[Theresa1991]

Something that I would like to know: For years I have been experiencing something that I cannot really link to any kind of episode: It feels like not really being in reality, it is pretty hard to describe. I would say it feels like I am slightly drunk even when I am completely sober. I can totally get sucked into situations and change my mood according to them. I forget about the world outside. I seem to slide into the current situation so much that I feel only this situation exists and I have difficulty to recall what I have been doing two hours ago. For example: Yesterday I worked in the law firm. Then a friend came to visit and I cooked and we had a chat in my room. It took me about a minute to recall that I had been working all day because it felt so far away and unreal. Today I went on a date and when I came out of the café I felt almost drunk, difficulty to concentrate and so on and was afraid to have a chat with the guy at the shop selling me cigarettes because I sometimes don't "adjust" to the new situation. Do you know anything like that? Feels like falling out of time or just stop being a part of the world with it's usual passing of time.

If I am anything right now, I must be hypo. Sometimes get rapid speech, but only sometimes, especially when I haven't talked for a few hours due to working and then engage into a conversation. Feel drunk all the time but haven't touched any alcohol since Saturday. When you are hypo do you have symptoms 24/7 or do they sometimes increase at certain times of the day or due to situations? I sleep well.

[leejosepho]

Originally Posted by Theresa1991

...like not really being in reality...
I can totally get sucked into situations and change my mood according to them. I forget about the world outside. I seem to slide into the current situation so much that I feel only this situation exists and I have difficulty to recall what I have been doing two hours ago...
... I sometimes don't "adjust" to the new situation. Do you know anything like that? Feels like falling out of time or just stop being a part of the world with it's usual passing of time.

Definitely, like flipping channels on the TV and switching from drama to comedy to suspense and back in a heartbeat. I sometimes used to describe myself as a chameleon because of my ability to do that, and at times that also bothered me because even now I still sometimes wonder who or what I really might be. But overall, I think my ability to be aware of all of this and not be greatly bothered by it is evidence of some basic sanity and healthy perspective.

[Ocean Swimmer]

Are you on meds that could be contributed to this?

I've gotten this way off meds and I also kinda "check out" and run on complete autopilot and then look back and go whoa. If something happened to me at work and I was triggered. I would freeze....sometimes for long periods of time and just lose time. I go into trances. There might be a name for this but I can't think of it. I think mine is PTSD related mostly.

[Nate7907]

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

I've gotten this way off meds and I also kinda "check out" and run on complete autopilot and then look back and go whoa. If something happened to me at work and I was triggered. I would freeze....sometimes for long periods of time and just lose time. I go into trances. There might be a name for this but I can't think of it. I think mine is PTSD related mostly.

Catatonic state?

[Ocean Swimmer]

Well, mixed states can contribute to the way you're feeling now too.
Would you like to try a med?
Maybe a super qualified Pdoc could come up with a great combo.

[*Laurie*]

Theresa, what you've described could be derealisation.

[leejosepho]

Originally Posted by LauraBeth

Theresa, what you've described could be derealisation.

I am certainly not qualified to diagnose anyone, but yes, that is my own case and what I first thought here:

... in a constant battle with your own mind to assure yourself that, yes, this is really you and your life. Even though everything you touch, hear, see and feel points to the absolute contrary. You just have to believe that this is your reality and this really and truly is your life. It is an unrelenting 24/7 battle of wills. Welcome to life with Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder (DPDR). The third most common psychological disorder - yet it is barely understood or supported.

Living with chronic Depersonalisation Derealisation Disorder (DPDR)