way will be of great benefit to others in the same situation. It is the first of its kind and will perhaps prove to be a landmark for people living with DPD and the field as a whole.

Dr Elaine Hunter

Life On Autopilot is a comprehensive, user-friendly, warmly understandable, and compelling memoir on the much-misunderstood subject of depersonalization. If you're either fascinated or suffering from this profound condition, Joe has written a fully-fledged work that will take you through it with a welcoming, calm hand.

Harris Goldberg - screenwriter/director - NUMB

Joe Perkins offers a down-to-earth, compassionate, and insightful overview of DPDR. I suspect that readers who are feeling lost or worried about their experiences will come away feeling reassured and much less alone. This book is a great starting point for anyone who wants to know more about this under-recognized condition.

Elizabeth Pienkos