Derealization
Derealization is an altered mental state in which the surrounding environment seems foggy, unreal, or disconnected. It is similar to depersonalization in that it alters a person’s perception of reality. However, while depersonalization results in a feeling that one is robotic or detached from one’s environment, derealization causes the environment itself to seem unreal.
Symptoms of Derealization
Derealization can be experienced differently by different people. Some people describe it as a hazy, dreamlike state where details of the environment may seem fuzzy or detached. Other people may experience changes in their perception of the environment. For example, sights and sounds may be muted and seem unreal.
Causes of Derealization
Derealization is characteristic of several mental health disorders. Severe anxiety and depression may cause periods of derealization. People having panic attacks due to anxiety disorders or flashbacks due to posttraumatic stress may also experience episodes of derealization. Derealization commonly occurs with dissociative disorders and may also occur with some forms of schizophrenia.
The symptom may also occur during or immediately after a person experiences a traumatic event. Brain damage to the occipital or temporal lobes may also cause both depersonalization and derealization. Drugs such as marijuana, hallucinogens, pain medication, and even large quantities of caffeine may contribute to derealization.
Treatment for Derealization
When people present with symptoms of derealization, clinicians typically first rule out physiological causes such as brain damage or substance use and abuse. Thereafter, treatment depends on what specific mental condition is causing derealization. Because derealization is associated with anxiety, panic, and trauma, people often benefit from learning self-soothing skills and may practice meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation exercises. Medication can also help ease anxiety, and people may be prescribed antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medications. When derealization occurs as a part of schizophrenia or dissociative disorders, psychiatrists may prescribe antipsychotic medications. When derealization is caused by a mental health condition, treatment almost always involves some form of psychotherapy. Therapy can address underlying causes of derealization, help with groundedness, and provide new coping skills.
References:
- Cox, B. J., & Swinson, R. P. (2002). Instrument to assess depersonalization-derealization in panic disorder. Depression and Anxiety, 15(4), 172-175. doi: 10.1002/da.10051
- Kring, A. M., Johnson, S. L., Davison, G. C., & Neale, J. M. (2010). Abnormal psychology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Last Updated: 09-5-2017
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Claire
June 24th, 2016 at 11:54 PMExcellent summaries.
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Claire
June 24th, 2016 at 11:55 PMI am a social worker therapist and found these summaries excellent. I can see using them with some of my clients and also for my own reference. Thanks. Claire
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Riab
January 2nd, 2018 at 8:46 AMHi I am an MSW student and I am suffering from anxiety. I had depression but that seems to be better. I sometimes do not want to go back to internship. I believe the review that I received for this first quarter which was not that great, triggered it.
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Randa
June 28th, 2016 at 4:42 PMThis applies to me.derealization for years no idea why. Thinking about it depresses me. I need help. When I say how I feel, people look at me like I must be crazy.
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Sharon
December 12th, 2016 at 10:45 PMDerealisation for me is when i actively cant do anything as im not sure what my reality is. I feel dreadful – aware that what im experiencing is too horrid and i go to hermit mode looking at bed. I think my emotionally traumatic childhood has a lot to answer for and ive been alone looking for help to remove me from the hell within my brain. Think i need hospitalisation soon to feel better. This is hell on earth and i cant find a way out. Just went and got valium from dr as im seriously unwell and yet do t feel i get talen seriously when i say my head is fighting myself
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Kofi
March 14th, 2017 at 10:52 AMHi Sharon, How do you feel three months after, what have you done to improve the condition?
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Michele
April 3rd, 2018 at 12:32 PMWow, Sharon. I was just doing some research and ran across your post. I hope you found someone who would listen to you and got the help you needed. Best if luck to you!
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Diane
February 5th, 2019 at 12:02 PMI’m sorry to hear about your issues, I know what it’s like when Doctors don’t listen and they just shove a prescription at u u should research gut brain connection I’m sure this will help u tremendously hope that helps
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Kathryn Ogle
December 26th, 2019 at 12:58 PMI hope you have found some relief by now. My son is suffering from this too. He explains it as you have. Hell on earth. If you are better, please reply what steps you took to get there. Thank you.
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Raymond
March 30th, 2020 at 2:52 PMI feel the same as you. It all started with a Manic episode 20 years ago. The nightmare lasted for years and one day it just vanished and I was fine for a time. but, just as it left it came back the same. There was one difference, I didn’t have a manic episode first. I had it after. It has now been 6 years stuck in this hell-like state. I’m underwater totally detached from what should be real and I’m crawling out of my skin. It’s there from dusk till dawn every day all day. it never stops. My question to anyone who has experienced this for any length of time. when did it start, what was going on in your life? did it stop, what was going on in your life when it went away? I would sell my soul to live in the world I remember.
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Richard
April 13th, 2020 at 12:39 PMJust wondering if this is the same experience I am feeling. I had alot of coffee about a week ago and my heart was racing and has shortness of breath. I went to the urgent Care all my vitals were good. Since then about 4 days I am so tired and feel like I am walking In dream. Is this just being exhausted or do I have a condition now because of drinking too much caffeine.
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lisa
April 23rd, 2017 at 6:47 PMi know what u mean…..no one knows unless they have been through it …. everything is gonna be ok we are not alone… life doesnt throw us things that we cant handle is a motto i love….. with love from derealization friend lol :)
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Bl
June 13th, 2017 at 8:55 AMI read today that if you have chronic ONGOING symptoms of derealization, that it’s caused by ‘occipital-temporal dysfunction’
I’m confused though. I went through a series of emotional events that stressed me out, but afterwards life didn’t feel real, im spacy, with brain fog, and things seem foreign, have head tension too Its felt like this everyday since then all day, wether I’m anxious or not. Bright light makes it far worse.
I’ve had some cat scans to the brain which show negative. So… I’m not sure what to make of that comment, or why I would continue to feel this way? -
Amanda
August 18th, 2019 at 10:12 AMI feel the same way most of the time , have you improvised at all ?
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Brooke
September 11th, 2019 at 10:06 AMMy symptoms are exactly like yours. Did this ever go away for you or did you find a way to relieve it?
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Storm
July 17th, 2017 at 3:39 AMWow I thought I was the only one that experienced this feeling I feel like I’m not attached to the environment I like I can’t grasp reality what do you guys do about it or what medications do you take I’ve had this feeling every since my late teens. And when trying to explain it to anyone they just don’t get it
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randa
July 17th, 2017 at 1:09 PMI thought I was alone with this. Dreams seem more real than life. Counselor said “pinch yourself. Do you feel that? Didn’t stay with her. It is depressing to go to anyone, they don’t seem to understand
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Christina
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:38 PMSince I was about 7 years old I have been able to put myself into and take myself out of a state of derealization intentionally. For those of you who do not bring this on intentionally I apologize. It must be terrible to have it happen unsolicited. Over the years I have tried to explain the experience to others but no one has been able to tell me what it was called. Derealization is the closest I can come to explaining the experience. I have researched if there are others who can bring this on intentionally without trauma but have not been successful in finding any other experiencers. I have even thought of reaching out to a research lab to be a case study but have not to date. Does anyone know who I might contact that can explain this ability more concisely?
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Laurie
June 24th, 2018 at 5:17 AMLike you, I have been experiencing derealization since childhood. I can’t trigger it, but if I shift (usually due to stress) I can easily come out. I don’t worry about it because it seems to be a way to cope with stress.
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Sabrina
November 4th, 2017 at 8:20 AMfollow
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Chi C
December 5th, 2017 at 6:30 AMFinally found out what’s wrong with me. Trying desperately to make it go away. Knowing what it is and that I’m not alone gives me some comfort.
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Kyla V
December 31st, 2017 at 5:34 AMHi there,
I’ve been experiencing derealization for about a week now, it’s affecting my work, I can’t concentrate and I’m forgetting that I do certain things. I’ve tried everything but it’s no better. I’m worried that I’ll never feel real. I can’t even go anywhere without feeling fake, dizzy and having constant anxiety and panic attacks, -
Pauline M.
March 4th, 2018 at 5:30 AMHave you tried grounding techniques? I’ve had this for 43 years on and off but past couple of years it’s been really bad. I wear a tight thick band around my wrist to twang hard, taste something very bitter, count and touch different things, have a cold shower, stand in the rain. If I’m outside I imagine I’m in a huge purple bubble with my granny holding her hand. They din’t always work but anything is worth a try. Good luck
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70girl
January 8th, 2018 at 12:37 PMInteresting to read comments, I’m 47 have experienced cronic symptoms since I 12 years old. Struggled for a long time, accepted this is my reality, it actually becomes ok!
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Habsa
April 8th, 2018 at 5:37 AMI’m 14 years old (in yr9) and since year 6 I have been going through derealization. I think it started in our yr6 leavers lunch where there was loud music and everyone was talking. I couldn’t process a thing and I wasn’t aware that I was moving etc. I remember the day very well ( I’m not sure why). As I write this I am drifting in and out of “derealization”. I don’t think i suffer from anxiety or anything like that. I don’t do drugs or drink etc. I’m not suicidal or depressed. Can anybody recommend anything?
Thanks in advance
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RoyF
April 16th, 2018 at 4:43 PMHi, I am new here. My wife is suffering terribly from not only almost daily migraines, but bouts of derealization and depersonalization. I finally got her to agree to seek medical help, but am not sure who to start with. :Psychiatrist, neurologist, primary care doc, etc. We are not sure if they are caused by brain dysfunction or trauma (ptsd). Can anyone point me in the right direction, the help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you -
Kylee D.
May 5th, 2020 at 10:33 AMCognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) you will want to find a counselor who specializes in CBT, this is a result of high anxiety and trauma, with that being said it might be helpful to also look into EMDR once her derealization starts to get under control.
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Isaiah M.
May 30th, 2018 at 1:01 AMI have been dealing with derealization since I was about 14, I’m 20 now. it has affected every aspect of my life, its very difficult for me to learn anything because I don’t actually feel here. its hard for me to remember anything I forget a lot of stuff. I just feel like life isn’t even worth living when I don’t even feel here I try to enjoy life but I can’t even enjoy it. everything around me feels unreal like I’m living in a dream or a movie. I’m dealing with many other sicknesses like multiple sclerosis, and patulous Eustachian tube which really makes my life even harder, unbearable almost when all my sicknesses are attacking me at once. There was a time when I thought I was normal, that everyone feels things the way I do, it gives me relief yet saddens me that there is a name for everything that is wrong with me.
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Laura A.
November 3rd, 2019 at 4:36 PMHi Isaiah!
I have also been living with chronic depersonalization and derealization for almost 8 years now…and I have patulous Eustachian tube in my right ear, as well! I have recently been wondering if they are somehow related? I have had ear issues my whole life, and I had depersonalization/derealization 3 times before it came again 8 years ago. Those three times it always went away within 1-3 days on its own. I would love to connect with you and chat more!!Laura
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OrangeGirl
July 1st, 2018 at 8:45 AMIn the last year was diagnosed w PTSD & derealization. Because I’ve been this way since childhood, I always thought everyone spaced out as a normal state of being. During moments of anxiety it gets worse and it’s scary because sometimes I think I can’t pull myself out of it. Been through several counselors and unfortunately even some of them don’t take this seriously. Currently seeing one who is suggesting I meditate and learn body feeling/awareness. I’ve come up with a trick that might work as I practice it. when I feel myself drifting: close my eyes a minute, touch “third eye” area of forehead and imagine I’m in solitary confinement. Nothing but white walls. Once I’ve fixed that image in mind, I open my eyes and then can see my reality more vividly. If anyone tries this let me know how it works for you. Also helps: SET BOUNDARIES! Do NOT let your world overwhelm you or it will trigger escape mode. Make your home as minimalist and quiet as possible. Ask friends not to call you every day. Get space, sleep, warm showers. Peace to you my fellow-Dereals. xox
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Privatesoul
February 7th, 2020 at 9:47 PMI am a therapist. I have also felt this way my entire life. I just remind myself that this is me. Life is real. Headspace was a great ap that helped along with attention training exercises really help. Personally battling it just makes it worse. There are med line ups that help too. I used to feel like I watched life from the back of my head if that makes any sense. Almost Luke through binoculars. The right med combo, controlling anxiety, talking to a trusted person, and solid sleep hygiene help. It feels like the end of the world but it doesn’t have to be. I love being a therapist and practicing what I preach. It does it get better by the way. Don’t fight it, go with the flow, it will pass. The more you focus on it and fight the harder it is. Distraction techniques are also helpful. You can still have successful, fulfilling lives. It just take practice, coping skills, and a solid support system.
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70girl
July 2nd, 2018 at 12:34 PMRecently I was in almost the exact situation that triggered derealisation over 30 years ago… had a moment of reality, then slipped back into the foggy dream, came to realise that this is my reality… my normal… embrace your life and reality… you are a beautiful soul xx
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Zakk
August 24th, 2018 at 12:54 AMHey there everyone!
So as a dumb teenager i abused a substance known to man as weed. for as well it was fun first time and stuff but then when i stopped (i smoked only 5-7 times all together), i started to feel weird like sometimes i would almost get high by doing nothing. However after 2 months now since i haven’t touched it i still feel im, how to explain…i can’t focus on anything, im constantly thinking that my perception of reality isn’t real at all, specially when i look in the mirror. i think to my self “NO, this is not me..but who is it then?” and sometimes the thoughts can get really deep. as i was “fighting” my own mind in attempt of help, for all the problems i had etc… i really feel like i’m a Camera attached to a fake body, and everything is just subconscious, whatever I do i feel like im programmed to do so…After a small research i found out i had derealization, because at first i was panicking that i had schizophrenia. i’m also emotionally unstable, in a moment i’m happy and in the other i’m sad. sometimes i feel like everything is floaty,and the letters on the keyboard are all unordered. As a joke to a serious condition, its almost like ocd, you can see patterns when you look to the floor, and everthing makes sense but as said, in another moment no. the time is going slow and fast so uncontrollable or predictable. i would try to take ADHD pills so concentrate. Any ideas, should i take ritalin? -
Karlo
June 17th, 2019 at 1:09 PMHey man do you feel any better now?
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70'sgirl
August 19th, 2019 at 4:42 PMCheck out irlen syndrome, the weird pattern thing might be linked to this, wouldn’t be surprised if all of us derealisationers have this to some degree… discovered I do a couple of years ago!!
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randa
April 1st, 2020 at 10:26 AMI have tried to figure what trauma I had. At. 8 my dad’s cousin committed suicide. Since I ask self is this real or not. Dreams seem more real. Help!
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Scott
May 6th, 2020 at 11:35 AMI have been in a state of derealization for the past 2 months. It was brought on by a Monumental anxiety Panic condition, which has since stayed with me… Along with the state of derealization. I am still cognizant in present in my day-to-day life, but I feel like I’m looking at the world through some kind of translucent Veil. It’s hard to focus on anything else, and it has deepened my depression. Of course, this all had to happen at the same time as coronavirus. I can’t really go anywhere, I can’t see my friends, and have a hard time distracting myself. When I am able to distract myself, I am able to have fun and focus on whatever it is that I’m doing… But it is always there, either in the front or back of my mind. It has intensified my depression, and I battle with it everyday.
What two seemed to be the initial trigger of this state was a bad experience with Lexapro, for depression. It was prescribed to me, and after only 4 days I went into an unstoppable continuous panic attack state. although I deal with anxiety daily, I have not had a panic attack since… But the derealization has persisted.
It makes me feel overwhelmingly sad every time I think about it, which is almost constantly. Like I said, being isolated because of coronavirus hasn’t helped one iota.
I just feel detached, sleepy, and depressed all of the time. I don’t know what to do with myself anymore.
For the record, I am a 49 year-old man was two wonderful children who’s been married for 21 years. I love my family, but other than my wife and kids I don’t have much else that me out of bed in the morning.
I am currently trying to get an appointment with a psychotherapist, but once again because of coronavirus that’s nearly impossible, even over the phone. I am sincerely at the end of my rope.
Thank you to everyone who is reading this, caring about your own experiences has made me feel a little bit better. All I can hope is that this will pass soon. I have given up caffeine, try to get lots of sleep, take my vitamins, drink a lot of water… Nothing makes it better.
I don’t know any of you, but I love you for listening to me. Thank you very much. -
OrangeGirl
May 7th, 2020 at 5:48 PMHi Scott. In my few years of seeing a counselor for PTSD, SADD I’ve always been told to stay physically active. I know it’s hard to motivate yourself but try to MAKE yourself go outside and put music in your ears and take a long walk. You will feel better even for just a little while. Play your favorite music when you go walk or if you don’t want to go outside…pick a room, shut the door and dance it all away!! Good luck and sending you cyber love too…<3 :) <3
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Natalie
June 17th, 2020 at 4:44 AMHi Scott
I feel for you. I am a mum of an amazing 9 year old, and a bew mum to a 6 month old sweet baby girl. I have an amazing husband and last Wednesday derealisation hitvme like a ton of bricks. Morning OK, afternoon massive panic attack.
I have a history of GAD, probably some elements of PTSD and have experienced derealisation intermittently since childhood due to trauma.
I have corrected it on Citalopram 2 years ago, tried this week again, as was off it fir oregnancy. This time round could not take it, physialcal side effects plus absolutely crazy anxiety it brought was unbereable, and this only on 5mg in 3 days…
I am trying herbs now and meditation, we will see.
Living with this veil on your eyes, like in a dream, when you have amazing family feels awful… and adds guilt.
You are right that coronavirus does not help, both with the level of stress and access to services.
I hope you feel better soon. -
Coll
August 29th, 2020 at 7:55 PMHave you felt any better? This is an awful feeling😓
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Bree
December 15th, 2020 at 8:14 PMThis feeling is terrible. It makes my heart race, light only makes it worst,i’m afraid to leave my house. This started when I was about 9 I’m now 15 but the thing is that no trauma happened in my life. This feeling is so bad that i just want to go to sleep and never wake up. I’ve noticed that this made me very sad i feel like i might have depression and anxiety. I cry daily basis,begging god to save me i pray to go back to normal. i feel very un-normal and don’t know what to do or how to get help especially with this overwhelming virus in the way, someone please inform me an give tips, please 😭😭😭
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Lu
December 22nd, 2020 at 6:42 PMHi, to Scott, it is almost scary reading your story as my derealisation started after taking an antidepressant, 25mg of sertraline to be exact, the med itself wasn’t working with me this time as I had continues panic attacks on it even on a low dose, I now strongly believe these anxiety/panic attacks are what caused my derealisation in the first place, I too, have this foggy dream like state feeling constantly… it’s there all the time, I have consulted with a couple of psychiatrists who both advised me to use clonazepam as they believe this to be connected to a high state of anxiety as I had some other anxiety symptoms which have luckily subsided with only the derealisation being consistent to this day… it has now been 5 months and like you I felt like the timing couldn’t be more uncomfortable as corona certainly hasn’t helped with distractions. I know a lot of people say to just ignore this feeling but it’s so hard when it’s consistently with you all day everyday for months on end let alone years. I sincerely hope we all find a way to either find a cure or an improvement or a way to come to terms with it as hard as it is.
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Lydia
January 31st, 2021 at 6:31 PMWhen it first happened it was wired , I was on a plane to Poland I was 12 and everything was completely normal I felt completely normal the plane was landing and I was going through sleeping for a second then waking up I woke up and a wave fell over me I didn’t feel as though I existed or that I was really here every thing was so busy and normal and I just wasn’t I felt disconnected to my family on the plane with me we went into the airport I acted normal but honestly I was confused I knew this wasn’t a dream but looking around and talk and trying to act like I wasn’t experiencing this was a show I went through that whole holiday not feeling real walking down streets in Poland not feeling like I was there I cried and told my family I didn’t feel right and said I had a stomach ache bet honestly I felt disconnected on the flight home I was happy and relieved surly if that happened on the way there it would go back to normal when I was back in the uk it didnt maybe it would go back to normal when I got back to my hometown it didn’t maybe it would be back to normal if I flew it Poland again it didn’t maybe it would go back to normal on the same day a year later it didn’t my life has just gone and I just cannot stop thinking about how I don’t feel real I understand that I am. I’ve never told anyone of this I’m embarrassed they will think I’m sczophrenic(because I bloody sound it ) but I don’t think I am because I feel happiness and sadness and have cried for so many nights praying this hell won’t last forever. Now physical effects have started to happen I am now 16 I have been fainted a couple times and this has really scared me as I feel as though I have no control I am scared I’m going to die when I sleep if I faint and I have a phobia of death and I constantly feel like I’m going to faint or just fall back into oblivion I’m always over analysis all my feelings and symptoms will this go on forever ? How do I stop them?should I tell someone ? Should I go to the doctors?what is wrong with me?
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Ax
March 29th, 2021 at 2:45 AMEveryone who is going through hell right now. I’m so so sorry. I know/knew that feeling oh so well. It is literally hell and completely indescribable to someone who hasn’t experienced it. I’m 35 now and mine began after a very very very bad mushroom trip at age 16. After that, I might as well have been walking around in a video game. People weren’t real, I wasn’t real and if I wasn’t real then what the hell was the shit called reality that I was experiencing? My memories weren’t mine but at the same time they were. Mind you this was all while sober after the trip for about two years completely solid 24/7. I didn’t tell anyone, it was insane. This continued on and off until college then disappeared for a little while. Then in my late 20’s came roaring back after I had big life moment. The second time I was prepared. Smooth seas do no make skillful sailors. I had done as much research as I possibly could as to what could cause the human body to do this and it honestly makes perfect sense. The humane body and brain are capable of amazing things. Ever have any experiences in your life where your adrenaline has kicked in? I remember as a teen causing trouble in the streets one night we were chased by a car. I remember leaping a 6ft fence in one swoop only to get my head nearly ripped off by barbed wire on the other side. But I saw it and was able to move at lightning speed. To me derealization was a trauma response my body automatically learned due to psychological stress. I could not escape my own hell of my mushroom trip, so I escaped myself. If that makes sense. Since this happens during childhood, as you’re still learning how to be an adult, this can become an automatic or “go to “ response for any stress or trauma that may occur. Then what happens is a hellish circle. Your anxiety or stress is kicked off by something and your body goes to is “so far” fail safe approach. Disconnect. Because you’re still alive so far so why change your stressor response. But what happens if you are already connected and panicking about feeling disconnected? Disconnect again. It just keeps disconnecting cause you keep panicking about what you’re feeling. Once you understand that this is your bodies natural response because never forget your body and mind are capable of way more than we know, you begin to work on yourself. What are your anxiety triggers. What are your stressors. And when this feeling comes instead of looking at this as dangerous, look at as safe. Because that’s what your body is doing. You’re just along for the ride. So when I feel it creeping up on me, which it still does every now and then under heavy stress or anxiety, I imagine my self simply stepping back and allowing my body to do its thing. What this does is immediately nullifies the hellish circle loop over time. This wasn’t an overnight change. But it was a change indeed. I can stop it. Yes read those words. I can stop it. Because I was once you reading these words desperately grasping for any sign of hope that life would ever be normal again. And it is. It’s stopped. Like I said. It tries to sneak up on me, but now I just laugh and understand it will pass as soon as I am calm. So once again. I was depersonalized and de realized for 2 years 24/7. It began in one day. I went from normal to what I thought was insane. After the two years it would come and go. And then with trauma and general anxiety therapy along with cbt I tackled this monster. When it would happen and I was in that hell mentally holding onto what felt like the mast of a sinking ship in a storm I began to study it. I would write what I ate, did, who I was with, where I was etc. Along with klonopin 1mg daily(believe me I tried every medication under the sun) I was able to understand why my body does this and eventually stop the loop. It will stop. Trust me. You’re going through hell so you might as well keep going. Fight back. This is your life. So when it comes next time. Put on your gloves, put in your mouth piece ring the bell and weather the fight. Because in the end. Trust me. You win. And the sooner you understand that. The sooner it will go away. Keep truckin everyone. You got this!
– Delrealaxed -
Briz
May 8th, 2021 at 6:44 AMI have Derealisation Disorder. It started as short day-long episodes when I was 13. Within a year it was 24/7. I am now 21 and have had it constantly for 7 years. Mine is a symptom of anxiety and is my brains “defence” mechanism likely from a challenging childhood. It is very hard but is slowly getting better as I fight my anxiety and train my brain to feel safe with the help of a psychologist and the right medication. If you also have it but haven’t talked to someone about it, do it. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you are going crazy alone. When I opened up I found I wasn’t as crazy as I’d thought.
You aren’t alone, and it is worth fighting. -
Nic
May 10th, 2021 at 2:23 PMIv had derealisation for 6 weeks now my high anxiety set if off after having a baby. Not 1st time iv had it I had it when I was 18 I got out of by exercise and just going with it. Took me 6 months to get out of it but it work. Now I’m older. I’m finding hard to get out of it I’m working out everyday that helps loads takes the anxiety away and I’m waiting on some intensive therapy I should get in a few week. Only thing that bothers me about it is the eyes not seeing clear thst freaks me out but I will get over it and so will all of you all u have to do is work. On. it its mind over matter.
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Jeffrey
October 30th, 2021 at 11:36 AMIve been dealing with derealiztion for 1 year now and i think its because i overwhelm myself with every little thing and i also have a girlfriend and she puts me under constant stress with questions and with her insecurities and thats honestly when it started.
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Jillian
April 30th, 2022 at 9:41 AMI know how awful these feelings are. I was wondering what you guys thought of a possible cause being vestibular issues or hearing ? I developed it after a spinal adjustment at a chiropractor, which also gave me tinnitus and some vision issues , i look around and things seem fake which is causing me to be so anxious and scared to do much, light seems to make it worse and after sleeping. I also feel pretty emotionally disconnected and don’t feel myself. I think trying to push yourself to do normal activities if u can even once a day may help, also Prayer helps me with the anxiety and I have faith He will heal us. I will pray for all of you , God bless
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Ida
May 3rd, 2022 at 10:42 PMHang in there. I was feeling this a few years ago and with the right medication, it helped. I recently dealt with this again when my son started having derealization, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive thoughts. He is only 11 years old. I too think praying helps and gets me through the hard times. If you need someone to speak to I am here. God bless.
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stephen
June 27th, 2022 at 2:08 PMi have finally been diagnosed with having a stroke. after almost 40 years. i was 19 and working 60hr weeks and drinking like a fish. i know but i was a kid. i only feel better when i have a cold coming on. its the strangest thing that no one else has heard of including the countless doctors. if anybody is experiencing similar events i would love to hear from you. thanks.
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Joe
February 28th, 2023 at 1:40 PM@Jillian My DPDR includes vision problems (left eye mostly), tinnitus and the inability to stimulate my brain (was taking ADHD meds and they stopped working). I’m in month 6 now and it all began after an auto accident, but not immediately. The week before DPDR I had the longest streak of mania and headaches behind my left eye. So far I’ve been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. I had not been using any illicit substances during onset.
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Elisa
September 16th, 2023 at 5:36 PMI’ve been experiencing this for nearly 3 years non stop now. I never got out of it. I tend to forget I have this. I live in this dream, this unreal world, and I think it’s better this way because remembering I’m not even fully alive is gut-wrenching. I live in a lie, but the lie is real life, so… I started using the disorder to mentally get out of situations that hurt me, to forget. I don’t remember what normal feels like. I’ve been doing some research recently, to find out if there’s a way to get out of this, but the only thing I’ve seen is doctors prescribing anti-depressants, and it’s just going to make this 10 times worse. The only way out of this is faith.
I don’t even realize how bad the situation is, it’s become my normal… I have no idea how I’m doing.
But I did find tips to connect a bit more with reality, to feel alive: our occipital and temporal lobes are damaged, so everything we see and hear is foggy, unreal. But we still have 3 other senses left: smell, taste, and touch. Before everything happened and I feel into this literal hell, I liked, for example, to make pancakes. I made a lot, I loved them. A few weeks ago, I made some for the first time since the illness, and the smell and taste of it woke this amazing feeling of being alive that I lost 3 years ago. It brought me back. Also, having physical contact with the people I love makes me feel the most alive. We can do nothing for our brains. I have faith that one day it heals, but for now the only thing we can do if find things to hold on to. If you guys are as exhausted as I am, you probably don’t even have the energy to even think about taking action, but if I can give you a piece of advice, it’s definitely to start living through the senses you have left. Listen to that music group that made you feel amazingly alive (it should do something to your body and you’ll connect to reality that way), fall in love, dig into your old life (if you’re like me and you’ve forgotten most of it, don’t lose faith, your body hasn’t forgotten anything and can make you relieve things your brain can’t), make a recipe, go to places you felt alive in.
I strongly believe in this awful situation this most powerful ally we have is our body. Try it out, and believe that God sees your pain and is with you every step of the way. Don’t lose faith.
God bless you all -
emi
October 6th, 2023 at 1:08 PMthis fits quite well tbh.. I‘m a teenager who received the news of her dad dying of cancer just a few weeks ago. He has been having it for a while and I’ve always been okay with it . However since a few weeks I’m suffering from extreme internal stress due to our situation. It’s super hard to keep on living, I have to do a lot at home but I sometimes just can’t. Everything is so blurry and feels unreal. I can’t concentrate at all and I’m constantly tired when I experience those episodes of derealization. I go to therapy but it’s clear that this is a normal process of my brain trying to protect me.. however this is extremely frustrating & damaging especially bc I‘m in my exam season rn and I literally can’t do a thing…
People often underestimate what this illness can do to people and its sickening.
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