depression and "spacing out"

I have clinical depression. One thing I've noticed is that I "space out" a lot. I also often feel like I am "out of my body" or my body is being managed by someone (or something) other than me, or that I'm not "real." People talk to me and my mind doesn't register what they are saying sometimes. Sometimes I'll be having a conversation with two or more other people, and suddenly I will feel like I have "left the building" and am no longer a part of the conversation and that they don't see me. I don't know to call that, but is that common in depression?

Yep, shortandcute,

I have experienced that many times. It's very uncomfortable and strange to me ~ I don't like it, because I feel so "removed" from everything I do and say. I can't even think as quickly as I hear myself responding to others. Very weird indeed!

Gentle hugs to you ~ oh! Btw, my Dx now includes DD-nos, since I don't really "fit" into any of the typical well-known cases of dissociation.

That used to happen to me a lot. After thinking about it some I realized that my mind wandered during peoples conversations because I would become aware of some anxiety and as it blew out of proportion I lost track of what others were saying and had no idea where to jump in so I'd put the look on my face as if I was right up to the minute with them when I really had no clue. often they had no clue what I was doing and went right along talking. It was really awkward and made me super self conscious about being quiet all the time. overcoming many of my anxieties helped with this.

Sorry you're going through that too. Its a bummer.

Hi Shortandcute
I'm not sure if those are symptoms of depression but I wouldn't be surprised. Sooo many things that I thought were just bad qualities are indeed symptoms. As uncomfortable as these occurrences are, this means that they are probably treatable. It isn't "you" it's a manifestation of a disease, a chemical imbalance. For me just knowing that these thoughts and feelings were part of the disease allowed me to lighten up on all the negative self talk. It objectified it a bit weakened it's power.
I went to your bio and you have my respect for having survived all that you have.
Best wishes

Yes, I have similar and roughly similar experiences frequently (daily, even hourly). I do not believe I've had a sense of being out of my body, but I do find myself "lost in my own thoughts" often. I'm easily overwhelmed when trying to process information, particularly from multiple sources, and I just shut down in those instances -- one of the reasons I no longer drive.

Me too. What's really hard for me is that I live in a house full of type A personalities and hyper achievers. I forget everything. I just hide out in my room most of the time so I don't get into those overwhelming situations.
thank you for verbalizing this.

yes it is common for some people to have this type of spacing out symptoms with depression...

what is it called...

for some people its called normal spacing out,
for others its called psychosis, delusional, medications, stress, hallucinations, and other names...

what causes it...for some people its their meds, their depression converting into physical or other mental problems, just their way of being depressed other physical or mental health problems besides depression....

my suggestion contact your treatment providers. they can evaluate why this is happening to you and come up with solutions, for example if it turns out your meds are causing this then they can adjust/change your meds, if they think your depression is causing this they can prescribe more or less antidepressants to give you more peace of mind, if they think its hallucinations or other physical/mental health problems they can treat that too...

I used to know how severe my depressed episode was based on whether I "lost time" or not - that is, if I could remember details and when they happened. Large portions of my adolescence (when I was severely depressed) are foggy. I don't black out, I just suddenly realize one day that I have no idea what happened in the past fewontjs. I feel like I wasn't really living it. I remember specific incidents but have no concept of time when they happened unless it was near a significant date. This had not happened to me in years but I "lost" this past January and February. I obviously went to my job and functioned but without looking at my grade book I can't name specific lessons or assignments. So yes I do "space out" when my depression is severe enough. It sucks. I also feel like I forget words and forget what I'm doing and lose track of time.

I've experienced depersonalization and derealization a lot, and yes, it does seem to be common with depression. The only thing that's helped me with that is medication, not that I'm recommending that or anything.

I don't drive either---and for the very same reason.

I have fibromyalgia along with my depression and I refer to that as "fibro brain." It IS normal, however, you should be talking to your doctor about it because it may be able to be helped. Are you getting enough sleep, for example?

I do get spaced out sometimes I think because of the ativan. I could be showering or something and just be standing there not even remembering whether I showered properly. Not sure if that's normal.

Stress overload takes me to shutting down. Removing myself, but not physically . Hello is anyone in there ??? Hate that feeling.

I have had that happen to me many times. Sometimes it is caused by my anxiety, like when I am in an interview, I try so hard to look like I am paying attention so I am busy focusing on nodding my head, looking interested, but then I realize that I had no idea what they just said. Other times I am sure it is my mind shutting itself down to hide from the pain or something...I have totally spaced out for minutes staring at a rock in the snow. It sometimes feels good to have absolutely nothing on the mind, especially at times when there is so much stuff going on in there...