Posted by Camille Dumont on December 29, 2003, at 0:34:39
In reply to depersonalization? derealization?, posted by Emme on December 28, 2003, at 23:36:14
Hi, I've had and still have some depersonalization issues in that, I feel myself as being detached from my body and slightly behind ... sort of observing an "automaton" going about its business.
What you describe sounds more like derealization in that its not you but the world that becomes strange.
I've been told that those symptoms can be side effects from depression and / or a reaction to stress of some sort.
For me, stress definately help push the trigger. As of yet, meds are not doing much to help but I've found that I can avoid some episodes if I act quickly. See, when it starts, there is a small period of time when I feel myself going "inside and outside my body" ... back and forth a few times before I leave for good. During that time, what I try to do is grab the nearest thing ... a stappler, a book, the edge of the desk, or whatever ... and squeeze it as hard as I can while shutting my eyes. If I concentrate on the slight pain in the muscles from holding so hard and try to tell myself that everything is alright and not to panic ... sometimes it stops the episode from happening.
But this is simply my experience ... you should definately talk to your T. about it ... as she knows you and your case, she might be able to suggest solutions or coping strategies.
Good luck and keep us posted
poster:Camille Dumont
thread:294205
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031225/msgs/294212.html