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Any advice for panic attacks and depersonalization derealization.


8 years ago 0 62 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
hi Ashley, hi Hopeplz2011,

these are great hints - thank you so much!
I have experienced derealization and depersonalization at the beginning of my anxiety history, and as all of you said, its just something too scary. That time I didnt know what I was going through and I guess I have been afraid of it all time since then. I wouldnt have had any hints either. I have been trying to keep my anxiety on a certain 'limited' level so that it doesnt peak in a depersonalization/derealization. That would be my only 'hint', if that counts as such. 

Actually, I am just thinking now, that maybe my Health Anxiety (that I have now) has maybe replaced the Depersonalization (I was trying to avoid Depersonalization with all means...), So my anxiety problem probably found its way in another form: the Health Anxiety maybe (?) - which is similarly a horror....   if this hypothesis is ture, then that would be another reason why I need to get my anxiety under control. I need to address them correctly, not just letting them become manifest in another way...

I appreciate the great approach Ashley provided - its REALLY good to know there is an established way dealing with Depersonalization, for any future events (hopefully there wont be any, but if yes, its invaluable to have these at hand).

Good luck Hopeplz2011 anyway - hope, you can get rid of this very soon !

perth

8 years ago 0 11210 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Hopeplz2011,

I am sorry you have been suffering with this. It must be very scary. Know you are not alone. As you can see, we are here to support you through this. For depersonalization and derealization I would suggest grounding. Grounding techniques help people become more present when they are in a dissociative state. Grounding is very senses oriented, so perhaps you can say:

  • Find 5 green things in the room, then find 3 of another colour.
  • What does the earth feel like under your feet?
  • How does the air feel as you breath?
  • What does it feel like when you clap your hands together?
  • Pick out 5 distinct sounds you can hear right now.
  • You can also incorporate smell and taste into this.
If you want more information on grounding there is lots on the internet; it might be helpful to read a bit more on it. While you are at it, you may also want to check out mindfulness as understanding mindfulness may be helpful as well.
 
How are you feeling today?
 

Ashley, Health Educator
8 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I've had DR/DP. It went with the anxiety. It always came very shortly after anxiety built. It was very scary. I really don't have any tips. I do know though what you go through. 

Davit
8 years ago 0 162 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I (thankfully) haven't experienced either depersonalization or derealization, so I cannot offer you and tips on how to deal with it.

As for having trouble sleeping....I'm a pro at that.  If I can't sleep, I will actually get out of bed and go to the sofa or my Lay-z-boy chair.  I might do something like reading or listening to guided meditations until I'm tired and/or I actually fall asleep.
8 years ago 0 1 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I have been suffereing for about 2 weeks. The feelings of depersonalization and derealization are very scary. Im trying to get through this but its hard. Also been having hard time sleeping. 

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