[annoyedgrunt84]

Could dissociation/derealization have a physical cause? I just made an appointment with a GP for this afternoon because I feel so out of it I'm worried I may have a neurological condition. I don't have any insurance so this should be a fun experience but I'm tired of feeling this way. I also am worried because even though I'm only in my thirties my sister had a cancer scare when she was only in her thirties. I just hope they give me an honest going over since I don't have any insurance.

[*Beth*]

Derealization can have a physical cause, but it's almost almost an anxiety-fueled disorder. Sometimes people with epileptic seizures experience certain types of dissociation. Sometimes mini-strokes can cause derealiztion/depersonalization. But when it comes to a physical cause, there are other presenting symptoms that occur.

[annoyedgrunt84]

I just don't have time for this right now is my thing, I need to be able to focus at work because this is my busiest time, I don't have time to be messing around with my mental health. Plus I have had fears for a couple of years now since my sister did have a cancer scare at an unusually young age so hopefully they will just check me out, reassure me that I'm fine, and I'll have to find some way to fight through this so I can get done what I need to do at work.

[*Beth*]

Mental health problems usually show up when we're under stress. I've found that to be especially true of dissociative disorders. For me, I had my first episode of DR when I was 10 years old and living in a very stressful family situation. I was extremely anxious and one morning, bang - the entire environment went unreal.

Those episodes were short, they'd come and go pretty quickly. I was 26 when the DR really began impacting my life. Shortly after the birth of my 2nd child, I was sleep deprived and still battling anxiety. The DR came and stayed.

I hope you get some help from the doctor. It would be great if you can see a psychiatrist and therapist so you can decrease your anxiety level - which theoretically would decrease the DR. I know, finding the time is always so difficult, but dissociation is tenacious. If it's not treated it really digs in its claws.

Let me know how your appointment went.

[annoyedgrunt84]

Well just like I thought they reassured me that physically I am fine, though he did re-start me on an anxiolytic medication that I used to take. He said that if I don't have any other symptoms he doesn't see any point in running any other tests despite my worries about my sister's cancer. Though I did forget to mention my trip to Chernobyl He did suggest that I go to a nearby town in few weeks, they are running some basic medical tests for low cost.

[*Beth*]

It sounds like the appointment went well, then. I hope the anti-anxiety med helps you out.

[possum220]

Originally Posted by annoyedgrunt84

I just don't have time for this right now is my thing, I need to be able to focus at work because this is my busiest time, I don't have time to be messing around with my mental health.

Do what you can do to find a balance. Medication, rest, therapy and work. Sounds like you are working towards wellness.

If your mind is butting in and taking over it is a sign that your body is trying to nudge you into doing something. If you dont take care of your mental health then it will take care of you. You wont get much say in the fallout.

Please take care of you.