I have had an anxiety/panic disorder/depression for over 45 years with DEREALIZATION/DEPERSONALISATION and I'm 55.It is a scary experience that can last for hours or months. Sadly, it is under reported in the media and the general population has no idea of how debilitating this condition is as there is no cure. I have a daily myriad of physical symptoms (Somatisation) as a juxtaposition to anxiety/panic disorder. They too are debilitating and keeps me socially reclusive and unable to function normally. I hear a lot of sports people talking about their story of depression, wonderful for awareness, but panic disorder and the daily physical/discomfort is not really a known issue to the public. If one has a broken arm in a sling, people will know something is wrong, no need to explain, right? With mental health, most of us put on a brave faces and a 'smile' so we don't suffer the wrath of 'you look fine'..get on with it! I was a record producer/writer of some of Australia's iconic artists. I struggled daily at the height of my humbling ARIA awarded career. I had a great psychotherapist using role play therapy as a method to live with acute panic disorder. Sometimes giving a symptom a 'name' can also reduce the anxiety about ..the anxiety!My aim is to be able to share some strategies I have been taught with anyone that is living daily with these disorders, the first step is to get help. Mental health disorders are such an invisible infliction .... even family sometimes will not believer understand how you feel.My ex partner, who was concerned about my condition at the time was once told by her brother, "give him a hard time and he'll snap out of it" -WRONG!! There are so many roads to recovery. Being kind to yourself is a good start. And not worrying about what others might think. Trying to achieve 'one win per day' no matter how small is a great mantra, I know what it's like being bed bound due to horrific depression. Another... Whether it be depression or anxiety is... Occupation of the mind... Is a real key. 'Acceptance' is another.Anything that takes you away from the conscious state you are presently in can work. Yes, the Derealization and all the awful symptoms may return, but it's a reminder that they can and will dissipate.Congratulations to ALL at Beyond Blue and ALL the forum contributors. This is making a difference so never lose hope.Derealization really needs the awareness, It's known as the scary anxiety symptom, but no one mentions it.
