Is Derealization...?

[Deleted member 27340]

Is derealization something that feels like you're in a fish-bowl, looking out at a high-tech virtual reality movie? That surreal feeling, where it's not real so it's whatever what it is?

And does derealization make you stop caring, so you can do whatever you want and rebel and get in trouble without feeling bad for what you're doing and actually rather being glad you're feeling something at all, even if it's just the thrill of breaking rules and free feeling of truly relieving yourself from attachments?

Dunno. Ugh. I have no idea where I'm going with this and it's a confusing topic.

 

[Mallaky]

Thats certainly one way to describe it. It can manifest in many forms, and your description connected with me.

 

[ladee]

Sounds accurate. Do you have a Therapist? Is this something just happening or been going on for awhile? Are you on any meds... ?? All the questions are so we can have a more clear picture of how to help... I know this is scary, have been there myself. Glad you came here and shared...

 

[Guilleaume]

Is derealization something that feels like you're in a fish-bowl, looking out at a high-tech virtual r...

I can relate to your first paragraph as I had it today .

 

[Sideways]

Pretty spot on with the first paragraph, but not so much with the second. For me, it feels like nothing matters, but that leads to more of a lack of motivation (or just wandering around completely spaces out!) rather than driving me into a hive of activity.

 

[Anarchy]

Is derealization something that feels like you're in a fish-bowl, looking out at a high-tech virtual reality movie? That surreal feeling, where it's not real so it's whatever what it is?

yes and yes.

have you experienced this before?

Please take care with your own safety if you are feeling uninhibited with it.

Is there anything that might be causally connected with it like; changes in sleep patterns, stress, meds, herbal, triggered?

do you feel dissociated in any other sorts of ways? an alter coming forward or lurking near the front?

I've got a book about treating de-realization. kicking around at home. I'll have a look at what it says.
I don't think it was anything to be afraid of. mine comes and goes. I had it for a few weeks once when I was working in a narcissist rich environment.

It's a wierd feeling that there is a sheet of glass in between us and the world.

so, if it isn't tied in with anything else, enjoy the feeling and stay safe.
I think that things like yoga and grounding skills can help ease it if it is annoying you.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

I'm with @Ragdoll Circus Sounds accurate to me, ex let that the unreality deadens any motivation I once had to change.

 

[EveHarrington]

Good question.

I always get derealization and depersonalization confused. I wonder if it's possible to experience a combination of both?

 

[Deleted member 27340]

rather than driving me into a hive of activity.

It's not really like a hive of activity, I always do a lot all the time, and I can't remember not having that feeling of derealization... I guess it's more that not caring because I'm tired of it evolves into not caring about rules and stuff and just prioritizing moments that make me feel alive, even if I'm not allowed to go...


(I'll reply to the rest when I've eaten and stuff))

 

[Anarchy]

Hi Tyra,
I checked the book
It's a self help guide using CBT and a little bit of mindfulness.
http://www.bookdepository.com/Overc...ker-Elaine-Hunter/9781845295547?ref=grid-view
Feelings of unreality - according to the book anyway - are a normal part of life

Usually we can attrribute them to something like being tired, stressed out, hung over, spaced out, or on meds etc, and we don't worry about them too much.

It says the difficulty comes if we combine them with negative or pessimistic thinking

Things like wondering if this is the first sign of schizophrenia, brain cancer, a stroke, I'm cracking up etc.

The author's idea is that by devoting time and attention to noticing and worrying about the feelings of unreality, we end up having less time to devote towards connecting to and experiencing being in the world around us,

That can set up a feedback loop and we're off into rumination and worrying.

The solution which they present consists of all of the CBT, mindfulness and grounding skills

also, are you able to get out cycling or walking in the woods or up the hills?

 

[The ANP]

Thanks for this topic. I never understood derealization. I resonate with this experience as well.