In a bubble looking out.

[spring]

I was treated for an anxiety disorder 10 years ago. I am on a maintenence dose of Paxil and rarely have any feelings of abnormal anxiety now. Reading through this forum reminded me of how TERRIFYING my feelings were when this first happened to me. I thought I was losing my mind.

Anyway, a BIG symptom for me was depersonalization. This scared me to death and I walked around like this for what felt like days at a time. No one could tell me what it was.

Here's what I have learned:

If you experience a strange feeling of being "in a bubble" and separate from everything else or a feeling that your not really "in the picture" (for me it was a sensation of being able to see and hear and interact with my environment but feeling sort of like I was "watching" myself do it but that it wasn't really "me") this is called depersonalization. It is HARMLESS and a NORMAL response to extreme stress or anxiety. IT WILL PASS. It is your brain's way of sort of protecting you from overload by emotionally distancing you from what is going on around you. It's actually a HEALTHY response to stress, but it feels very weird and scary if you don't know what's going on. When this happens to you try to relax your muscles (bring your sholuders down) breathe, and remind yourself in a calm, soothing voice (either out loud if your alone or to yourself) "This is a normal, healthy response. There is no emergency here. I am safe and my body is taking care of me."

Repeat until you feel better.


I hope this helps someone. It was one of those things I wish someone had told me.

Peace

[laurience]

Thanks Peace, I will try that..
Joanne