Depersonalization and anxiety

[Sophie_S]

Hello everyone, my name is Sophie I’m 21 years old from Queensland.

Over the last 8 weeks my life has been living hell, I have been suffering from depersonalization and sever anxiety. I’ve lost 8 weeks of my life and 8 weeks of watching my newborn daughter grow up (she’s now 3 months old) my anxiety is stemming around death and the fear of dying. I’m sruggling SO MUCH! I’m struggling to see the end of this. The depersonalization feels like I’m living in a dream, like I’m seeing everything around me happening but feeling like I’m not there. I’m losing a lot of sleep, having panic attacks nearly every night. My anxiety is horrible, every physical change in my body, I panic. Every colour change in my skin, I panic. Every bad thought, I panic. I’m at a loss, I’m waiting to hear back from a psychiatrist but that seems like it’s taking forever. I just don’t know what else to do.

I need help, I need tips, I need strength, I need to be here for my 3 kids, I need my life back.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, any tips could be helpful right now.

[Doolhof]

Hi Sophie S,

Welcome to the community here. It does sound like yo are having an unpleasant time.

Is it possible for you to return to your Dr to have a chat with them about how you are feeling. The Dr may be able to help you feel a little differently about your life right now. I have a great Dr who listens to me kindly, it helps.

I am no expert at all, but has post natal depression been considered for you? I know both of my sisters suffered from that and it made them feel like they were experiencing a terrible time in life.

Do yo have anyone there to help and support you or to listen to you when you are struggling?

Would yo consider using the Beyond Blue support line on 1300 22 4636 so you can chat to someone. They may be able to offer you some help and advice as well.

A psychologist told me, when I am starting to feel like I am disassociating, to think about what I can see, feel, hear and possibly smell around me. It is to help you feel more grounded and mindful of that particular moment in time.

Writing down how I am feeling then trying to find ways to help me through each situation is beneficial. Helps get the thoughts out of my mind.

It sounds like you would be busy with 3 children! Can you find even a few minutes each day to do something special for yourself?

Hope your Dr can help and assist you. We can support you here as well.

Cheers for now from Dools

[blondguy]

Hello Sophie S

Im sorry for the horrible feelings you have been going through....Having anxiety attacks are revolting to have. I understand you as I used to have chronic anxiety from my early 20's to my mid 30's and visited my GP every week for ages....Many GP's have a strong focus where anxiety/depression is concerned.

Just so we can provide you with the best support possible , Has your GP diagnosed you with anxiety yet? If not I hope you can make a double appointment for yourself as soon as you can.

This is a crucial first step where recovery is concerned Sophie.

Dools (the member above provided great support...especially when she mentioned that you have your hands full with 3 children....including your beautiful new baby girl of course! Congratulations by the way 🙂

There are many super gentle people on the forums that can be here for you too Sophie S.

The forums are a Non judgemental and Safe place for you to post

If you want to talk about your panic attacks and how they feel.....please let us know

Beyond Blue have kind qualified people available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636

I hope you can post back when its convenient for you!.....Any questions are very welcome

my kind thoughts for you Sophie S

Paul

[sometimesanxious]

Hi Sophie,

i am new here but couldn’t not stop and post a reply on your post.

i was in your position nearly 9 years ago after the birth of my daughter. I was diagnosed with post natal anxiety and put on medication to help get me through the tough time. I was very hesitant to take anything but it gave me my life back.

i am here anytime you would like to talk.