Depersonalization and Derealization Understanding Feelings of Unreality and Finding Recovery
When it comes to depersonalization and derealization, there is nothing scarier than feeling detached from yourself, your mind, your body, or the world around you. The feeling that you are an outside observer of yourself is extremely anxiety provoking. Often, it has been described as if "living in a dream". This dream-like state seems hazy, foggy and sometimes even the color of their world is less vivid, almost as if you are looking at the world through the bottom of a glass. Derealization, which is similar to depersonalization causes the sufferer to feel as if "nothing is real". For those already struggling with anxiety and panic attacks, this symptom alone can bring on more anxiety and panic when it is not fully understood by the sufferer.
If you are experiencing depersonalization or derealization, you are not alone. Many people describe these sensations as feeling detached from themselves, feeling unreal, or feeling like they are living in a dream. Although these symptoms can feel frightening, they are commonly associated with anxiety, panic, stress, and emotional overload.
What Is Depersonalization?
Depersonalization is a feeling of being disconnected from yourself, your thoughts, emotions, or body. Many people describe it as feeling like they are watching themselves from the outside, living in a dream, or feeling emotionally numb.
Derealization is closely related and involves feeling disconnected from the world around you, as if your surroundings seem unreal, distant, or unfamiliar.
Depersonalization Is Not Uncommon
These feelings of depersonalization and derealization are commonly seen with various types of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, clinical depression, and sleep deprivation.
But, it is also interesting to point out that even some prescription medications, as well as certain recreational drugs can cause these feelings as well. As noted by Philip R. Cohen, M.D. in the article, "Medication-Associated Depersonalization Symptoms", depersonalization can be also caused by the following:
- Alcohol, Antihistamines, Antipsychotics, Anti-Anxiety medications, Benzodiazepines, Caffeine, Carbamazepine, Fluoxetine, Fluphenazine, Hallucinogens, Indomethacin, LSD, Marijuana, Metachlorophenylpiperazine, Minocycline, Nitrazepam, and Sodium Pentothal.
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Coping with the symptoms of depersonalization and derealization can be quite difficult especially for someone that is already suffering from a disorder such as anxiety, panic, and/or depression. Many times the sufferer with these symptoms can easily mistake them for something more serious. Many interpret their symptoms to mean that they are on the verge of insanity, that they are losing touch with reality, and fears of having a more serious mental illness such as Schizophrenia.
Finding Help for Anxiety-Related Depersonalization
If you are experiencing depersonalization or derealization as part of anxiety or panic, learning how the anxiety cycle works can be an important step toward recovery. Many people find relief by understanding their symptoms, practicing coping skills, and gradually rebuilding confidence.
It is very difficult to go about everyday activities without being affected by these symptoms. Imagine trying to work, drive, grocery shop while feeling disconnected from your mind and body and like your world is a dreamy fog. That is enough to provoke more anxiety in anyone. So it is not uncommon to hear of people avoiding situations because of the way they feel. Sometimes the feelings of depersonalization and derealization alone can bring so much anxiety that the sufferer experiences panic attacks as a result.
Tips for Overcoming Depersonalization
Remove all caffeine and alcohol from your diet.
It might take some time to eliminate these habits from your daily life, but when you do, you will be contributing to your own recovery. Both of these things have been found to make the symptom of depersonalization worse, especially if you are already suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, depression or similar mental health challenges.
Consider your prescription medications.
If you are taking any medications prescribed by your physician, look to see if they are listed on the above list. If they are, make an appointment to talk to your doctor especially if your symptoms are particularly troublesome. There is a good possibility that there are other medications that may be able to replace what you are taking that will not cause these symptoms. Your physician can help you with this. Many times people suffering with anxiety, panic, depression and other mental health issues are taking different types of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. Some medications have been reported to cause or worsen feelings of Depersonalization and Derealization in certain individuals. If you believe your medication may be contributing to these symptoms, it is important to discuss your concerns with your physician before making any changes. Medication side effects can vary greatly from person to person, and your healthcare provider can help determine the best approach for your individual situation.
Consider OTC (over-the-counter) medications.
If you are taking over-the-counter medications such as cold-allergy medications that include antihistamines or decongestants, you might consider using other forms of self treatment for your condition. More natural approaches to treat sinus problems may be more beneficial to you.
Consider your sleep quantity and quality.
If you are not getting enough sleep then it is time to change that. Sleep deprivation can be a big reason why you are experiencing symptoms of depersonalization and derealization. Although you will hear different stories about how many hours of sleep is right, science tells us that anywhere between 6-9 hours are best. It all depends on you and what feels best. For some, sleeping only 6 hours leaves them exhausted the rest of the day, while others that sleep this amount feel refreshed and ready-to-go. Oversleeping is something you want to avoid since this too can add to the symptoms of depersonalization and derealization. Try experimenting to see how many hours of sleep make you feel your best. If you snore, have breathing problems, suffering insomnia or any other sleep related issues, please let your doctor know so they can help you.
Consider your breathing habits.
So what can you do if your depersonalization and derealization is caused from an existing anxiety disorder or clinical depression? It is MOST IMPORTANT that you first recognize that these symptoms, although distressing, are NOT dangerous. The truth is that they are common symptoms of anxiety and depression. Feeling the feelings of depersonalization and derealization will NOT hurt you. Sometimes, feelings of depersonalization and derealization are caused by an incorrect breathing pattern that can lead to hyperventilation (over-breathing) or even HYPOventilation (under-breathing). Believe it or not, one of the many symptoms of hyperventilation includes the body feeling different or unreal. The same holds true with HYPOventilation as well. Both can produce distressing symptoms such as as confusion, dizziness, light-headedness, disorientation, tingling in hands, feet or face, breathlessness, muscle stiffness, sweating, dry mouth or throat. These sensations are caused by breathing more oxygen than necessary. It is the reduced or increased level of carbon dioxide (depending if you are over or under breathing) that is in the blood that causes these symptoms.
One thing you must know is that breathing has automatic and voluntary controls. This means that when you are not thinking about it, your body maintains your breathing rate, but when you want to, you have the ability to voluntarily change your breathing rate. For an example: A voluntary control of breathing would be the ability to hold your breath underwater. In order to overcome hyperventilation and/or HYPOventilation, you must first be able to recognize it when it occurs.
Are you breathing too fast, too slow or too deeply?
The average person takes approximately 10-12 breaths per minute when at rest. If you are taking more or substantially less than this, you want to adjust your breathing to a more natural state. An example of this is given below. Also, when you are breathing too deeply it can feel as if your chest is always full of air (over-expanded), and this can be quite uncomfortable. Proper breathing comes from the abdomen not the chest.
Simple Breathing Exercise
If you notice yourself breathing too quickly, too slowly, or too deeply, try this gentle breathing exercise to help return your breathing to a more natural rhythm.
- Sit comfortably with your shoulders relaxed.
- Focus your attention on your breathing.
- Allow your abdomen (not your chest) to rise as you breathe.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose for 3 seconds.
- Breathe out slowly through your nose for 3 seconds.
- As you exhale, quietly say the word "relax" to yourself.
- Continue until your breathing feels calm and your symptoms begin to settle.
Goal: Approximately 10 slow breaths per minute.
This breathing method should produce 10 breaths per minute. Although you might feel uncomfortable using this method, you must realize that by over-breathing or under-breathing for so long, you may have developed a bad habit. Doing things differently will always feel uncomfortable at first. Practice is very important in creating a new habit of breathing. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to learn something new and to master it. For more on breathing, visit breathing exercises for anxiety.
Do Not Fear!
Depersonalization and derealization comes with some real scary feelings. People often add second fears and "what-if's" to their already overwhelming symptoms. This makes things so much worse than they have to be. They scare themselves creating more anxiety and more panic to the mix. Coping skills exist and they take some practice to get used to them but I encourage you to practice everyday. By mastering these skills, you will make things easier on yourself and bring yourself back to feeling better than you have in a long time. Feelings of depersonalization and derealization are distressing but not dangerous. So, give yourself permission to feel it and work through it.
Accept your sensations!
It is difficult to accept the things that cause us distress. We just want them gone already. However, "by wishing them away, we enable them to stay". The best thing you can do is to accept they are there and do not add any "what if thinking" about all the possibilities for your sensations. Let them exist and do not make such a big deal out of it. By making a big deal, you are falsely telling your brain that there is something to fear, something to dread, something to run from. As you would conquer your obsessive scary thoughts, you will conquer your depersonalization and derealization. Sometimes, it is the obsessive thinking that keeps you stuck.
Tell yourself the truth!
Remind yourself what you are feeling and why. They are symptoms! Nothing more, nothing less. Whether they are from a medication that you are taking, or simply symptoms from chronic anxiety or depression they are common symptoms. They are "distressing but not dangerous". Positive, truthful thought replacement is very important in helping you do this effectively.
Practice being in the "here and now".
Practice doing things that cause you to participate in life. Give whatever you are doing your fullest attention. You do this by involving all your senses. Notice colors, smells, sounds, and if someone is talking then give them your fullest attention. This is a skill that needs a lot of practice, especially since you are so used to being focused on yourself and how you feel. This skill is about getting out of yourself and into what is around you.
Do something fun that you enjoy.
This is the best method of getting into the present moment. Doing something you enjoy and becoming physically part of it, involving the "here and now" makes this skill so worth it. While you work this skill, remind yourself what you love about it and how it makes you feel.
Do not avoid anything because of the way you feel.
Avoiding only makes matters much worse. Instead, step out and realize that you can do whatever you need to do with or without those feelings. Depersonalization and derealization are symptoms related to too much stress and anxiety. It is your brains way of protecting you from overdrive by putting you in neutral. I know it is scary to step out while feeling this way but it's very important to do so, but you must do it while telling yourself the truth about your symptoms.
Continue Your Recovery Journey
Recovery from anxiety-related symptoms often involves learning new ways to respond to fear and uncomfortable sensations. Explore these additional resources:
Develop an attitude of determination.
It is easy to become distracted by the way you feel. It is also easy to slip back into bad habits of thinking and to scare yourself again and again. Make sure you do an attitude check everyday. Be determined and realize that you will have good days and bad days. Remind yourself that as long as you keep up the work and practice these skills, you will produce some good results. The truth is you have two choices, you can either repeat the same old cycle of belief about your depersonalization and derealization or you can do something about it by practicing skills that will help bring hope and relief to these uncomfortable symptoms. You can keep worrying about yourself and these feelings or you can move on believing that there is hope and help for you.
Trust others who have been through it before.
Listen to the people who have suffered and have overcome. Trust that when they tell you their experience that there is the same hope and help for you. There is much to be learned by listening to others and their personal experiences.
Do not be afraid to seek professional help.
Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is seek professional help for anxiety and/or depression. Many people are afraid they will no longer be in control over their mental health decisions. Please be assured that you will always have control over yourself and the choices you make. Even if your doctor suggests a medication and you dont want to take it, you still have the choice to not take it. Treatment decisions, including whether to use medication, should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Sometimes, it is just good to have someone to talk with and see what they can offer you.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Although depersonalization and derealization are commonly associated with anxiety, panic attacks, stress, depression, and sleep deprivation, similar symptoms can sometimes occur with certain medical or neurological conditions. It is important to seek evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional if these symptoms are new, severe, persistent, or you are unsure of their cause.
You should seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
- Depersonalization or derealization that begins suddenly without an obvious cause.
- Symptoms following a head injury or loss of consciousness.
- Confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, seizures, or other neurological symptoms.
- Hallucinations, severe changes in thinking, or difficulty distinguishing reality.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or feeling that life is no longer worth living.
If your symptoms are related to anxiety or panic, discussing them with your healthcare provider can also help rule out other medical conditions and provide reassurance. Many people recover from anxiety-related depersonalization once they understand what is happening and begin addressing the underlying anxiety.
Involve yourself in an online forum.
Talking with others that are currently suffering helps a lot. Not only do you get to see that you are not alone, but you get the chance to tell them the very things you need to be telling yourself. You must know that by helping others, you help yourself. By repeating to others the truths about depersonalization and derealization, you are repeating it to yourself.
***If you are looking for an online support forum specifically for Depersonalization and Derealization, please visit the Support Community Forum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depersonalization and Derealization
Can anxiety cause feelings of unreality?
Yes. Many people experience depersonalization and derealization during periods of intense anxiety, panic, stress, or emotional overload.
Does depersonalization mean I am losing my mind?
No. Although these sensations can feel frightening, many people experience them as a response to anxiety and stress.
Books About Depersonalization and Recovery
There are a couple books that come highly recommended in regards to Depersonalization and Derealization.
Feeling Unreal: Depersonalization Disorder and the Loss of the Self by Daphne Simeon,M.D. and Jeffrey Abugel
Overcoming Depersonalization and Feelings of Unreality: A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (Overcoming Books) by Anthony S. David. Both books give clear insight into this sometimes debilitating symptom.
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Guided Steps to Recovery
Natural Options for Relaxation Support
Some people experiencing depersonalization and derealization find that reducing stress, improving relaxation, and supporting healthy sleep habits can help them better cope with these uncomfortable sensations.
While supplements are not a treatment or cure for depersonalization, some individuals choose natural options that may support relaxation and a calmer state of mind during times of increased stress or anxiety.
Always speak with your healthcare provider before adding supplements, especially if you are taking prescription medications or have existing health conditions.
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Relaxation Support Options
Natural Approaches for Stress and Anxiety Support
Many people who experience depersonalization and derealization also struggle with anxiety, stress, and an overactive stress response. Some individuals explore complementary approaches that may help support relaxation, emotional balance, and healthy coping skills.
These approaches are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure depersonalization or any mental health condition. They are simply additional tools that some people find helpful as part of a broader recovery plan.