depersonalization/derealization

jinul1m64 · Post by **jinul1m64** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:18 pm

My anxiety has been getting better I believe...however the only thing that keeps me panicky/anxious are the derealization/depersonalization symptoms. It makes me obsess about reality. I can't seem to think of anything else. Then other obsessions related to reality starts manifesting. It's like I question and over analyze everything I do/see/feel/etc. I can be reading and just think...is this real? am I really reading...how am i reading? I then start to think how weird it is and then i panic. Can anyone relate to these obsessive thoughts so I don't feel like I'm crazy?

Johnny_Roastbeef · Post by **Johnny_Roastbeef** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:43 pm

ahh man! thank god for you. That has been one of the most horrific symptoms of anxiety for me and I am really glad you brought it up. It's so strange, and it has often been a trigger for me to begin my cyclic thinking of "am I going crazy", which is where a large majority of my anxiety comes from. Its such a sureal experience that I would begin to question reality and then my sanity. You are certianly not crazy, although the cyclical thinking and ruminating can make it seem that way. Would love to hear your story with anxiety. I posted mine under the title "HOLA" as my first post. I'm a newbie with this site and program.

**Its a New Day** · Post by **Its a New Day** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 1:25 am

Yes, that is very common with anxiety. I have had it for years, I have learned that if I refocus when it is happening or get busy it fades quickly. It generally happens when I am really tired or stressed about something, but can also come out of the blue. You are not alone it is just a symptom not a disease. You have to remember that fear can only rule your life if you give your mind free run with it, you have to control what you allow yourself to give extra thought to.

Chrystal

carlyboy · Post by **carlyboy** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 2:18 am

Hey you ur not alone. This has been an exsperiance for me alot for a long time. You just have to get used to it. It will not hurt you at all. You just have to say I know what this is it wont hurt me an distract your self dont dwell on it or it will turn into panic attack. Have faith in your self an be strong ok. If you were really crazy you wouldnt know it an it wouldnt bother you.

ttyl carl

Hiram · Post by **Hiram** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 3:17 am

This has been a topic of interest for about 3months now. I've experienced it off and on since about March. Now I know what it is and I'm trying to accept it, but my anxiety keeps me considering other illnesses like BPD. I've been experiencing stress and anxiety at this level for the better part of a year now. As a result (I think) I'm starting to wonder who I am. I don't feel like my self and it is scary. Anyway, I'm on Session 2 of the program and I hope it will provide me some relief.

martaD · Post by **martaD** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 5:54 pm

This is a classic anxiety symptom and one I have also experienced. Anxiety is caused by low seretonin levels in your brain and is a biochemical imbalance in your brain, not a character flaw! I beleive that regardless of what anyone says, we sometimens cannot contol our biology, no matter how much we want too. Anti depressant helps with this symptom ALOT!

labourg · Post by **labourg** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 3:04 am

Great post!! I have been experiencing the dp/dr for the last few years, off and on. It is probably the most disturbing symptom as you start to question and analyze everything. I have done much research on this and found this website and book to be particularly helpful. Someone from this website once referred me there. Hope this helps...

<A HREF="http://www.dpmanual.com" TARGET=_blank>www.dpmanual.com</A>

Sweet Stephanie Sunshine · Post by **Sweet Stephanie Sunshine** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 3:52 am

Originally posted by jinul1m64:
My anxiety has been getting better I believe...however the only thing that keeps me panicky/anxious are the derealization/depersonalization symptoms. It makes me obsess about reality. I can't seem to think of anything else. Then other obsessions related to reality starts manifesting. It's like I question and over analyze everything I do/see/feel/etc. I can be reading and just think...is this real? am I really reading...how am i reading? I then start to think how weird it is and then i panic. Can anyone relate to these obsessive thoughts so I don't feel like I'm crazy?

I started having that since the 7th grade. My first attack was when I came home from school off the bus and went to open the bathroom door. Wham, it hit me! No one knew what it was back then. They didn't have a label for it. I am glad they do now. My dr at the time asked if I was taking drugs. Well I never have and never will. I'm scared of that stuff! What you described is the most terrifying part of this condition for me. No one can understand it, unless they have experienced it. I wake from my sleep all hours of the night with those symptoms. Not to mention just being out and about. I have learned what to do, through the program and I can shorten them. It is nice to know that I am not all alone in those symptoms. I have a deep faith in Christ and I ask him often..Why? But I know that this is gonna make me stronger. I have come such a long way. Those feelings you described are the reason I will not drive much, because I could lose my concentration and others lives could be at stake. This is the main thing I am working on overcoming. You are not alone.

Hiram · Post by **Hiram** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 4:27 am

MartaD, I'm terrified of antidepressants and I'm over-read on neurotransmitter deficiencies, SSRIs, amino acid supplementation, foods that improve or influence serotonin production, etc. I'm a pretty healthy 38yr old male. I exercise daily, eat well, but I shoulder a lot of stress. I think I hit my breaking point (so-to-speak) late last year and here I am. I've improved from months earlier, but this "who am I", feeling of being detached from reality is extremely unsettling. I'm sure many can relate to the outside world not detecting anything wrong with you, while you're in this constant battle within. I'm going to remain optimistic, but I won't rule-out the medication if it get's totally unbearable. Have you taken medication? If so, what and how were you on them?

Labourg, I have the DP Manual. It is an interesting read and I've found it to be helpful. There are a couple of tidbits in there that I hadn't come across before so that alone was worth it. Thanks for the suggestion.

Golf4Life · Post by **Golf4Life** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 8:58 am

I posted this in another section of this forum:

My biggest fear in this whole anxiety mess is the unreal feelings. I can handle the panic attacks and the inner nervousness, but I hate the unreal feelings. It has become an obsession. I am always checking to see how things appear. It is very hard to drive (My most recent and worst panic attacks happened while driving). I try to tell myself they will not hurt me. They are just thoughts. They are disturbing but harmless. I will steal a quote from Dr. Claire Weekes - "If he was not so impressed by the feelings of unreality, they wouldn't stick." Its all about distracting ourselves.

Hiram - you used the words "who am I" - I'm struggling with that right now. It is great to see someone else use those words. Its somewhat comforting.

Please keep in touch. This is my biggest obstacle. I like being able to discuss this with people who also experience it. Hopefully together we can help one another. Again -"Disturbing but Harmless!!"