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Depersonalization, please help!

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Posted 10/20/2006 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
I have had anxiety since I was 18. I am 28 now. Latley, I get these feelings and/or thoughts which are called depersonalization/derealization. The DP is the WORST. It literally feels like I don't know who or what I am. It feels like the concept of self is alien. Like I hear my own voice and see myself in the mirror but it is just this scary wierd and unfamiliar thing. I feel like this all day, and it gets much worse, to the point where I don't want to live when I am in a panic situation . . . which happens for me like 2 times a day. Hell, it feels like I am not even really typing this right now. I think about my memories and they don't even feel like my own! My personality feels like it is disentigrating. I sometimes feel like I couldn't tell you how I got here. Does anyone ever feel this way? Does it stay premanently? I am in a stressful spot right now so it is obviously harder for me to handle, but I can't live all my days like this. Thanks to whomever answers. sad
Posted 10/20/2006 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, from time to time I get this as well...It is hard for me to drive a car when I get like that...What helps me the most is B12, B6, and folic acid...I don't know why it helps, I just know it helps me...I take a one tablet in the morning, sublingually...

Right now, i am having to take my stronger pain meds and I really have this really bad right now...It is even hard for me to breath...I have a lot of fear right now to because the pain level is high...

No, it should not be permanent...I hope it goes away soon for you, feel better....
Posted 10/20/2006 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hey ming, I wanted to reply to your post though I don't know if I can help, just give you support. At times I have felt something similar to what you describe. Almost as if I am out of touch - like I am in a glass jar looking out at the world. I have not felt this way lately but I am also on meds for my anxiety. I had my first attack at 21 and I have struggled with this since, I am 29 now. So I can say from my experience that I don't think this feeling will continue. Are you seeing a doctor? Are you on medication? If not I would suggest you consider it. Let us know how you are doing and remember you're never alone; you ALWAYS have help here. God bless you...   panicinID

Posted 10/20/2006 5:52 AM (GMT 0)

its caused by stress so you need to learn new ways of calming and relaxing yourself, also exercise more

meds can also help

Posted 10/20/2006 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
I read on the following site that this usually only lasts until 30.  That's good news!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depersonalization_disorder

Depersonalization disorder often begins in the late teens or early twenties and usually resolves itself by age 30. While a nuisance, and very distressing to the patient, people with depersonalization disorder represent no risk to society, since their grasp on reality remains intact.

 

Posted 10/20/2006 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. I did take zoloft for 10 years and came off it in February. I also jog 30 minutes a day, even if it is raining. Life has been hard to deal with since then. I have had to move three times in 7 months, I had a very serious break-up, and I started graduate school in September. So, yeah, my stress levels are through the ceiling.
Posted 10/20/2006 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
When my anxiety was at it's worst I felt like that. Sometimes I start to feel that why, but now I'm able to ride it out and it doesn't last very long. Sorry things are so stressful for you right now.
Posted 10/20/2006 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Can this derealization/depersonalization last even all day if you already suffer from PD (panic disorder)? I heard and read that it can last a whole day or days even, curious if this is actually true? I'm guessing a lack of sleep only makes this worse. Perhaps this can happen if you suffer from an over-accumulated amount of stress,anxiety, or panic at a given time? All replies are welcome of course. Thank you.
Posted 10/21/2006 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
I still get this and I am 50, I always said it feels like your floating above your body watching all that's going on but helpless as to anything to do about it , mine has lasted all day, I hate this feeling. Scared me yesterday my son came to me he;s 25 and said mom I don't feel well feels like I am out there somewhere l feel foreign like not in my body, I thought to myself Oh No he is starting to develop symptoms of panic, I can see it coming lately he wont leave the house much and when he does it has to be a certain distance and a time to be back. I hope you are feeling better soon and hang in there it is a very uncomfortable feeling but it wont hurt you.
Posted 4/19/2012 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
I feel very similar to this. I feel like when I look at myself in the mirror, i can see myself, but it feels blurry. Like I can't recognize myself. It also happens to me a lot when I'm driving. I drive the car, but I feel like someone else is driving it for me. Hard to explain, but you're not alone. I always convince myself that something more serious is wrong and it makes it worse. Ugh.
Posted 4/19/2012 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Ming. I also happen to be in a particularly stressful period of my life; as well as suffereing from anxiety/panic and all of AP's close friends (hate those friends!). DP is one of the worst and scariest of the feelings that accompanies high anxiety and stress. I know exactly how you feel.

I'm in my late 30s and I still experience DP... unfortunately DP doesn't have a sell by/expiration date :) Maybe something we can lobby for? :)

I can tell you that when I have had successes with my anxiety or life, the feelings of DP have decreased dramatically. I think it's just the body's way of trying to deal with the incredible amount of stress we're experiencing.

Anyway, sounds like you have A LOT on your plate. Hoping things calm down for you soon.

Not so
TroubleFree
Posted 4/19/2012 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, ming! I'm sorry to hear you're currently going through depersonalization/derealization. I've been dealing with this on and off for the past few months, and it is terrifying. I went for my usual morning jog this morning and felt it; my chest became extremely tight because of the stress. :/
The main thing that helps me is keeping busy. I remember reading on a site once to wash your hands in cold water and count to 10, and name all the colors in the room. Sometimes it works, but other times I'm so distracted with my thoughts I can't seem to focus on anything else.
I hope it helps you to know that you're not alone in this feeling at all. What I can say from my own personal experience though is that it will eventually go away if you distract yourself long enough. I'll definitely be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, ming!
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