Derealization getting worse

[e53300]

I have been suffering from derealization since November 16, 2019 after a long period of severe anxiety. No drugs involved, I believe my dr to be purely anxiety based.

Up until about a week ago, I’ve been just barely able to cope with the symptoms. But since then they have started getting much worse. They still get better at night, but now during the day they have become my overpowering. Its the typical symptoms; “visual snow”, feeling like I’m dreaming, everything seems unreal, combined with terrible brain fog and memory loss.

As a result my life has turned into a 24 hour a day panic attack. I average 2 - 3 hours of sleep a night and can’t do anything during the day except stay inside and pace back and forth. I cant drive, cant work, cant eat and can barely think any more. All I experience is anxiety.

I have just started CBT with a therapist, but Im not sure how much benefit talk therapy will be for something this severe. Medication is not really an option right now since I’ve developed a fear of drugs so severe I cant even take vitamins.

My situation is obviously unsustainable, I fear Im headed for major health problems If I cant figure out a way to cope with this.

So I actually have two questions:

1. Has anyone ever experienced derealization so severe it completely disrupted all aspects of their life?

2. Has anyone come up with any coping strategies that allowed them to survive this type of severe derealization?

[Kaquilino2513]

I’m trying to figure out if my symptoms are

Derealzation.. what exactly do you feel?

[e53300 in reply to Kaquilino2513]

It would be easier for you to Google it since there is an enormous amount of information available online. You can use search terms “derealization” and “depersonalization”.

[HLW2009]

e53300,

I am currently experiencing derealization/depersonalization , and am looking for advice, too.

Sadly, I had to come to another state, where my insurance will only cover Er visits. I have had spurts of this before but now, it just will not let up.

I have PTSD, anxiety, depression - recently hit a major setback in life due to something traumatic again. I have to keep strong but it is so hard.

I just read there are certain scents through aromatherapy, I am going to try them. My psychologist suggested yoga. I actually just now thought about meditation. You can go to YouTube type in depersonalization or derealization meditation, and some videos for cures.

If medication is something that you need to take, please try to overcome that fear. If you are experiencing what I am experiencing, I am willing to try anything to get rid of this.

I hope this makes sense, I struggle with this every second of the day.

[Gt2run]

I have had episodes of what your experiencing. The phases of mania with anxiety can be quit debilitating, to say the least.

I did CBT for 8months I think in total. I did it online and gained so much insight to my personal issues with anxiety/panic disorder. I highly recommend it! I I also took medication for a period of time to help with the therapy. Sometimes when we are so locked-in our state of anxiety, some meds help calm these thoughts.

Stay with the CBT. It will help over time.

[Coot18]

What is the difference between derealization and Out of Body Experience?

I believe OBE's can be a positive experience. Read James Monroe, "Journeys Out of the Body"