Depersonalisation — when nothing feels real

Depersonalisation — when nothing feels real

Author: ABC Australia August 2, 2025 Duration: 30:06

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.

You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

Guests:

Nathan DunneAuthor, When Nothing Feels Real

Dr Emma CernisClinical psychologist and researcherAssisant Professor of Clinical PsychologyUniversity of BirminghamCentre 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:

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


Ever wondered what's really happening inside your head? Each week, All In The Mind from ABC Australia ventures into the complex landscape of human thought and feeling. This isn't just a dry science lecture; it's a thoughtful exploration of the experiences that shape us, hosted by curious minds who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear conversations that bridge the gap between scientific research and the messy reality of daily life, delving into topics as diverse as the mechanisms of memory, the challenges of breaking an addiction, or the ethical puzzles posed by artificial intelligence. The discussions are grounded and accessible, making the inner workings of the brain relevant to anyone interested in health, behaviour, or simply understanding themselves a little better. By tuning into this podcast, you join a community considering how our mental universe influences everything from our personal fitness to our social connections. It’s a weekly opportunity to pause and reflect on the fascinating forces-both biological and psychological-that drive what we do and who we are. The production brings together expert insights with genuine human stories, creating a space where complex ideas about the mind and behaviour are unpacked with clarity and depth.
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