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What Do You Do When Anxiety Makes You Feel Unreal?

August 6, 2014 Greg Weber

 

Feeling unreal is a common symptom of anxiety. What do you do to cope with dissociation and depersonalization when anxiety symptoms make you feel unreal?

I've been having a horrible time with anxiety. It still affects almost every area of my life. And although I've certainly gotten lots better at coping, my anxiety seems to be developing a new wrinkle: walking around feeling so alienated from the world that nothing feels real.

Oh, I still go through the motions, of course. I sleep, work, eat, blog, etc. But much of the time, it all feels like it's happening to someone else. It's like I'm not even there and have been replaced by a stranger who looks, talks, and acts like me but is actually not me.

I've had days lately where I feel like I'm losing my grip on reality. It's a terrifying experience. How this internal nothingness can cause so much pain is not something I understand at all.

When Anxiety Makes You Feel Unreal, What Do You Do?

Feelings of unreality are a common symptom of anxiety. What do you do to cope with them?Like I said, this is a new experience of anxiety for me. I've heard of dissociative disorders. I even knew feelings of depersonalization were common with anxiety disorder. It's just it was never more than intellectual knowledge -- until now.

I very much welcome your thoughts and suggestions about what you do when anxiety makes you feel unreal. This week, I need your help too.

You can find Greg on his website, Twitter, Google+, and Facebook.

APA Reference
Weber, G. (2014, August 6). What Do You Do When Anxiety Makes You Feel Unreal?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/treatinganxiety/2014/08/what-do-you-do-when-anxiety-makes-you-feel-unreal



Author: Greg Weber

M-Abdourahmane
March, 30 2019 at 4:56 pm

PS: i hate myself, i feel guilty,i feel like i'm a looser,i don't like my name,i have difficulty swallowing,my heartbeat makes tremble, my nerves or vains pump up and they are visible all the way. i hate every place, i change even countries but still i hate every country i go.i feel like it's the country,lifestyle, people ,my work...which cause my suffering.my world is like black and white.

Kat
September, 27 2019 at 1:37 am

I believe you are Loved and have a purpose here, you just need to remember that you were CREATED, you are a product of a word spoken from the Creatornof the univere. You're special.

M-Abdourahmane
March, 30 2019 at 4:00 pm

everything make me scare even if i see my friend,mom,sound like phone rings, sms notification rings....(i'm scare of the whole world and everything) even thinking make me scare,even looking at someone beautiful increase my heartbeat,i cant relax.my heart pounds like is going out of my chest.total complete loss of appetite,i can say even 200% loss of appetite,i don' t remember getting hungry or thirsty,chronic tiredness,total loss of weight,i feel like fire run in my body,i feel like a tube going into my stomach, i feel like the pain is everywhere ,it seems like i'm possessed, i feel like a stranger everywhere even in my own house, my head feels like is going to explode into pieces and my whole joints feel detached to each other, not interested in good life, short breathing, joints pain, tense muscles from toe to head,stiffness around the neck,jaw clacking like bones are broken.feeling like nobody loves me, i feel like i'm too ugly.i'm scare to talk to any girl.alternation of diarrhea and constipation, problem of concentration, vibration of my body,insomnia,feeling of a knot in throat and belly,feeling of going crazy, heartburn,teeth grinding,feel like i'm burning, everything irritate me, i criticize everything, feeling like my life has no meaning,feeling like people always mock at me because i'm skinny and my face has pimples since i was 14 and those pimples made me look very ugly and that really made hate going to school,public gatherings, chasing girls..etc.
i cannot explain because of other weird feelings.i prefer dying than living like this.
to sum it up i feel like my body is old and outdated.

Eric shepherd
July, 12 2019 at 12:59 pm

I’m going through a REAL similar problem.. you’re not alone

Anon
November, 10 2018 at 1:08 am

My first panic attack was at age 8 or 9. I felt an unexplainable rush of doom and I couldn’t breathe. I never experienced anything like that again until I smoked weed for the first time when I was 16. Being high was the most terrifying experience in my life. The lack of control I had over my mind felt like I was losing grip on reality. I ended up in the hospital. Ever since that day I have been dealing with depersonalization, and it’s been almost 3 years. Sometimes I feel like I can ground myself, but mostly I just learn to cope with it. This last summer I was sexually assaulted which has completely taken a toll on my mental health. I suppress the memory so much, and now can hardly recall details but I still get triggered by minor things. I feel like I am living in two different realms. I am a straight A college student who has a job and can manage my time and organize myself, yet at the same time I feel so out of control. Some days I am outspoken and love to talk, other days I feel like I have never heard my voice before. I just want to feel normal. I haven’t been able to maintain a healthy relationship or friendship for three years due to my lack of coherency. Sometimes I feel so mentally incapable that I start to forget things that happened a few minutes ago. I hope that I can live a happy life. I hope that one day I will be better.

Becky
April, 14 2018 at 9:49 am

Hi im struggling with anxiety and I'm scared it's real because it feels real it's really uncomfortable I get chest tightness is this just anxiety it's making me doubt everything and I'm scared it's real.

Frederick
March, 31 2018 at 9:06 am

Hey i been feeling unreal with shortness of breath,cramps all over my body and blur vision. i went to the doctor 5 times they told me my lungs are clean, my blood is also clean. actually nothing wrong with me. i was asking what could be wrong with me

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

April, 2 2018 at 10:18 am

Hi Frederick,
HealthyPlace can't give medical advice or mental health diagnoses. If you have been going to the same doctor/clinic and are unsatisfied with how they examined you, you definitely have the right to see someone else at a completely different clinic. Also, if you think that your symptoms might be mental health related (such as anxiety disorders or other conditions), you might consider visiting a therapist to share your symptoms and medical history. It's frustrating to feel unheard, and you really do have the right to see other doctors/professionals.

Drew
December, 26 2017 at 7:25 pm

I’ve been feeling this a lot lately. My main concern is, of it is anxiety in my case, because it has been happening for months, and sometimes it lasts a few days. Is it possible for anxiety to cause a symptom to stay a long time? Great blog by the way. Thank you for writing it.

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

December, 27 2017 at 4:02 am

Hi Drew, I'm responding to your comment on behalf of the author. I'm glad it was helpful for you. Anxiety symptoms certainly can last for months and that can be indicative of an anxiety disorder. Read this for a better understanding of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: (https://www.healthyplace.com/anxiety-panic/gad/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms-gad-…). I'm not sure what specific symptoms you're experiencing, but my advice to you is to seek professional support so that you can obtain appropriate treatment and find sme relief. Wishing you the very best in the new year.

Teejay
December, 14 2017 at 10:18 am

I don't know what is going on, it's feels like on weed or something. I just feel so strange at times even my own hands don't feel like mine.This feeling comes and goes but when it comes its really scary, I feel like I may die or something. I was having serious issues concentrating and sleeping. The doctor diagnosed depression but sometimes it doesn't feel like it.I'm scared.Please help me

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

December, 19 2017 at 3:55 am

Thank you for reaching out. I'm really sorry to hear you're experiencing such a rough time. I recommend seeing a therapist that can offer you some ways of coping with these symptoms. One of the key ways to feel like your hands and body are indeed yours and real is what we call grounding. Grounding is bringing our awareness to our senses to become more present. This tapping tool is one way to ground: https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/tag/tapping-tool-to-calm-anxiety/ Here's an article with some other suggestions: https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/treatinganxiety/2010/09/top-21-anxiety-grounding-techn… I hope you find a bit of relief in some of these.

Anita
November, 24 2017 at 8:17 am

Have been feeling unreal since I had my first panic attack,am on medication for the anxiety but still feeling unreal almost all the time.How do I overcome this scary feeling?

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

November, 26 2017 at 3:47 am

Hi Anita, Please be sure to speak with your doctor who prescribed your medication to discuss your symptoms. I also suggest trying grounding techniques like these: https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/dissociativeliving/2015/01/use-grounding-techniques-wh…, and particularly tapping, which I talk about in this article and video: https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/treatinganxiety/2017/08/a-technique-to-calm-anxiety-wh…. Anything you can do to bring your awareness into your body in the present moment can be useful.

Natasha
October, 18 2017 at 10:33 am

I have been feeling like this for a while.. could be around 6 years I am not sure. But i have really noticed it more now the past couple months. I am 30 yrs old. Married, have a 2 yr old. Stressful job. Lost my son 6 years ago. So.... i have never been diagnosed with any thing like anxiety or whatever... but now starting to think something going on. This hazey/fog feeling, derealization, is driving me nuts and I dont know where ro start. Its been "noticeable" the past couple months. Every day, 24/7. Whats going on? Where do I start? Do i go to a doctor or therapist? I even thought It might be my eyesight going real bad... cant deal with this emotionless, worrying state. Arg.

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

rahul
October, 25 2017 at 4:58 am

I am feeling exactly what you said for the past few years.. derealisation sort of..total unreality, memory issues , lack of thinking capability or common sense. I used to take anxiety meds. Now I have stopped meds, started lifestyle changes, waking up in the morning, go for a peaceful walk, activate your senses by touch, smell, hear obejcts around you whenever you remember to do it. Start self talking as you do things, it will help you prevent auto dreaming. Do it for a month, its tuff I know but I trust you can do that and feel the change

SemilunarLiri
August, 31 2017 at 9:18 pm

I'm a fretting teenager who has been having a rather mediocre time of it. For the past month and a half, I've been feeling depressed, anxious and unreal. Who knows whether I'm anxious because I'm depressed, or I'm depressed because I'm anxious, or I'm depressed because I feel unreal and I'm anxious that I won't get better. It's extremely jumbled.
However, for the first time in a week or two, I get to feel like I'm finally 'me' again. No need to search through my past memories trying to piece together what is 'me' and inevitably ending up with the conclusion that 'my mind is completely fucked.'
Do you have a map of the world in your head? A way things are meant to 'feel' when you look at them; like no matter what happens, reality can't change, so it's all okay? Well, I felt like that at some point. Certainly not during this month. It doesn't feel like I'm a different person. For me, someone who became obsessed with computers and games from a young age, it feels like I'm behind the screen and I can't get away. That's the definition of 'unreal' we're dealing with here.
Everything feels like it's spinning, nothing feels the same, everything feels completely weird and different, or rather, I feel completely different.
Yesterday, I had a very annoying experience. Mind fog - that thing that prevents you from thinking clearly - overwhelmed me. I didn't know how to think, my thoughts were lost, but I was still fundamentally rational; somewhere inside. Like I was constantly asleep, or constantly not real, that my thoughts are completely mismatched with reality. That last one is the one truth. It's the worst feeling ever. There's nothing worse. It's the absolute worst I've ever felt, and I know it's the absolute worst I'll ever feel.
Disassociation. When nothing feels the same, nothing feels familiar, and you can't calm down know matter what. That's how it was for me. That chronic feeling of pointlessness shows up as well. No real 'sense' of anything; completely out of it; completely out of whack. So afraid to let go of my now-fragmented understanding of the world that I can't get better. The feeling that I'm awake when I'm asleep and I'm asleep when I'm awake.
But at any rate, I feel much, much better right now. Fog has cleared up 75%. Mental faculties still there. It was never like they were disabled, after all.
The wonderful bit of irony is that it is, of course, entirely my own fault. I didn't want to lose whatever fragmented sense of self I had left, so I became inactive, and the only thing I tried to do was 'remember how things were'.
But, of course, that didn't work too well. All I succeeded in doing was consciously crippling myself, slowly shrinking the things that I can do while anxiety slowly erodes my consciousness. I won't say that 'depression is a victim-less crime' or anything of the sort, but in my case, it was entirely my fault for responding in completely the wrong way.
The constant mental discomfort I felt is alleviated somewhat now, and I can at least accept the depressive feelings currently attempting to topple me. Well, it's anyone's guess whether I can return to the way I was before, but since I like to think of myself as a person who has been pretty well-linked to reality, I'm sure "I'm" out there somewhere. I've recovered my ability to feel positive feelings, so there's a step in the right direction. Concentration still incredibly low. Still pretty depressed, though. Still feel like a complete shell of myself. Can only hope that I'll improve after sleep.
Yep, I'm venting. Meh.

Nicki
September, 11 2017 at 11:30 am

Hey! 22 here. You've verbalized something I've tried to verbalize to therapists and doctors for the past year but my anxiety and brain fog prevented me from feeling quick on my feet, mentally (and lately now that I haven't been dancing, physically). You're writing skills are stellar- maybe blogging might be an outlet for you? I also had issues with feeling attached to my screen and recently had to go to a job with no internet for 2 weeks and holy sh+t the combination of being around cool/new people, putting myself out there (sober) and being away from all forms of technology was amazing. I felt like a completely different person, my doctor also recently had me to a blood test for the MTHFR gene mutation (blood test paid for via insurance) and apparently I have a gene mutation that causes me to produce my neurotransmitters at 70-75% less than they should (nordic people are predisposed to that sort of thing). Something to do with a messed up methylation pathway-something worth checking out but yeah anyways I just wanted to say you obviously have a gift for writing and being in touch with yourself. You could be a therapist or writer (if you wanted :) best of luck and hope you start feeling better!

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Franklin
May, 28 2018 at 5:38 am

I suffered panic attack like a month ago. since then I have not been myself. now things around me are looking strange. I am even thinking I have a brain problem. I worry too much about everything. I am scared and confused.... I don't know what to do... it's like something is blocking my brain and sometimes I think strangely... like I am going insane

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Paint and pearls
October, 13 2017 at 7:12 am

I go through the same thing. Sometimes I feel like I’m going insane. Very debilitating. I freak out because I’m afraid I’m losing touch. Don’t know how I got here. God bless

Stella
August, 30 2017 at 2:40 pm

I'm 16 and have been suffering very similar symptoms. The feeling like iv'e been drugged, constantly tired after nights where i've had 10-13 hour sleeps, yet wake up still as tired as I was the day before. Nothing feels real, trouble speaking - can't get the words out properly, concentrating on anything is hard, reading and writing is difficult (including typing this), etc etc, this only started 4 days ago which doesn't seem that long but it's the WORST experience ever! I've suffered anxiety for a few years now and it has never taken this kind of affect on me and i've pinned it down to anxiety as this is what my gp has assured me it is. My gp has given me a few options to try out, 1 being medication, 1 being professional help (already had councillors, hypnotherapy etc) and the other option was both professional help and meds together. I have made the decision with my dad to try some more experienced professions to try help my situation first, before resorting to meds, not that, that would be a bad thing, however i'm only 16 and do not want to have to rely on such drugs at this stage. HOWEVER, if anyone has any suggestions for a faster recovery (I have exams coming up which I need to be able to concentrate for) then that would be very highly appreciated! Thank you!

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

August, 31 2017 at 8:35 am

Stella, I'm so sorry you're struggling right now. Discussing your situation with your GP and your parent is a great first step toward getting relief. Getting advice from a mental health expert, which is sounds like you plan to do, is a good next step. While there are few "quick fixes" in mental health, it often helps to know as much about the symptoms you're experiencing as possible. Have your read our series on depersonalization and dissociation? It might help you be able to talk about your experiences more thoroughly, which can greatly impact your therapist or psychiatrist's ability to help you. https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/dissociativeliving/2011/06/normalizing-dissociation-pa…

Stella
August, 31 2017 at 2:50 pm

Thank you! This article has helped :)

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Ariel
October, 5 2017 at 3:08 pm

Oh my God, I was reading this and the whole time you talked about your symptoms was in 100% agreement. I am also 16 and I experience the same troubles with sleepiness, unrealness, speaking and writing (trying to put my thoughts into words and onto paper), concentrating/staying focused, and reading. I've had these symptoms for quite a while (not sure how long, my memory is deteriorating) and neither my parents nor doctor have shown the slightest concern when I have described some of these symptoms, so I have essentially diagnosed myself with anxiety. I'm not sure what to do with myself at this point and I'm too nervous to seek help.

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

October, 6 2017 at 9:06 am

Hi Ariel, thank you for sharing. I know it can feel a bit scary to ask for help, but it is truly one of the most important steps to being able to cope and feel better. If you're experiencing symptoms that are affecting school, daily activities, etc., it's a good idea to talk to someone. You might consider talking to your school social worker as a starting point, especially if you find it hard to communicate your needs to your parents. Your school counselor or social worker may be able to serve as the bridge to getting you the support you need. Here's an article about asking for mental health help.
https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/mental-health-newsletter/are-you-afraid-to-ask-fo…

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

anonymous
September, 21 2019 at 1:33 pm

I have been facing same problem like you discussed. I analyzed so many things and I found that my daily routine may be affecting that. Yes I think too much about everything but I stopped thinking about stress and my problems long time back like 3-4 years then why I get these anxiety attacks and why I feel myself and surrounding unreal. The answer I found that I should first organize my daily routine properly like sleeping early, waking up early like 7 Am or 8 Am, having good healthy food because we are what we eat. Don't sleep more than 8 hrs in a day. May be sleeping alot make our mind feels like we are still dreaming even though we are awake. I used to sleep 12hrs to 13 hrs and still used to feel like I am tired but I organised my daily routine and I found that may be sleeping too much was the main issue behind my anxiety. We also feel depersonalize and deassociated due to having psychoactive drugs like weed and other drugs because that affect not on body but on brain so avoid that because if you have it brain will behave like you are not attached to body and you are some where else, time will slow down. If this happens once brain will have habit of behaving like it again and again even though you are not having psychoactive drugs so please avoid consumption of any drugs. Another thing I noticed that this may be happening due to I am not talking with people, I am not involved in people and surrounding. If you be alone for so much time and you are being lazy and doing nothing and just sleeping you will feel anxious because you will feel like you are doing nothing in life. So I advice you:-
1) Be busy always, stay active,stay focused.
2) Don't just dream take actions as per your plan.
3) Don't worry about your past, Don't regret anything, everything happens for a reason.
4) Involve yourself with your surrounding, people,friends, talk to them.
5) Don't sleep more than 8 hrs daily. Sleep early wake up early. Oversleep also can cause problems.
6) Make fix routine for your work, sleep, meal etc
7) Don't think like you have any mental health issue or health problem because mind is so powerful because even though maybe you don't have that particular problem you will feel like you have that problem so don't think about it, don't give damn about your mental issue because it will get increased if you think about it, if you don't think about it will be automatically vanished.
8) Always remember, that problem is temporary and you are strong enough to overcome any problem. Creator and it's creation are not two different things but one, So you have all powers that creator almighty GOD has. You are not alone GOD is with you. He is supreme just believe in that, he will not let anything that will harm you. GOD will protect you like you are GOD'S child.
9) This is very important advise, watch any funny video or movie with gossips daily for at least 30 minutes. Watch anything that will make you happy and smile.
10) Best medicine for any mental health problem is Smile and laugh so laugh and keep smiling always. Start your everyday with positive mind, run or jog atleast 15 minutes a day. Follow these all 10 advices and you will start feeling like you never had mental illeness or any problem. Good luck You are perfect 😀

Kyle
August, 22 2017 at 6:28 pm

Ok so I went to go see the new annabell movie. And I already had a whole bunch of anxiety so after the movie I was even more worried because I felt unreal so i started thinking all these crazy thoughts like what if there is a demon attached to me. And I started to think what if I go to sleep tonight and the demon takes over my body what would happen to my family.so my question is why am I feeling like I'm possessed is cause there is to much anxiety or am I just crazy

TAHIR HAMID
August, 17 2017 at 2:03 am

Anxiety sucks as far as I am concerned. I have been suffering from anxiety and depression for quite a long time and I think that coping with it requires a big heart, a lot of will power and a lot of patience.

Ben
August, 9 2017 at 11:18 am

I feel things is not real and my heart beat fast some times and I feel anxious

Larry
July, 10 2017 at 1:05 pm

Does anyone else who has depersonalization/derealization find it hard to talk sometimes, its almost like someone else is taking and you're just watching it through their eyes? Its one of the scariest things for me because it makes it more difficult to accept it and not worry.

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

July, 13 2017 at 9:23 am

Hi Larry,
Depersonalization/derealization can be frightening experiences. You likely already know that dissociation involves a disruption in the way things like emotion, perception/sensory input, etc. -- basically any psychological function can be involved -- are integrated in the brain. It's not widely known outside of the psychiatric community that dissociations can be "positive" or "negative." These don't imply judgement like good or bad. They refer to whether the dissociation involves an intrusion or a loss of something. Intrusions are “positive” because they are added to the person’s normal psychological experiences. The experience of watching yourself talk, move, etc. is considered an intrusion. It’s extra. Dissociations can be negative, too, in that they involve the loss of something. Memory is the most common – amnesia. But having difficulty talking can definitely be part of depersonalization. Of course dealing with the difficulty talking, of watching “someone else,” is highly anxiety-provoking and can worsen the symptoms. Knowing that your experiences are part of dissociation might help you decrease your anxiety a bit. Keep seeking information! That’s an important part of reducing depersonalization and derealization.

Alex
June, 23 2017 at 5:24 pm

Glad that im am not the only one it kinda feels like you high or something.What helps is sleep and a shower or just thinking positive

Sue Spencer
May, 20 2017 at 9:01 am

So sorry for all you out there that are goin through this it's the pits I'm goin through it big time at the mo it sucks Keep at it lots love

mt gibson
May, 1 2017 at 10:07 am

i have ben feeling like this for the last ten days no to sure if im on this earth or fullers earth was in bridington last week not to sure how i got there or home for that matter very very strange but just have to live with it

vishwajeet
September, 4 2016 at 8:37 am

m very glad to know that this will pass soon. I had feeling unreal. this all start when I quit smoking weed I feel unreal, pain in back of head I had ct scan it is normal. I just had panic attack. after reading this that concentrate on ur breathing it helped me getting relief from this. I m happy that this will pass soon.

Mariah
July, 4 2016 at 2:13 pm

I believe in prayer , and when I have a attack and I pray it makes everything goes away . Because the lord does hear you're prayers . But another thing that can help is being active , and keeping it off you're mind . I still stuggle with it a lot , I mean a lot !! It's a very scary thing , makes you feel different , or not normal . Makes you want to do things that you don't want to do . The only thing I can say is you will get over this , you will fight it . Knowing I'm not the only one that haves this makes me feel like a human again , makes me know that I'm not crazy and I'm not " sick " in the head . Thank y'all so much for y'all comment , helps me a lot!!!

Marcel
June, 23 2016 at 1:53 pm

Hi all of you. That one comment describing it as "fog" sounds familiar. I have fibromyalgia. Which causes anxiety and depression as one of its many symptoms. Another symptom is called fibro fog, where a person's mind goes foggy and you can't really think clearly and everything feels like a daze. Do any of you experience muscle pains and cramps, headaches, excessive gas and overall discomfort on a daily basis? It might be a good idea to do some research on that. I was freaked out completely when I started getting anxiety attacks and then soon after the derealisation started to kick in as well. Just wanted to share it with you all. Hope this information helps at least one person.

James
June, 14 2016 at 12:54 am

I've had anxiety and ocd since 16. 37 now. Mine untreated led to hiding from life and drinking. Have been sober for 16 years now with 12_step program. Have had outside help for a number of years for panic attacks, ocd and generalized anxiety. Going through it at the mo with the unreal feeling. Have Had exams recently and other things that gave triggered my anxiety more. First panic attacks for a long time, now generalized anxiety and the horrible unreal detached feeling. I get lumps of it every so often. So grateful there are others that understand. In a relationship now so more difficult to appear "normal". Luckily she understand s and has had similar problems. Wish I knew of these sites and solutions when I was 16, save all the using/drinking...

Anonymous
June, 1 2016 at 8:44 pm

It's been great to see this page. I had Lupron injections and soon after developed anxiety attacks. They start with a overwhelming sense of dejavu ( often instigated by sight or sound, seeing a car on the beach or listening to lyrics), then adrenalin... I feel like my blood is hot. I'm left feeling really tired. I have been diagnosed with hyper ventilation syndrome and now focus on belly breathing but I do avoid strenuous exercise, which is not ideal, as I find I often suffer these horrible dejavu attaks when I am in oxygen debt but not always. It can happen anywhere. It's been going on for years and just comes on and then goes away, then it's back again. I'd love to know if the medication set this off.

Kman87
May, 22 2016 at 8:36 pm

Hey, I know some of these posts are form a while ago but it helps to read about this problem happening to others, not that I'm happy anyone else has to deal with this horrible problem, just feels reassuring to know I'm not alone. I remember my first attack was with my ex GF, I was staring into her eyes and I kinda jolted in and out of reality (love?) hahaha but I brushed it off. happened a few more times randomly but I just thought I was overly tired and just blah. Then one day at work (transport ambulance driver) I was driving from base to a call and I was with a really annoying co worker and he was rambling on about something, and I felt like I was yanked from my body and brain very suddenly and I felt like I was about to die or something, I quickly regained control on myself and breathed very heavily which made my coworker ask if I was ok? I honestly had no idea if I was ok. I was mentally drained that day and when I got home I looked it up and i found out that it was like a derealism or depersonalization syndrome. After that last time I would go for months or even a year without issues.
I went to paramedic school and had no real issues except for the fact I was diagnosed with light sensitive painless migraines, which sounds great but my migraines would replicate a stroke, I would get a numb right arm, problems seeing, dysphagia, couldn't control my thoughts. once I found out I had these I took precautions wearing sunglasses and learning breathing techniques. So happily I haven't had a migraine in about a year. Anyways I am married now to a new great lady and she knows I deal with this stuff sometimes. unfortunately my paramedic career didn't last long for reasons that have nothing to do with my derealism problems, and I went to doing security, a job I did in my early 20's.
About a week after my wedding my wife convinced me to go to my doctor and he put me on escitalopram, I've been on it for about 2 weeks and I feel a bit better, minus some asshole side effects. A friend of mine told me I might have started getting worse because my job is dull and all I do is work, for years I've been in a fast paced high stress jobs that makes me feel more alive, my panic would help me focus on the job at hand but now I sit and watch a computer, so my mind might be possibly trying to have panic responses because it's used to it. Time to get back into the shit I spose ;).
Keep strong people, lets get help and get our voices about this in the public. I love you all. don't suffer in silence.

Aysiah
May, 13 2016 at 9:43 am

I am twelve years old and I have been experiencing this feeling for as long as I can remember. I am filled with complete joy knowing I am not the only one but also it is saddening knowing that other people suffer from the same feeling. I am sorry not to have any advice to share and help. I am aware that the lack of asleep and anxiety is not a very amusing mixture from experience. It lasted all of the school day, each class I went into I showed no emotion of my situation and asked for no help for my suffering. I have asked for advice from my parents, but none of their supporting comments seemed to calm the rising feeling from spreading. I am thankful to know that I am not alone.

nickg
May, 4 2016 at 5:50 am

Well I knew I wasnt alone in this battle. This feelings suck. Especially when u always feel them. All day I feel dreamy unreal it's almost like when you first wake up. Ive done everything. Had my eyes checked good. Thyroid good. Been checked for diabetes nope. I first had a panic attack when I was 15. And then nothing. When I was 26 I had a major one and never felt the same after. I wish it would go away but it won't. Sometimes I could be just sitting and feel like my heart is have palpations. Feel unreal.the panic starts because of these feelings. I've learned that healthy diet and exercise helps alot. I've learned to live with but talking with others who have the same problemsize help. My cousin has the same issue. I pray to god that it will be better. Just remember no matter it won't kill you.

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Tw
July, 13 2017 at 3:39 am

Please help. I'm terrified of this feeliing. Things don't look really and I feel like I'm going insane. Please email me.

Tammy
April, 26 2016 at 4:52 am

Does anyone else also feel like they are so forgetful as if you can not remember or think right. I almost worried about having all timers or the fact that I'm losing my mind. It's like nothing feels really including myself ..I understand what everyone's saying. Scared and struggling with this alot lately.

Deepshika
April, 8 2016 at 10:57 am

Greg I have chest pains that feels like heart attacks... and I don't realize the reason why am I having this. . but this goes on for 2 to 3 hours....any tips to cope up with this?

Ethan
April, 7 2016 at 1:09 pm

Yes! Finally someone understands what I'm going through. It is so awesome to know that I'm not the only one. You see, I'm only in middle school and I get these "attacks" all the time. I've been to doctors and physiological therapist to help cope but nothing really works. At school it is so unbelievably terrifying. The attacks caused my grades to drop in school because it gets to be hard to focus when I'm so worried about another attack. Also, thinking about another attack tense to cause another attack.
I play baseball and I sometimes get attacks during practice or games. These panic attacks have truly overtaken my life. I refrain from so much in fear of getting another attack. I've learn that sleep and meditation help, as well as, not consuming a lot of caffeine. Please... if anyone has anymore advice let me know.

Kat
March, 26 2016 at 9:51 am

Greg, thank you for sharing this. I have been struggling a great deal with this disassociative feeling. It's a hard feeling to cope with that's for damn sure, but what makes it just a little bit better is reading your post and through these comments. Because it truly does make you feel like you MUST be crazy, but to know that so many people can relate to feeling like this is a real comfort.
Jilly I relate most to your comment. You described it the same way I do. Twilight Zone is exactly right!! It's petrifying and I've had multiple panic attacks recently because of it. One being at work...that was fun...not! I travel an hour and a half to and from work 5 days a week and since starting this job in august, that is when the anxiety got bad. I've dealt with anxiety for a while, but mostly mild. I struggle with obsessive thoughts as well. And everything has just gotten worse recently. I think the job and commute has been a big trigger. I've never been good with change.
Thank you so much to everyone on here for sharing.

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