Help Me Understand

Depersonalization Disorder is something that afflicts my long-term boyfriend. It puts a huge strain on our relationship, mostly because I don't completely understand what he's going through. I hate seeing him suffer like this, and the readings I've done haven't helped grow my understanding. As a partner to someone with Depersonalization, what do I need to know? What can I do to better support him through this?

I am like your boyfriend, and I have a successful, happy marriage of 20 yrs., with 4 children. I would suggest that you not make a big deal of it everyday, and just love your boyfriend. My husband doesn't understand it either, but we have a pretty normal life. He doesn't try to change me, and he encourages me during times when it is particularly bad, but I don't want to waste our life always dealing with or thinking about it. It won't always be like this. It will probably come and go. There are years when it doesn't seem as bad, but then after a decade or so, it will rear its ugly head in a severe way. Encourage him to get therapy, but do not try to change him yourself. This is part of who he is right now and must be accepted with the rest of him if you plan to stay with him. My husband is an alcoholic (a well-behaved one) and in spite of this, and my own issues, we have a happy marriage with 4 teenage children. We all have our own junk, just try not to let it ruin your lives especially in times where the worst seems to get the best of you. Best wishes for the 2 of you. It's always good to find people that you love to walk through life with.