[x123]

I'm sure there must be a technical name for this so that I could google, but I have a hard time describing. Maybe somebody can tell me the name?

This seems to be a form of depression, but it doesn't feel bad. Instead I feel like I'm not quite here. Like I'm floating or half asleep, but I got a good night's sleep last night and I'm not tired or sleepy. I don't feel safe driving a car, and it feels like my arms are 10 feet long as I type. If I didn't have work to do, I could enjoy this feeling. I might go meditate, because it feels like I'm already in a trance. But I have work to do, and I keep getting distracted ... thinking about nothing at all. I just notice a color or a sound and become engrossed with it. Then I pull myself back and I feel momentarily confused as if I had just nodded off briefly.

What is that called? Sometimes I wonder if it is the negative symptoms of psychosis? It doesn't feel bad at all, but I know I am struggling with depression right now too.

[pegasus]

Sounds like derealization to me >>>> Depersonalization / Derealization Disorder Symptoms | Psych Central

[avlady]

this probably isn't you, but i have epilipsy where i get petit mal seizures when what you describe is happening to me. i also had a few grand mal seizures that i dont remember where i was pronounced dead 3 times during one seizure. maybe not as serious for you but you should get checked

[x123]

Originally Posted by pegasus

Sounds like derealization to me >>>> Depersonalization / Derealization Disorder Symptoms | Psych Central

Thanks That seems to match. I can't decide if it is depersonalization or derealization. For me it is mild and does not cause anxiety. Instead I feel like I took some cold medicine and everything is a bit disconnected. The closest I came to anxiety was when I noticed how hairy and monstrous my arm looked. The feeling seems to be going away. My arm looks normal to me now.

I see that this a very common symptom that goes with many different psychological problems.

[x123]

Originally Posted by avlady

this probably isn't you, but i have epilipsy where i get petit mal seizures when what you describe is happening to me. i also had a few grand mal seizures that i dont remember where i was pronounced dead 3 times during one seizure. maybe not as serious for you but you should get checked

Thanks Apparently depersonalization goes with epilepsy (along with depression and more common things).

I have wondered about testosterone, because I'm in my late 40s and apparently hormones can cause depersonalization. I started feeling a drop in libido just before I became psychotic several years ago.

At least I know the word, so I can research.

[Thunder Bow]

Narcoelepsy? Google it.

[x123]

Originally Posted by Thunder Bow

Narcoelepsy? Google it.

Thanks. There was no drowsiness, so I don't think it was narcolepsy. Probably depersonalization or derealization as Pegasus suggested.

This seems to happen once a week for about half a day, and then it goes away. Sometimes it lasts a little longer.

For example, I might decide to brush my teeth, but I keep staring at a spot on the floor. Then a few minutes later, I try to get up, but I keep sitting. Eventually I make it to the bathroom and stare at the wall for a while. It's a little like depression, but the body is very calm and indifferent. The only stress is knowing that I'm not getting anything done.

Maybe it's just plain old depression IDK.

[mountain human]

What you're describing is exactly how I used to feel when I was a pothead years ago...

[starthrower]

I get it too and the doctor said it was derealisation linked to anxiety. I take risperidone which helps with it, but sometimes still experience it. It'll usually last about half a day, sometimes longer but not as frequently as before I started risperidone.

[x123]

Originally Posted by mountain human

What you're describing is exactly how I used to feel when I was a pothead years ago...

LOL. I never smoked pot much. I was too nerdy.

[x123]

Originally Posted by starthrower

I get it too and the doctor said it was derealisation linked to anxiety. I take risperidone which helps with it, but sometimes still experience it. It'll usually last about half a day, sometimes longer but not as frequently as before I started risperidone.

Thanks, I agree that derealization or depersonalization sound like the closest matches. For me it seems to happen once a week, so it isn't too bad. It's frustrating, because I can't get anything done. I can see how a person would need to take medication if it happens frequently, because it is debilitating.

[starthrower]

Originally Posted by x123

Thanks, I agree that derealization or depersonalization sound like the closest matches. For me it seems to happen once a week, so it isn't too bad. It's frustrating, because I can't get anything done. I can see how a person would need to take medication if it happens frequently, because it is debilitating.

I work with children so it was becoming a bit of a safety issue, and the meds have really helped. It's horrible :/ really hope you can get it sorted out soon.

[x123]

Originally Posted by starthrower

I work with children so it was becoming a bit of a safety issue, and the meds have really helped. It's horrible :/ really hope you can get it sorted out soon.

thanks, starthrower

It's interesting how now that the depersonalization / derealization has gone away, I can't even remember what it felt like. I'm glad I wrote the OP while I was experiencing the sensations, because it's like a blank now. I remember that it was hard to get anything done, but I can't remember why it was hard. I even wonder if it was all only my imagination now.

I think the feeling is so alien, that it can only be experienced in the moment to appreciate. (But I suppose it is that way for all psychological experiences.)

My case is pretty mild as it goes. It is helpful to know that these symptoms have a name. I can imagine it would be difficult if it was more intense. I kept feeling like I had forgotten what I was thinking in the middle of something important. "What was I trying to think? What is wrong with me? Why am I sitting here and can't do anything? ..."

I'm glad it isn't all the time, because that would be difficult.

[Angelique67]

I had this for about 6 months after I was forced off benzos very strongly. Also everything seemed to be swaying. I still have it, more mildly, two years later.

[x123]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

I had this for about 6 months after I was forced off benzos very strongly. Also everything seemed to be swaying. I still have it, more mildly, two years later.

Hi, Angelique. I'm glad you are doing better. I remember reading some of your posts several months ago, and I could tell you were struggling. Yay! - you got through it.

[Angelique67]

Originally Posted by x123

Hi, Angelique. I'm glad you are doing better. I remember reading some of your posts several months ago, and I could tell you were struggling. Yay! - you got through it.

Thanks! But I'm still going through it. I still do nothing but sit on my bed (and eat).

[x123]

Originally Posted by Angelique67

Thanks! But I'm still going through it. I still do nothing but sit on my bed (and eat).

Sorry to hear that.