HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

New here need help with anxiety and depersonalization

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/29/2014 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone I'm new to is site I'm 35 years old and I have been suffering with anxiety since I was 17. I had my anxiety under control for awhile but not now. A couple of months ago I had a horrible panic attack that sent me to the hospital. I was feeling anxiety on and off for the last year. But the panic attack was the worst that I have ever had. So I went to the doctor for a follow up and discussed going on MedS. I have never tried to take meds that was part of my anxiety I was afraid to take them. This time I said I'm going to I was put on Zoloft and the first two weeks I had the worst anxiety of my life the doctor told me I'm adjusting and just give it a chance. After that I became light headed and dizzy off balance and I felt like I was in a dream and not here. I stayed on the meds for a couple months but then the doctor weened me off of them. I have been off for weeks now nothing is in my system. I am still dizzy off balance feeling like I'm in a dream not in my body non stop 24/7. It's driving me crazy I have had tons of tests in the last couple of months every heart test also blood work and cat scans and X-ray I also went to an Ent and had so many tests to and everything is good. At this point I feel like I'm losing my mind and I just want to feel normal again I don't feel like I have any anxiety. Only this non stop dizzy disconnected feeling. This might be depersonalization but I'm not sure I just heard about this and read up on it I was wondering if anyone else felt like this. I went to get vitamin b complex omega 3 and some oh hers that I heard helps. I'm running out of ideas and options. Any help would be appreciated thanks in advance I don't want this to make my job be in jeopardy and also I started seeing someone that I'm head over heels for and don't want to ruin it
Posted 7/29/2014 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome.

 

I am sorry to hear of your recent anxiety increase, and frustrating experience of going on and off of meds, only to have the symptoms continue to bother you.:(

 

Did you and your doctor decide together that you should wean off of your Rx?  Are there plans to try another...or perhaps you can look into therapy as a long term anxiety management plan, if  you prefer to not take medication?

 

There are many things that you can do for working towards your goals, including self help.  I have copied a few links from our Resources here that I thoght might be of interest and help for you.

 

Reaching out for support is also a healing step in the right direction, so well done for posting, and keep talking to us!

 

Looking forward to getting to know you better.

 

Scaredy Cat

 

 

 

Anxiety Symptoms, Anxiety Attack Symptoms (Panic Attack Symptoms), Symptoms of Anxiety:

http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms.shtml

 

Depersonalization-derealization symptoms:

http://psychcentral.com/disorders/depersonalization-derealization-disorder-symptoms/

 

Anxiety self-help overview:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_self_help.htm

http://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/selfhelp/leaflets/anxiety

Information on A/P Medication:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_medication_drugs_treatment.htm

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Posted 7/29/2014 10:52 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you I don't think I'm gonna try meds again if anything I'll take a Xanax when needed. I'm gonna try the vitamins exercising and trying yogurt back to therapy. I just hate this feeling it's 24 hour I go to sleep like this and wake up like this. If it's depersonalization fine then I'll do whatever I have to get back to normal. But i feel like something is wrong since I feel this bad and like this non stop.
Posted 7/29/2014 11:39 AM (GMT 0)
If I were you I would get a second opinion and keep getting one till you get answers. It might be anxiety, but might not.
Posted 7/29/2014 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
So far i have been to a cardiologist, regular physician, and the ENT and had heart monitor for two weeks, ekg, electrocardiogram, stress test, cat scan, x-ray, blood work all with no answers to this
Posted 7/30/2014 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
You went through a traumatic experience with the bad panic attack & yuck experience with Zoloft. It scared you even more which multiplied your anxiety/depression symptoms. It happened to me too. Same symptoms, depersonalization, anxiety, depression, health anxiety, feeling like something is terribly wrong. The bad news is- these symptoms are miserable. The good news- you're not crazy, likely physically very healthy, and this crap is temporary. You are NOT alone and not crazy.

It's going to take a little more work on your end to speed up the process. Consider self help resources scaredy cat posted, therapy & talk w/your psychatrist soon. Tell them all your symptoms & fears and don't hold back. Just bc one med didn't work doesn't mean you're doomed. It means that one in particular didn't work. There are so many other & combos that can & will work. Meds/therapy/physical exercise/mindfullness/meditation/ETC, can & will help you so just remain open minded. You're going to be ok.

Lisa
Posted 7/30/2014 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
So you felt like this to where you literally are not in your body and you feel like its a dream with tunnel vision and light headed and dizzy. How did you get back to normal?
Posted 7/30/2014 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Yes trapjaw. Google the definition of depersonalization. Also, you can search the forum by typing that in here. My friend who had it called it "twilight zone" feeling. Im still on the road to recovery so I still get it occasionally but mine was from my depression/anxiety. It also can be caused by certain medications, not just anti depressants/anti anxieties but other meds too.

It feels terrible and freaky but it's not harmful or permanent. Did you tell your doctor about it? My mother in law who was a hippy and occasional drug user in the 60's has had it with depressio before she was treated & described it as like "a bad drug trip." It's linked to depression/anxiety/trauma/medications.

Lisa
Posted 7/30/2014 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
TJ.,

Anxiety/symptoms feed and build on themselves as our reactions to how we are feeling create more anxiety! It can become a vicious cycle for sure.

When I have moments of DP, or any 'off' feeling in my body, I try to use my skills of relaxation and acceptance of how I am feeling.

Through deep breathing and simple observation of the sensations that I am going through, I can reduce the fear and reaction, and just accept that I am having an anxious moment.

I also use this helpful mantra:

"I am okay, it is only anxiety making me feel this way."

The less you focus on the symptoms, and just allow the feelings to come, and then go, the faster they will fade.:)

This of course takes practice, but you will find it easier and easier as you progress.

S.C.
Posted 7/30/2014 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
I just came back from therapy (with my brand new therapist, whom I adore to bits!) and this was amongst the topics we discussed.

Depersonalization....

Yes, it's real. It's a real term, a real experience. You're not going nuts, and there are ways to deal with this. I hope you take some peace away knowing in this, you are not alone!











M.
Posted 7/30/2014 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your responses. I am trying to tell myself that its just this and nothing wrong with me and im not going crazy or have a horrible illness. I think i would feel way better if i had bouts of this feeling not having it 24/7 from the moment i wake up till the moment i fall asleep.
Posted 7/30/2014 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Was Zoloft your first anti depressant ever? What did you do to manage your anxiety from age 17 til things got rough a few months ago? Is this your first experience with depersonalization?
Posted 7/30/2014 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
My old doctor gave me cymbalta to try before i took it for a couple days and never took it again that was years ago. So basically Zoloft is the first because i really gave it a go and took it for months. I got my anxiety under control when i was younger with therapy and yoga and meditation. But the last couple of years it came back and it cam back really bad. I have had times where i have felt light headed but nothing like this i feel like i havent been in my body and its a dream for months now. I feel like im looking through a tunnel.
I actually have never heard of depersonalization till last week or so.
Posted 7/30/2014 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry you're experiencing it. It's creepy and no fun if it's your first time or fifth time. Kinda like anxiety attacks, they suck whether you've had one or many.

I would strongly encourage you to find a psychiatrist in your area & make an appt. There's no shame in taking a med, especially if you are suffering. The right med will lift this feeling.... It's part of depression/anxiety. I've read it's a way the brain is protecting itself during stress. Nice coping skill brain... devil

Zoloft didn't work for me but Cymbalta did til it pooped out after being on it 6 years. We all can respond differently to different meds.

Are you hesitating calling a psychiatrist? What about going back to therapy? I'd encourage you to go back to yoga too whether at home or in a class, despite feeling weird. I was told to do/continue these things during the "storm." Do you have a good friend, family or significant other that you'd feel comfortable going with you?
Posted 7/31/2014 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Im trying to go to a psychiatrist but my new insurance is causing a problem. I had one i was going to for years but she doesnt take my new insurance and out of pocket is way to much money i couldnt afford it. so im in search of one now and having no luck. Im also a little worried about taking another med becuase i took one and this happened and i have been off of the meds for about 3 weeks. I really dont have anyone to go to yoga with or to the gym with. I want to try to start going but im hesitant on working out. Mentally i keep telling myself this is just anxiety but this feeling is unbelievable its just so intense and non stop. I could deal with anxiety attacks better than this. Anxiety attacks stop and go away this is 24/7 for months now
Posted 7/31/2014 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
TJ.,

Sorry you are having trouble with the insurance/red tape...;(

Until you can get it worked out...please try the above links I posted.

Self help can be really effective if practiced daily!! The breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation can lessen/reverse the symptoms of anxiety if incorporated into everyday lifestyle.:)

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply