Derealisation is ruining my life

[Marc0133]

Lately my derealisation is starting to get worse on me because of my anxiety. Even though I'm starting to get use to my anxiety, these derealisation thoughts still won't go away. I'm starting to lose interests in everything I like because of it and I REALLY don't want that, otherwise I'll be depressed! I have thoughts about how the world around me is not only unreal but also weird, strange and unnatural. I over analyze how things work in the world and real life and it freaks me out! I know who I am is still inside me, but I feel crushed and trapped with all these thoughts. Are these common thoughts with people who have derealisation? Please tell me I'm not the only one! How can I get back to normal? Thanks.

[toast122]

Hi there,

I too suffer with derealization/depersonalization. For me, it was really bad last year. I kept feeling like nothing around me was real, like I was living in a dream, and everything was cast with a sense of eerieness and fear. I know exactly how you feel. The feeling would consume me and I would think about it 24 hours a day. I was afraid that I would be stuck in that "state" forever and that I would never feel normal again. It caused me panic attacks every single day, I cried every single day, and I convinced myself that I was losing my mind. I couldn't leave my house for a period of time because the derealization was just too scary. I went to countless doctors, tried therapy, medication, everything. Believe it or not, the only way to make it go away is to just not think about it... Now I know that sounds crazy, I thought it did too. But as soon as I forced myself to do other things and distract myself, the feeling would slowly dissapear (keep in mind, this took months). The more I obsessed over it and tried to "think" my way out of it, the worse the feeling got. It took me such a long time to realize this. Also, treat it as a symptom. When you feel derealized, think to yourself, "Oh, I feel derealized. My anxiety levels must be up, and this is just my body's way of reacting to protect me. I'll just go about with my day and try to ignore it for now." The more you freak out, the stronger it will feel. I know this sounds ridiculous, but trust me. I went through this hell. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy and after trying absolutely everything, this is what works, I promise. It also takes time to heal. One thing that reassured me when I had difficuly distracting myself was a book titled, "At Last A Life" by Paul David. I think the free pdf of it is online, otherwise you can buy it on amazon. This book described derealization in simple terms and helped me get through it. Without the book, I honestly don't think I would be able to say I 85% overcame my derealization. The author was a sufferer himself, which is what made it relatable. Anyways, I'm sorry this reply is so long. I hope some of what I said helps you. If you ever have any questions or need advice, please feel free to message me. I probably know all there is about derealization, haha. Good luck!