How does a person feel
The descriptions are usually similar: emotions are dulled, as if they were turned off, actions are performed on autopilot, one’s own reflection seems unfamiliar, time flows strangely. With derealization, familiar streets and faces look alien, colors become faded, sounds become muffled. Many people struggle to find words because such experiences are difficult to express, and they are afraid that they will not be understood or considered crazy. It is fear that usually brings more suffering than the sensation itself, and pushes towards constant introspection.
- The feeling of being watched from the outside
- Dulling of emotions, “emotional deafness”
- Feeling of automaticity of actions
- The world seems flat and unreal
- Distortion of time perception
- Difficulty describing your condition
- Maintaining the understanding that it's only a feeling
Why does this happen?
Most often, depersonalization is a protective reaction of the psyche to overload: with severe anxiety, panic attack, acute stress, severe overwork or sleep deprivation, the brain seems to muffle perception. A significant proportion of cases are associated with the use of cannabis and stimulants, and the condition may persist long after cessation. The symptom occurs in depression, panic and anxiety disorders, after psychological trauma. Less commonly, it is associated with neurological causes, such as temporal lobe epilepsy, so testing is required in unclear cases.
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Acute and chronic stress
- Lack of sleep and overwork
- Depression
- Use of cannabis and stimulants
- Psychotrauma and violence
- Rarely - epilepsy, migraine, thyroid disease
What it's not
The most important thing to understand is that depersonalization does not mean the onset of schizophrenia and does not lead to loss of reason. With psychosis, a person is convinced that the world has really changed, and does not doubt it, but with depersonalization, he understands perfectly well that this is only his perception, and that is why he is worried. The condition also does not damage the brain and is not a sign of a tumor, although the frightening sensation causes many to undergo multiple tests. Knowing this in itself reduces anxiety and makes it easier.
- Not psychosis: criticism saved
- Not a sign of brain damage
- Doesn't lead to madness
- Doesn't mean split personality
- Occurs occasionally in many people
- Increased by constant self-observation
Survey
The diagnosis is made by describing the experiences and their duration. The doctor clarifies when the condition appeared, what preceded it, whether there is anxiety, panic attacks, depression, use of substances and medications. Neurological causes are excluded if there are convulsions, loss of consciousness, unusual sensations of smell, headaches with aura; in this case, EEG and MRI are prescribed. Thyroid function and hemoglobin levels are checked, since their disorders lead to similar complaints of detachment and brain fog.
- Detailed conversation about the nature of sensations
- Assessing anxiety, depression and panic attacks
- Clarifying the intake of substances and medications
- EEG and MRI for neurological symptoms
- TSH and complete blood count
- Assessment of sleep patterns and stress
What helps
The key principle is to treat not the sensation itself, but what supports it: anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, substance use. Psychotherapy, primarily cognitive behavioral therapy, is effective: it helps you stop endlessly checking your condition and monitoring your symptoms, because it is introspection that increases detachment. Grounding techniques are useful - switching attention to bodily sensations and surrounding objects. If anxiety or depression is severe, your doctor will prescribe medications. Avoiding cannabis, stimulants and excess caffeine is mandatory.
- Psychotherapy as the main method
- Treatment of anxiety and depression
- Avoiding cannabis, stimulants, and energy drinks
- Grounding and attention shifting techniques
- Restoring sleep and daily routine
- Physical activity and live communication
- Refusal to constantly control your feelings