That sounds like it's almost more than derealization which is the same as depersonalization. When that happens to me is more like I'm up-above myself watching & hearing everything that's being said & done & I'm functioning just as I was normally before it hit...

Just so you know.....depersonalization/derealization & even dissociation are all coping skills that the body uses in high stress times & in their less extreme form aren't a problem as it happens to many people just normally....it's the extremes that are the problem.

I know it freaked me out the first time it happened because my horse trainer was talking to me & I answered her but I had no idea how I know to answer her with the right answer & she had no idea that there was anything going on with me....but I knew & it scared me because I couldn't understand how I could be up there watching & still able to participate as if I was right there.

I am sorry you are having such extreme derealization to deal with. It's important to have therapy to help you go back to what caused it in the first place (trauma/abuse usually) & help to learn how to ground yourself in the NOW & where you are & to learn other skills that you can use during very stressful situations that can help you get through them in a more functional way. It seemed for me at least, when my body got used to reacting that way, it happened more often even though it was no longer tied to the trauma I went through so I have had to learn new stress reducing techniques & it has reduced the times when the depersonalization hits.

Also.....I know when I went back to college with my depression & anxiety even before that trauma hit me.....the disability program allowed the instructors to know what was going on with me & to help me get through the higher anxiety times using the things that they allowed to help with my disability (quiet place to take tests, extra time, recording lectures....etc)...it's worth it to use the things they provide through the disabilities office. When I got my BS, I wasn't dealing with any mental health issues....but when I went back......it definitely helped & I would highly recommend it.