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Unreal/Dreamy feeling! HELP

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Posted 2/21/2009 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys, when my anxiety is at its peak, I get a very weird dreamy/unreal sensation. It's been months/years that I have been better from anxiety/panic and now it's back and I don't know how to deal with the symptoms anymore. I feel like it's worse this time and I'm going to lose it for sure now.

Do you guys have any tips to feel more "in the moment" and less "anxious, dreamy?". When I get this detached feeling everything makes it worse, like reading a book, being alone, going to sleep. The only thing that helps for me is being around people.

However, I just need reassurance that this feeling will pass and I won't be detached/dreamy forever!!! I feel depressed and anxious. I know this is worse because I'm at Carnaval and not in my daily routine but yikes, I just want to be cured. Will I die or lose it from this feeling of unreality?? Will I ever get better? I've been here and out of it, but while at it, it doesn't feel like it will ever go away!!!

What triggered this "cycle" was a break-up with a boyfriend, but now I NO longer care about the break-up or him I just want to feel better about myself!!! I'm SO scared that I will never be normal again.

Post Edited (BrazilGirl) : 2/21/2009 9:52:54 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/21/2009 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
I get like this sometimes, but if you can't shake the feeling you should start working with your doctor on some sort of treatment plan. I wish you the best of luck!
Posted 2/21/2009 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi BrazilGirl,

I think the dreamy/unreal feelings are called depersonilzation and I think it's mostly just scary and won't hurt you.  I know that when you're going through this it always seems like it's gonna last forever but it never does.  For me the hardest part is remembering that eventually it will pass and i will feel normal again.  I have to try and 'get out of my head' when i feel like this and be around family or friends to get my mind off of myself.  Sometimes i will force myself to read a book and if i can get into the story it helps distract me for awhile at least.  I've been going through another cycle of anxiety so i know how depressing it can get too.  This forum and all the people have been a great help to me so maybe if you just keep posting that will help as well. 

-Mel

Posted 2/22/2009 8:26 PM (GMT 0)

Good Afternoon,

Melbe is right on as these feelings are often referred to as depersonilzation.  I also feel like it may be time for you to see your pysician and look into therapy such as CBT or therapy sessions of some kind.

If you look to the top of this forum you will find info re helpful info to deal with your anxiety as well as reading the posts by others.  The members are so wise and kind.  I hope we are able to meet your needs.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt 

Posted 2/22/2009 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
ThAnks guys! I know it's tough times for me but it will get better! It has before and it will again! As soon as carnaval is over I will see my therapist! I know this is harmless and it's simply anxiety playing with my head!
Posted 2/22/2009 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
This will pass. Remind yourself of that everytime it happens. There's got to be something that will help with the feeling. You haven't found it yet, but there's something. Try going outside if your weather permits. I've found just sitting in my backyard helps. Call a friend and let them talk you through it. This feeling is perfectly harmless. Don't be scared.
Posted 2/24/2009 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Guys, thanks so much! I'm finding out that being with friends and gossiping about silly things like clothes and boys is what helps me the most. Very girly! Haha. Well Im also in the middle of brazilain carnaval and not at a safety zone or my routine, so it's not helping much! I know wed carnaval is over, I'll be able to call my lovely therapist and settle an appointment for Thursday! That makes me upbeat and positive! I'll try not to worry my parents too much and deal with this in a positive light until I get back to school, where my doc /therapist, home and routine is yet! Thanks for all the support! I just want to ask one more time because us anxious people need to listen to it over and over again: this spacey/dreamy/detached feeling is common, part of anxiety and won't make me die or go crazy right? A lot of you guys had it too?? Thanks
Posted 2/24/2009 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
From my own personal experience and reading, the dreamy or spaced out feelings are our mind's way of protecting us from overload, and means that our bodies are reacting the way they are supposed to to keep us safe.

I know that I would certainly be feeling more anxiety than normal, even at a "fun" place like Carnival. Remember, Excitement and anxiety are twin brothers and are sometimes very hard to tell apart! I sometimes feel that spaciness just from watching a really exciting movie!

And you know what? You're doing great and you will be fine! And yes, seeing a therapist is a good idea. Not because there is anything wrong with you, but because they are experts who have dedicated their lives to helping us understand ourselves, and that is certainly a good thing... we never hesitate to take our cars to a mechanic, especially if the car needs a tune up, and there's certainly no reason why we shouldn't treat ourselves to a tune up every now and then either! :-)

Post Edited (babblin5) : 2/23/2009 10:19:41 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/24/2009 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
I've had this feeling many times. It's quite normal. You can discuss this feeling and others you're having with your doc when you get home. It would also help to buy a book on anxiety to read all the symptoms that are normal and how to deal with them.
Posted 5/15/2009 4:55 AM (GMT 0)
BrazilGirl,

Here's what I do and I hope it works for you. When you immediately feel the way you described, just reverse the feeling. Go someplace alone for five minutes where its just you. Have a seat, and relax a minute. If you can, close your eyes and clear your head, If not, focus on an object of interest.

Afterwards, Meditate on this following statement, "Think of a "Thought", where you see the positive result's of the "thought", before the thought becomes reality.

By always thinking the above statement and by reversing the anxiety and panic feelings with positive ones, you'll notice right away that your negative feelings will dissipate. Commit yourself of doing this for 21 days and you will see the "New" you.

-David Banner_09
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