Depersonalisation.. HELP!!!!

[Michaelhc]

Hi Guys. Firstly thank you for taking the time to read this post. My name is Michael and 24 years of age from Melbourne, Victoria. Today i'd like to reach out to those in the community and ask for some guidance on what can I do with my life!!!

For nearly 3 years now i've suffered from chronic anxiety and DEPERSONALISATION. This has made life incredibly difficult!!.I've lived what most would call a relatively normal life, e.g uni, work, friends etc... HOWEVER, the last two or three months have proven to be very tough. Whilst my anxiety remains constant, its these feelings of detachment and living in a dream like state that are associated with depersonalisation that are causing me the most grief. For those who haven't experienced depersonalisation, its awful!!! It's like living in an alternate universe and watching your life as if it were a movie of sorts.

Below is a list of steps that I am currently taking to aid me in my recovery:

I've arranged to have a meeting with a psychiatrist next Tuesday. The doctor himself came highly recommended by my GP.

Yoga/Mindfulness Practice

Running/Jogging/Walking Healthy Eating

I would love to know of any other therapies or exercises that those in the community would consider beneficial. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Please do not be shy!!!! At this stage in my life I am happy to take on any suggestions.

[Carmysaurus84]

I am yet to find out what works. It’s triggered by chronic anxiety for me and it’s like my brain goes into protective mode when I perceive a threat. I find distraction such as being around others helps me. If I’m alone I’m focused on how spaced out I feel and that’s makes me worse. 

[Krab]

Hi Michael, also my son's name. I have had to manage anxiety and depression for a number of decades. You sound as though you're on the right path with strategies to manage your particular mental situation. My experience is that a lot of practical guidance can be gained from a good psychologist. Mine focuses on mindfulness which is effective for me. "The Happiness Trap" by Dr. Russ Harris provides some great insights to mental illnesses and practical coping activities.  

[raq]

Hi I’ve had it for 10 years now I know this is a long shot but I’m just getting worse any tips how to stop it, it even stops me from sleeping and gives me health anxiety 

[Elephant86]

Good morning 

how are you

I think mindfulness and meditation helps but I bought myself a stationary bike and cycle. Having an activity program. Cooking, reading, meditation, cycling and social outings with friends. I feel for you because I have bipolar. There is the author Ian gawler that writes mindfulness and meditation books that you can read and learn meditation. Always beleive there is always hope that everything will be okay. There is another book called the book of Joy by the dalia lama that talks about different concepts. It helped me come to terms with my bipolar disorder. You can jion a social or sporting club like soccer, tennis or cricket that are very good for your mental health. Never give up there is always hope and power inside you.

Remember you are powerful beyond measure.

[David35]

I used to get this when I was young. I called it the vague feeling. I would just vague out and it felt like I was on autopilot. I eventually grew out of it.

I don't have any solutions, only suggestions. I've always thought it's due to lack of feedback, not from people because that is very confusing. More tactile things, like cutting a piece of wood, painting, hitting a ball. Some skill that allows your brain to be put to use. Probably silly suggestion but who knows.