Discussion Disassociation/Derealization

[nowaru]

Has anyone else experienced extreme disassociation/derealization? I had a huge episode that spanned from early 2021 to mid-2021, and I still do have glimpses of it to this day. It was really bad back then too, with lots of existential thoughts as well as paranoia to a certain extent.

 

[randy]

when I had bad, unrelenting anxiety, I experienced a little bit of disassociation/derealization. Not an extreme amount, but I found it really scary. It is such an awful state

 

[Ultracheese]

I experience disassociation episodes on the regular. They've been going on for at least a decade now. They seem to be triggered due to stress mostly. I'm sorry about your experience. That sounds really scary, but I'm glad it's not as bad as it used to be.

 

[nowaru]

It was interesting to say the least. I felt like I was basically going insane, or developing schizophrenia. But I fought my way out of it, still have brain fog though.

 

[itsallpointless]

Might be a result of trauma. I've been dissociative since 8-9 years old somewhat and still am but to a lesser extent. Dissociation simplified is kind of like having a cold and not being able to taste your food. You need a nice spicy meal to enhance the flavour and nurse the senses
Or maybe I'm a shit doctor idk

 

[http-410]

Yes, it's been over 15 years by now. Permanently. 24/7.

At first I also suspected I was "going insane" or developing schizophrenia, which fortunately was not the case. There was a time when the symptoms even faded into the background, or at least I was able to deal with them better, but they were never gone.

Meanwhile, I am fragmented beyond repair and have also developed other dissociative symptoms. Any grounding exercises, different skills/stimuli or even sports tend to make the DP/DR even worse. By now I have completely given up hope of ever getting out of this state.

It's hell.

 

[ctb7767]

Had that at one point for a few months like 5 years ago, caused I believe from stress, isolation, alcohol, and caffeine. It was so crazy, I would forget people's faces that I had known for a long time. The most terrifying part was not knowing what it was and not knowing if it would end. I ended up going on an SSRI for a few months and it went away.

Yes, it's been over 15 years by now. Permanently. 24/7.

At first I also suspected I was "going insane" or developing schizophrenia, which fortunately was not the case. There was a time when the symptoms even faded into the background, or at least I was able to deal with them better, but they were never gone.

Meanwhile, I am fragmented beyond repair and have also developed other dissociative symptoms. Any grounding exercises, different skills/stimuli or even sports tend to make the DP/DR even worse. By now I have completely given up hope of ever getting out of this state.

It's hell.

Do you use any drugs or alcohol? Are you on any medication? Are you chronically stressed?

 

[http-410]

I'm glad to read it's gone for you. I really don't wish it on anyone.

Do you use any drugs or alcohol? Are you on any medication? Are you chronically stressed?

No alcohol, no weed. I am on no meds as they significantly increase the DP/DR, including SSRIs. Benzos do make the DP/DR a little more tolerable, but I am not prescribed any and addiction would not be beneficial.

I guess I'd say I'm chronically stressed, but who isn't, who's hanging around here? I tried meditation and progressive muscle relaxation (the latter guided by therapists) years ago, but to no avail. I have the impression that the "wall" is too thick and that nothing can get through, no matter what I do. I'm lugging around a pile of meat. Whether I use it to eat something spicy, smell something pungent, do something strenuous like exercise, or dip my head in ice-cold water - it doesn't matter. At most, my body reacts, but not me, if that makes sense.

 

[Blackroom_57]

Yes I have this chronically. I also have schizoaffective disorder. It's gotten worse recently. It's severe to the point where driving is agonizing. I just want to die.