From: Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder, also 6 Warning Signs You Suffer from Depersonalization Disorder (psychcentral). Depersonalisation disorder: the condition you’ve never heard of that affects millions
Without excluding the potential of any supernatural influence, I am still working on the theory that BKism was born out of Lekhraj Kirpalani's mental illness, that was shared among the original core members (shared psychosis/folie a plusiers) and institutionalised and, somehow, the practise exploits and induces various states of mental illness that adherents associate with or accept as evidence of "spirituality" or, as they say, "soul consciousness".
I don't think that this would explain the totality of BK experience, but I do think it explains part of it ... and that the BK so called "teachers" are not sufficiently trained to recognise this let alone treat it. That they encourage and exploit it.
It would also apply to states of minds that individuals were suffering from when they sought relief through BKism.
Admittedly, psychology is not my field, and I am not sure how Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder - one of a number of dissociative disorder - would fit in, but offer it up for consideration due to its obvious similarities to elements that are actually encouraged within BKism.
Without excluding the potential of any supernatural influence, I am still working on the theory that BKism was born out of Lekhraj Kirpalani's mental illness, that was shared among the original core members (shared psychosis/folie a plusiers) and institutionalised and, somehow, the practise exploits and induces various states of mental illness that adherents associate with or accept as evidence of "spirituality" or, as they say, "soul consciousness".
I don't think that this would explain the totality of BK experience, but I do think it explains part of it ... and that the BK so called "teachers" are not sufficiently trained to recognise this let alone treat it. That they encourage and exploit it.
It would also apply to states of minds that individuals were suffering from when they sought relief through BKism.
Admittedly, psychology is not my field, and I am not sure how Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder - one of a number of dissociative disorder - would fit in, but offer it up for consideration due to its obvious similarities to elements that are actually encouraged within BKism.
Overview
Depersonalization-derealization disorder occurs when you persistently or repeatedly have the feeling that you're observing yourself from outside your body or you have a sense that things around you aren't real, or both. Feelings of depersonalization and derealization can be very disturbing and may feel like you're living in a dream.
Many people have a passing experience of depersonalization or derealization at some point. But when these feelings keep occurring or never completely go away and interfere with your ability to function, it's considered depersonalization-derealization disorder. This disorder is more common in people who've had traumatic experiences.
Depersonalization-derealization disorder can be severe and may interfere with relationships, work and other daily activities. The main treatment for depersonalization-derealization disorder is talk therapy (psychotherapy), although sometimes medications also are used.
Depersonalization symptoms
Symptoms of depersonalization include:Feelings that you're an outside observer of your thoughts, feelings, your body or parts of your body — for example, as if you were floating in air above yourself
Symptoms of derealization include:
Feeling like a robot or that you're not in control of your speech or movements
The sense that your body, legs or arms appear distorted, enlarged or shrunken, or that your head is wrapped in cotton
Emotional or physical numbness of your senses or responses to the world around you
A sense that your memories lack emotion, and that they may or may not be your own memories
Derealization symptomsFeelings of being alienated from or unfamiliar with your surroundings — for example, like you're living in a movie or a dream
Feeling emotionally disconnected from people you care about, as if you were separated by a glass wall
Surroundings that appear distorted, blurry, colorless, two-dimensional or artificial, or a heightened awareness and clarity of your surroundings
Distortions in perception of time, such as recent events feeling like distant past
Distortions of distance and the size and shape of objects
Episodes of depersonalization-derealization disorder may last hours, days, weeks or even months at a time. In some people, these episodes turn into ongoing feelings of depersonalization or derealization that may periodically get better or worse.
Here are six signs that you may have depersonalization disorder.
1. You Feel Like a Completely Separate Entity from Your Body.Your body feels like a stranger to you. Your head may feel like it’s been wrapped in cotton, and your body hollow and lifeless.
2. You Don’t Feel Any Connection to the Person You See in the Mirror.
Some people lose their sense of touch, taste and smell, and may feel the need to pinch, poke or hit themselves just to try to feel normal again.You feel a sense of profound detachment when you see your reflection, so you try to avoid it. In fact, you avoid other things in addition to mirrors, like leaving the house or being with people.
3. You Experience a Sense of Detachment From Your Environment.Often times, depersonalization is accompanied by derealization, and you not only feel disconnected from the world but you’re also unfamiliar with it, individuals, inanimate objects, and/or all surroundings. Derealization often involves subjective visual distortions such as fuzziness, heightened sensitivity, a larger or smaller visual field, two-dimensionality or flatness, and exaggerated 3D visions or altered size of objects.
4. You Feel Like a Robot.When experiencing depersonalization, people sometimes feel like they are an observer of their own body and mental process. Their voice may sound unfamiliar and their thoughts, the way they speak, and the things they do no longer feel spontaneous. Instead, they feel as if they’re just going through the motions.
5. You Think Your Memories Belong to Someone Else.
Another major factor sufferers describe is the inability to feel emotion, even to those closest to them.You may struggle with attention and memory, and have trouble remembering everyday things, have trouble taking in new information, and experience thoughts that are accelerated or confused. Your memories may lack an emotional core or you may feel as if they’re so far away from you that they can’t possibly be your own.
6. You Know That There’s Something Wrong.You aren’t delusional; you know that something isn’t right with you and the way you view the world.
The best treatment for depersonalization is talk therapy, since there are no medications specifically designed for this disorder. Though, certain medications designed to treat depression and anxiety such as Prozac, Klonopin and Anafranil may help.