Feeling disconnected from your environment might indicate a difficult-to-identify condition. Barrie Miskin observed changes in her appearance when she was newly pregnant. Dark patches bloomed on her skin like watercolor ink. A “bushy” growth of hairs appeared on her upper lip and chin. The surrounding environment was also transforming; in her Astoria, Queens neighborhood, bright lights surrounded objects in a glow, making her sight unclear. Ms. Miskin, 46, said that her co-workers and even her doctors began to feel like “alien proxies” of themselves. “It was as if I were seeing the world through a dirty window,” she explained. However, Ms. Miskin was aware that it was merely an illusion, prompting her to seek assistance. After over a year of consultations with mental health professionals, she eventually received a diagnosis for her symptoms: depersonalization/derealization disorder, or D.D.D. Prior to her pregnancy, Ms. Miskin had discontinued her antidepressant medication. Her new psychiatrist mentioned that the symptoms might have been caused by several months of untreated depression that came afterward. Although Ms. Miskin believed she was alone in dealing with her unexplained illness, she actually wasn’t. Countless social media posts mention depersonalization or derealization, with some describing the experience as “being in a movie or a dream” or “viewing the world through a fog.” We’re experiencing difficulties accessing the article content. Please turn on JavaScript in your browser settings. Thank you for your patience as we confirm access.
