It's definitely real. It's experienced by a lot of people, child abuse or other trauma survivors are particularly likely to experience it. I've experienced it. My boyfriend experiences it. My understanding is that dissociation is when you separate yourself from your body and/or emotions and depersonalization is when you feel that you are not you, rather watching a movie of someone else, as if in the third person. Depersonalization seems like it's pretty common for people who suffer from panic attacks or anxiety. It's a way for you to cope with things going on around you when things are too much. It sounds like you've got a pretty good way to control it, by grounding yourself in your body.
Another thing I'd suggest, is try and identify things that "trigger" attacks. Is there a common thought that crosses your mind? Is there a particular thing about the environment or something that reminded you of something else? If you know your triggers, you can prepare yourself better and be better able to catch yourself and ground yourself before you zone out completely. :)
Feel free to PM. :) I hope things work out for you.
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