Anyone Experience Full-time Derealization?

[Daisy1234]

This has been going on for three months. Yesterday and today has gotten even worse - -didn't know that was possible! My functioning is really affected by this. There is no way I could work with this. Can't remember a damn thing and easily get disoriented and flustered.

Was driving home from horse therapy today (I left after only about 1/2 hour there because I couldn't remember procedure and got very frustrated/embarrassed), I stared at a street sign and couldn't remember if that was my street or not. Wow. Just one of many examples . . .

What do you do to cope with this? Has it improved with therapy?

 

[Abstract]

Depersonalisation and derealisation were such a normal and constant part of life for as far back as I can (and cant) remember that I didnt even know I did it. It absolutely has improved enormously with effort. Mostly due to my self work and constant training in awareness and mindfulness. And grounding.

One thing I dond't think is helpful (if possible) is being afraid of the dissociation as that will increase your anxiety - and therefore dissociation. Do you have grounding skills?

 

[Powder]

Some questions come to mind.

1. Are you taking any meds or substances?

Some meds have nervous system reactions.

2. Are you doing EMDR?

And from my experience, this happens when you are first getting memories back that include a fair bit of dissociation in them. You may be needing to back off of any kind of processing and focus on being present. Doing art, walking, cooking, taking care of a pet--all these can bring you back if done regularly.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

I have no advice, but am suffering similarly, with the exception that I actually function BETTER when dissociated. Not that I can remember doing any of the professional activities I do, but I know that if I just let myself slide into the confusion and unreality that I feel, no one but me will notice. It's frightening though. I feel for the panic and fear you have about not knowing and not feeling and not being able to keep track of things. I'm starting to feel pretty panicky about it myself ....

 

[illusionist]

I can only agree with every word that Abstract has said. I still suffer when my anxiety is high, but use skills that I've learned, that work for me....it does get easier to cope with.

 

[Daisy1234]

Depersonalisation and derealisation were such a normal and constant part of life for as far back as I c...

I thought I replied to this but maybe not. I have tried some grounding techniques but they usually don't help me snap out of it

 

[Daisy1234]

Some questions come to mind.

1. Are you taking any meds or substances?

Some meds have nervous system re...

Well I'm on a lot of psych meds but I've been on the same for quite a while and this just started a few months ago. I'm seeing a new therapist for the first time on Wednesday who does EMDR so not sure if she'll want me to do that.

 

[Daisy1234]

I can only agree with every word that Abstract has said. I still suffer when my anxiety is high, bu...

I sure hope so

 

[Abstract]

Daisy,
It can be a process rather then a try and fix situation. What was more helpful for me was an everyday every minute type mindfulness and awareness practice. In other words there is waiting till something happens and then trying to ground. Then there is taking each moment all the time and trying to stay present in general. It can take a lot of practice and hard work but it can happen. Its something you can learn.

Its also worth having a wide array of grounding skills and working through them. Sometimes one thing with work one day and something else the next.