Hi 20mg,
No, I really don't believe you're "cooked". I think most of us have short periods where we either don't feel real or all of a sudden life feels too real. I frequently experience episodes where for around 5-10 minutes everything feels too real; at other times I feel everything is surreal - as though I'm in a world where everything seems unreal and skewed.
I have spoken with my psychiatrist about these feelings and he has assured me it is part of my mood disorder. I've had anxiety and depression since childhood and have been in treatment since 1995. Last year I was finally diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder which can cause its own form of little mental blips.
When I first began therapy, I became acutely aware of these odd, short-term feelings and my anxiety would escalate. I often experience them in therapy sessions and my psychiatrist tells me just to breathe deeply and sit with it till it stops, which does work. I do remember how distressed I would become when I first became aware of these short bursts of feelings.
I understand also that these feelings can be a part of an anxiety disorder.
Have you mentioned these feelings to your psychiatrist? If not, then I think it would be a good idea if you did. He/she may explain the situation in much the same way as my psychiatrist did. Whatever way your therapist approaches it, it's always reassuring to hear from a professional that you're not "cooked" 🙂
We would all be interested to know how things go for you over the next few days or weeks. Don't hesitate to make contact here; that's the idea of these forums - to give some guidance and much support whenever one of us needs it.
Stay in touch, if you can.
Best wishes
lh
