Weird feeling

[Panic6]

Lately I have been experiencing this weird feeling. It feels like I am on drugs or floating when I walk or stand. It happens put of nowhere and I don't seem to feel anxious before it happens.. Can someone explain?

[Agora1]

Hi Panic6, I had at one time been where you are in that feeling of being on drugs or floating. When walking it felt as if the pavement beneath me was sinking with each step I took. The feeling of walking on a trampoline. Standing in line at the checkout would be unbearable. I used rocking back and forth as a coping method. I couldn't walk a straight line. I knew it was my anxiety causing this but didn't understand the mechanics of mind/body connection.

I tried every method known to lower anxiety level as well as years of therapy & medication until I figured out a quick and easy method to rid myself of this feeling. It was with me the whole time. Breathing...Plain and simple. When I would experience the uneasiness of floating and off balance I realized I was shallow breathing which didn't allow enough oxygen to my brain. Whereas when I started deep breathing it made me regain the correct balance of Oxygen. & Nitrogen. To this day I still use deep breathing as well as meditation and haven't had another episode of the floating off balance feeling. I hope this helps some. Take care.

[Armyguy]

My doctor at the VA calls this bubble wrap for the brain from panic attacks. Its depersonalization and it sucks but does subside over weeks, i had last march for a month or so. After the period of time i got better and knock on wood havent had it since.

[valentin77]

Because of standing or walking I would have your blood pressure checked as if a little low(not at all harmful,in fact quite the reverse)you can have similar effects.Also the inner ear connected with balance can,more rarely,have this effect.2 not important things to easily check.

Some people are creating or feeding this experience by Thier breathing pattern.Breathing too rapidly or breathing to deeply or both.(hyper-oxigination)or by breathing the reverse,too shallowly,not breathing into the belly slowly,(under oxygenation),because of this smoking tobacco can be a bad idea.

Sounds like dissacociation.A common symptom of anxiety.Also known as dizziness,light headedness,feeling like you are might faint.Feeling Detatched,unreal,disconnected,like you are looking at life through a glass bottle,you or your envoirment may feel unreal.More commonly(but less accurately)called de-personalisation.

Although a very very odd experience it IS quite common and natural,for some it is incredibly unpleasant and frightening,for others it can be delightful and pleasant,like a free drug high.

Iether way,it usually fades by itself,although some people have been caught in it for months,but that is very rare.

There are techniques or drugs which may reduce or remove the experience if you find it unpleasant.