De -- reality.

[Pig4u]

Does anyone suffer from awful feelings of "de- reality" which in turn cause cause me anxiety and tightness coming up the back of the head and wanting to be indoors where it is a little Easier An Endo I saw said that "de- reality" was to do with my hypothyroidism and would go when my " numbers " were correct which they are now but it has not .My Dr has given me anti-anxiety meds but not sure that they help that much .so has anyone out there experienced these de - realities. And found a cure ? I am really distressed by these feelings .Since my husband died I am alone most of the time which I know doesn't help

[darb]

Oh poor you hope someone on here can advise you x I am having trouble myself not been well for awhile with the hypothyroidism and my Gp's have conflicting interests I feel like crying so I know where you are coming from xxx

[Pig4u in reply to darb]

Thank you Darb . It seems to me that all the docs say something different .I am at least most fortunate to have a lovely Dr at My village surgery who is trying hard and says he thinks I know more about the Thyroid than he ! I also through him am able to have CBT and general counselling from the most delightful retired lady Dr but sadly no resolution to the "de- reality" . Hope you get better -- I know all about crying-- do it most days!

[Joyia]

Pig4u I feel your sadness, loneliness is a scourge of our times especially as we age, the pain of loss inevitably leads one into introspection. Personally I have found the subject of Mindfulness extremely helpful, when practised you make a better connection with yourself and reality. Jon Kabat-Zinn is a well known teacher and one used by the NHS. Our local Psychological Services did run 8 week courses on his teachings but sadly have been knocked back due to financial cuts. Nevertheless you can find him on You Tube, buy his books from Amazon and also find other excellent teachers on the subject such as Thich Nhat Hanh and Eckhart Tolle. Our minds tend to dwell either in the past or the future, what we are not good at is staying in the moment where the only true reality lies, hence the practice of Mindfulness leads you back to reality. Having collected a few cd's and dvds on the subject I hold small practice sessions in my home with other interested people. This all helps to place yourself back in the land of the living and out of the isolated space you may find yourself in. Even popping a postcard in local shops asking if anyone is interested in the subject can lead you back to reality.

I hope this helps, kind regards and a hug

Joyia

[Glynisrose]

I prefer to call it my anti social phases!! When its just too much effort to make small talk or be in a crowded room. I live alone and I love it!! I have somewhere I can retire to and shut out the world.

[Jenny23]

I do sympathise with you, as I suffered with exactly the same thing, and in fact thought I was losing my mind. However, after being diagnosed as hypothyroid last February (after feeling really ill in lots of strange ways, for years, including feeling as if I was experiencing life behind a pane of glass) and having increased my thyroxine meds to 175mcg (still not right levels, but getting there), the awful feeling is slowly going. Interestingly, it does seem to be recognised and has a name: "Derealisation" (does what it says on the tin!)

Ask for your test results - it may be that although your "numbers" are correct (ie in range) you may still be undermedicated. You need a sympathetic doctor that is prepared to listen to you and treat to symptoms rather than lab-range results. Good luck!

[Pig4u]

Thank you so much Jenny that is the first time I have really heared of any one with the same feelings I have had for at least 10 years . I actually diagnosed myself and somewhat embarrassed my Dr.!It is only since I started the Liquid Thyroxine that I seem to be Creeping towards a bit better .bit the NHS say it is too expensive and I am having to find the money myself which could prove difficult soon .I am appealing through a sympathetic Endo although he dose not hold out much hope. Yes I did know the "de realisation "name but only because a friend had a psychiatric professor for a son in law and he linked it with the Hypothyrodism -- non of the 4 Endos I have seen knew anything about it! I had also wondered if I was going mad! Hope you go on all right and I shall go on "tweeting"my meds to try to find the correct balance , Hope all willgo well with you .Thanks again for your contact