[Discombobulated]

Note to admins: Please don't move this to dissociative disorders forum as I feel that this is not serious enough to belong in there as it was a fleeting episode not a long term disorder.

Recently I had this strange feeling of altered reality which worried and scared me. I read about derealization and it sounds like it possibly could be. I read half of all people may experience it at some point of their life.

Basically I've had this feeling that my life is not happening in the current moment, that what I'm experiencing has already happened and is a memory that I am revisiting.

I know it sounds odd and it's not a nice feeling, it can last for days or sometimes shorter bursts. I'm not experiencing it at this moment.

I wonder if it's connected with how comparatively restricted my life has been recently, in that my days have become very repetitive.

Does anyone else experience anything similar?

[rechu]

For me I get a similar feeling sometimes, although more like I am in someone else's dream. I don't really have any advice, but you are definitely not alone.

[Discombobulated]

Originally Posted by rechu

For me I get a similar feeling sometimes, although more like I am in someone else's dream. I don't really have any advice, but you are definitely not alone.

Thanks, I read that derealization often is experienced as you describe- @rechu may I ask if you noticed this more with less socialising over last few years?

[RoxanneToto]

I’ve experienced derealisation and depersonalisation at work, during times when I felt more stressed out than usual. As in your case, they’ve been occasional and fleeting moments, and have only happened while I’ve worked for this company (not saying the company is awful, I’m just not a good fit for the roles I’ve had here, which is one of the stressors for me).
It’s not something I’m knowledgeable about, but maybe stress is one of the underlying factors, to some degree? Can you identify the other, more general feelings these restrictions on your life are bringing up, for you?
For what it’s worth, I’ve never been a hugely social person, so in my case the lack of socialising likely isn’t a factor.

[TunedOut]

This isn't a psych (it's more psychic than psychological ) explanation, but I believe we are body, mind and spirit and there are some people on YouTube who claim (mediums that provide horoscopes for example--something I no longer follow) they have drifted above their body and have communications with spiritual beings. If you view some of the threads at Sanctuary for Spiritual Support--I can recall where one member talked about having an experience with a spiritual entity that caused her problems (don't want to refer to the specific member in case my take on what she said is the wrong spin on what happened).

It is also my opinion, some of my dreams at night are caused by God or other spiritual beings (and, of course, some are from my own mind).

I said all this to say that your spirit might have the ability to "drift" out of your own body. When I walk, I have always had the ability to get into a sort of "meditative" state where I stop worrying about things and my mind just drifts. For me, it is a relaxing state where I remember things and sometimes am able to solve problems/get new ideas. I will pray for your protection while you are in this state.

While you may not agree with this explanation, I hope what is happening is not making you feel too anxious.

I experienced it briefly during a very difficult med change a couple years ago. It was indeed unsettling, but it was also somewhat subtle. I dealt with it and it wasn't there long.

Hugs.

I hope you find the answers you need. Its good to reach out.

[MickeyCheeky]

So Sorry this is happening! Please Do not give up! i don't have much experience with this so i don't have much to add i Believe. i agree with the other wise and wonderful posters that if you're a Spiritual person it may play a part as well maybe, like a sign from God or something similar. But of course your explaination can be really Valid also. If it happens frequently and/or it worries you it may be a Good idea to talk to your Pdoc and/or therapist about it. Please Do Stay Safe. Hugs. Love. Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @Discombobulated, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!

[Armadillo Roll]

I've actually been experiencing derealization for 7 years now. Reason why I've suffered with this for so long is because I have yet to be diagnosed with anxiety/ocd and depression, the ocd intrusive thoughts and the anxiety caused by them just fueled the derealization. I pretty much feel like I'm on autopilot, like I know I'm alive and what I see is real but it just doesn't feel like it.

[downandlonely]

I've heard that type of feeling can be due to anxiety or PTSD. But have not experienced it myself.

[rechu]

Originally Posted by Discombobulated

Thanks, I read that derealization often is experienced as you describe- @rechu may I ask if you noticed this more with less socialising over last few years?

Now that I give it some thought, I do think it has been more common lately. Maybe it is is a way to escape too? Just wanting to believe that the pandemic and lockdowns are not what my life has come to. I'm not sure.

[Discombobulated]

Originally Posted by rechu

Now that I give it some thought, I do think it has been more common lately. Maybe it is is a way to escape too? Just wanting to believe that the pandemic and lockdowns are not what my life has come to. I'm not sure.

Yes I could imagine that could be a reaction.

For me it's been an feeling of unreality. I think I've been in a world of my own alone with my thoughts far more than has been healthy for me.

[katmc1]

It's all confusing. I have derealization and depersonalization because of PTSD. I just found out cause I described it to my therapist and he told me that's what it is called. I thought I had panic attacks too but they didn't diagnose that. It happens when I'm stressed in public or in groups. And it happens when I'm anxious about social gatherings. It can happen when I'm driving and I zone out and I'm driving but I can't focus so I might miss my exit on the expressway or forget where I'm driving ( that happens mostly when I'm having a flashback or thinking about anything upsetting). In public, sometimes time feels like it slows down, or I'm invisible and people are moving fast around me but I'm standing still and it is like tunnel vision. Sometimes I can hear what happens but it seems like I am trapped inside myself looking through my eyes to the environment. Or it is like I am outside of my body and I can see me and know what is happening but I can't feel anything. Most of the time when I realize it is happening, I make a quick exit and it is over. But if I can't escape, it is worse and then I just observe the environment and don't talk.

[rechu]

Originally Posted by Discombobulated

Yes I could imagine that could be a reaction.

For me it's been an feeling of unreality. I think I've been in a world of my own alone with my thoughts far more than has been healthy for me.

I hear you there. I also have had too much time to do that.