Depersonalisation (Out of body experience)

[AnxiousAdam]

Hi All,

I know that this is a rare symptom associated with anxiety. I have been extremely stressed as of late and have been experiencing depersonalisation, the only way that I can explain is that it is like I am trapped in my head or watching myself talk to someone else or communicate. What makes it worse is that I notice myself noticing myself if that makes sense. I can still do everyday things like drive to work, speak to friends and family however when I am not distracted I notice myself questioning if things are real, is this a dream, instead of doing actions automatically it is as though I am having to tell myself and watch myself do it. Where someone would speak to another person about something I feel as though I am speaking and listening at the same time. Is there anyone on here that experiences similar as this is by far the scariest thing I have experienced?

[Croix]

Dear AnxiousAdam~

Welcome to the Forum. I'm not a doctor so do not know if you are suffering from any particular condition, I do know that I have experienced something that might be similar, it is indeed scary, and so is not knowing the cause or what is going to happen.

When I first had the full effects of PTSD, depression and anxiety I 'lost touch' with myself. Hard to describe. It was like I was on one side of a glass wall watching (without all that much comprehension and insight), myself on the other side interacting with the world.

As my condition improved this went away, and I started to feel everything was 'real'.

Can I suggest you book a long consultation wiht your GP and explain - as best you can - the sensation, its duration and when it first started. I simply did not get any better until I had competent medical help.

In the meantime do you have anyone in your life you can talk to abut these episodes? Sharing a problem and not being isolated does help, I found this out when talking with my partner.

Croix

[AnxiousAdam]

Hi Croix,

Thank you for your reply and that makes me feel much more at ease.

i went to the doctor yesterday and have booked in to see a psychologist in a few days. It’s good to know that I am not alone with this.

All of my life I have had generalised anxiety and I find that this has only occurred since I have had many stresses in my life.

It is so relieving to know that this feeling does eventually pass, it is such a scary feeling to be watching yourself and feel as though you’re not in your body. What helped you get through this scary time?

Adam