Depersonalization/Severe Panic Attack

[JustinH87]

Is anyone familiar with depersonalization disorder or experienced a similar episode? Last night was my first time experiencing a severe, physically debilitating panic attack. It took half a day for me to emerge from the residual fog and after researching a bit discovered the condition of depersonalization. It seems to match exactly with the terror I experienced.

[BonnieSue]

Hello JustinH87,

I have had experience with derealization caused by sleep deprivation. Have you been getting adequate sleep? For me, it felt similar to depersonalization in many ways. The 2 seem to overlap in some ways to me. I researched the definitions of each and mentioned how I felt to my psychiatrist who correctly dismissed any more serious mental illness but said she suspected my sleep deprivation of many days' duration due to my bipolar II diagnosis. She was right. Once I got sleep I noticed improvement and stopped being concerned. Now I know what symptoms to chalk up to the deprivation when it happens.

However I have never had what people call a panic attack where it comes and goes within a relatively short period of time. My worst anxiety would last a few months and feel like an attack for half a day at a time and then reduce and then soar again the next day. But the worst "fight or flight" feelings had to be less than what you are talking about. I was just trying to get through each moment one moment at a time. It was very hard work but not the same for me as the depersonalization/derealization episode, which lasted days.

Even though I fit the dictionary description of PARTS derealization AND parts of depersonalization, those definitions just weren't adequate enough to describe the real states that are due only to mental illness of a different diagnosis and I can only recommend you not worry about that until a psychiatrist tells you to be concerned. As you probably researched, ANXIETY ITSELF can make you feel those symptoms. But certainly take this issue to your doctor as soon as reasonably possible, ok?

[JustinH87 in reply to BonnieSue]

Yes ma'am, you nailed it. I only got 8-10 hours of sleep combined over the preceding 3 days. I operate a bar/deli and work has been relentless lately. I've made an appt with my psychiatrist for tomorrow. Thank you so much for your reply, it has helped ease much doubt and confusion. God bless you.

[BonnieSue in reply to JustinH87]

Oh, so good to hear! And blessings upon you, too.

[Vonnah]

What do you mean exactly? Do you picture things or imagine a fantasy like world when dissociating? I do and not sure if its the same thing.......i live inside my head everyday and i know it's not a healthy coping method for abuse and depression and anxiety. But i don't know if it's a disorder that i have either. I told my former psychiatrist but she didn't diagnose me with anything......i will definitely get a second opinion but mine didn't really do her job.