[OnceUponADream]

Hello, I wasn't sure if this was the right place to post about this, but I was curious if anyone had answers or opinions.

Occasionally, I will have periods of time where the world seems... different. This never lasts long, and I'm not sure what triggers it.

Sometimes, everything looks a little bit foreign. I know that it is the same, but it just seems that little bit off and incorrect.

More often, but still rarely, I will have a small period of time where the world seems distant . I don't know if that is the right word. Everything looks and feels like I'm watching it through a TV. The world seems distant and one-dimensional. I find myself wanting to touch things because it feels like I shouldn't be able to touch them (I still know that I can, it just is a small feeling). I don't panic, or anything bad. I feel mildly curious when it happens.

So, I was just curious and wanted to learn more about this, if there is more to learn. I didn't know if this is something normal that people experience and don't talk about or if it is unusual.

[Travelinglady]

Hello! I'm wondering if you might be experiencing what is called disassociation. I have had a bit of that before.

Anybody else have any thoughts to offer to OnceUponADream?

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by OnceUponADream

Hello, I wasn't sure if this was the right place to post about this, but I was curious if anyone had answers or opinions.

Occasionally, I will have periods of time where the world seems... different. This never lasts long, and I'm not sure what triggers it.

Sometimes, everything looks a little bit foreign. I know that it is the same, but it just seems that little bit off and incorrect.

More often, but still rarely, I will have a small period of time where the world seems distant . I don't know if that is the right word. Everything looks and feels like I'm watching it through a TV. The world seems distant and one-dimensional. I find myself wanting to touch things because it feels like I shouldn't be able to touch them (I still know that I can, it just is a small feeling). I don't panic, or anything bad. I feel mildly curious when it happens.

So, I was just curious and wanted to learn more about this, if there is more to learn. I didn't know if this is something normal that people experience and don't talk about or if it is unusual.

We cant diagnose you (tell you what this is in you) but I see by your profile you have depression....

sometimes when I am depressed or cycling through my bipolar disorder problems what you posted happens to me, it also happens to me when I am on medications for my depression /bipolar disorders,

by reading your past posts I see that you stated you have derealization/depersonalization problems...

what you posted here in this thread may be part of your derealization/depersonalization problems (that is if this is derealization/depersonalization because in past postings you stated you are self diagnosing and havent been assessed for fear of being labeled) but this is what happens with me when I have my depersonalization/derealization problems too...

I also see by your past postings you sometimes dont get enough sleep....sleep deprivation can also cause these type of symptoms

in another past you stated you are female and have emotional issues monthly...sometimes what you posted here in this thread happens to women before, during and after their monthly time. also some women go through stages of their life where its completely normal to have the type of problems you posted here, a therapist or medical doctor can assess whether its normal at your age to be having this kind of dissociative type symptoms.

you also stated in past posts you believe you may have autism/ autistic symptoms which does sometimes have the type of problems you posted about here.

you also posted you have stress/anxiety issues...well again those things can come with these same dissociative symptoms/problems.

bottom line what you posted could be anything related to any of your self diagnosed problems or it could be completely normal...only a treatment provider can tell you for sure whats going on inside of you.

my suggestion contact your colleges nurse/therapist. they can help you in figuring out what this all is in you. as you can see in your past postings self diagnosing isnt getting you any answers so maybe its time to let the professionals have a try at it.

[Perna]

It's an anxiety symptom known as derealization, can be very uncomfortable (been there :-) The below explanation is the extreme end of it; there are degrees, where things can just be a "little" off, not as intense as described here:

Derealization - A Scary Anxiety Symptom

Here's the Wikipedia page, not quite as alarming:

Derealization - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[jk2833]

Hello there I suffer from this a lot even more so when the anxiousness is high, mention it to your healthcare provider.
I have also got epilepsy and this happens sometimes before a seizure.
I have generalised anxiety with psychotic issues but also disassociation.
Of course no one can suggest to you or diagnose you here only your T or Dr can do this so do tell them.
It can be quite alarming when it happens but I'm so used to it now.
There's always someone on here who can relate to your concerns that's why I often turn to this forum in times of need, however these good people are not professionals.
Feel free to discuss this to me further if you need
Take care
J

[OnceUponADream]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for your replies! I really appreciate your detailed answers.

This last semester, I actually did go to my college's counseling center. I was planning on continuing this summer, but my schedule doesn't really have time for it. I am currently trying to decide if I want to go back next semester. I don't really know if it helped me or not. It feels like I have (or am acknowledging) more problems than before, but I haven't found any solutions! It was kind of nice having someone to talk to, but it was a little stressful to go and I don't feel like I made much progress.

I might stick with self-help for now, if nothing changes between now and then, so let me just say thanks again for helping me to try and figure out my head!