So I'm wondering why some people can never get rid of derealisation.

I have had it for going on 7 years. Some people have it for a year and it goes away, some people go on meds and it goes away, and some people have had it for 40+ years and just tell you to get used to it. I simply don't understand this illness. I don't understand why doctors don't know more about it, I feel like saying it's all anxiety is a cop-out because some people have it all their lives and just don't even care anymore. For me personally, I think I permanently damaged my brain in some undetectable way by smoking too much marijuana, since my derealization came on gradually without anxiety as I continued to smoke. This symptom is very debilitating for me. It DOES get worse when I am more stressed out. But sometimes it gets worse for seemingly no reason, which ends up causing anxiety and fear for me. I really really do not want to live with this for the rest of my life. 7 years is long enough.

[anxiousgirl7]

I want to know too 2 years for me

[Destinyweathers]

I get this to Ive been having it on and off for the past 4yrs they've put me on Buspirone 7.5mgs twice daily which cuts it back some but if i run out of meds or miss a dose it automatically comes back and sometimes i have it soon as i wake up in the mornings..... I've been told by a good friend that marijuana helps hers and she told me to start smoking ive also been told to try CBD oil but I'm trying to find out if it will actually help me and not harm me.... Prayers to you love we are strong and can get thru this!!!💪💪🙌😘

[Calm_mama]

Hi someone!

Hugs to you 🤗

Are you still smoking pot? It's probably best if you don't

A few ideas for you:

You may want to work with Swamy G (he is a life coach and an expert on DP/DR/Panic/Anxiety). He does skype visits. and/or his web page is excellent: acoachcalledlife.com

Is your therapist familiar with this aspect of anxiety? and does he/she really know how cognitive behavioral therapy works and uses it in his/her therapeutic approach? That is a must IMO.

Have you read Paul David's book, At Last a Life? It's fantastic. And has a chapter devoted to DP/DR.

7 years is a long time, however, I am certain that with the right approach, you will recover in time

[joeylikes1225]

Good question! I feel you.I think its been closer to 20 years for me. Just doesnt go away. I think thats what kicks in my anxiety cause I feel like I'm entering the spirit world or something. I do smoke pot not all the time but it helps me feel balanced and well if I'm high anyway, might as well enjoy it!...Thanks so much for sharing and this site. It really helps!!

[Hidden]

I had to quit smoking weed. It all of a sudden starting triggering panic attacks.

I haven’t smoked weed in years because if I smoke a puff I freak out with a panic attack. I started noticing drinking alcohol started doing the same shit. Anything that causes me to over think. Makes me have a panic attack and these two substances are downs. Maybe that’s why

[HopingCat]

What have you tried? Any meds?

[Hidden in reply to HopingCat]

Lots of different meds and different kinds of therapy too.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I think it sticks around because I CANT stop thinking about it

[HopingCat in reply to Hidden]

Then you might need a medication that helps with ocd. Not saying you have OCD but I stopped thinking about it when the medication I got also helped with ocd

[Stephanie89]

I’m sorry ur going through this it is horrible I been going on a year and half and it triggers my anxiety so bad o hate the feeling some days I can accept it’s there and other days just cause me to completely freak out

I hope this will soon go away I don’t like the feeling and I’m to afraid to take meds