One Kiss, One Nightmare: The Mystery Illness That Changed My Life

2025-06-08 18:00:59.069

Nathan Dunne's life took an unexpected turn after a midnight swim with his girlfriend. What followed was a harrowing descent into depersonalization disorder, a little-known condition affecting millions. Dunne's experience is vividly described in his new book, "When Nothing Feels Real." His symptoms included feeling detached from his body, experiencing a 'second body,' and an intense fear of water. His journey to a diagnosis was long and arduous, filled with misdiagnosis and skepticism from medical professionals. He describes the debilitating effects of the disorder, including a nervous breakdown and the challenges of conveying his symptoms to others. The book also details his path to recovery, which included exposure and response prevention therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and the unwavering support of his wife. Dunne's story offers a powerful and moving account of living with and overcoming a debilitating mental illness, highlighting the importance of awareness and understanding of depersonalization disorder.