Hi,

i'm really sorry you're experiencing this...

i used to all the time when i was younger.

what helps a lot are grounding exercises that use your senses in a positive way.

deep breathing is one...you can also try having a strong peppermint or sour candy and really concentrate on the flavour.you can smell your favourite perfume or essential oil.i like tea tree oil for grounding because it is so strong,but lavender is very relaxing.

the one that works best for me is to hold an ice cube or two in a cloth,and really focus on the sensation of the coldness.

there are many other healthy grounding exercises you can do to help yourself come out of this state.

again,i'm sorry you're suffering with this,i know how scary it is.

I've been through this throughout my life. I've found it happens more when I'm stressed out. Maybe try engaging in activities that require a lot of focus? Or one thing that I've found helps me is telling myself what I'm doing/who I am/what I want to do. Telling myself what's going on reassures myself and reconnects me with reality.

Depersonalization is a horrible experience.

I remember when I first started getting it....standing outside in the snow by myself having a cigarette not even feeling real. It was a pretty beautifully dark moment for me.

I felt crazy, but after doing some research I soon found out that I would not end up in the loony bin.

For me, Depersonalization is the brains way of shutting down for a few hours, days, weeks for some much needed rest. Even in sleep our mind race and we dream. At a certain point the brain needs a day off...

The way's i've been able to combat it also has been as such..

If I don't feel real in this world, why not dive into some one else's? Read a book. For me this is generally fantasy style stuff, I found my mind to really enjoy reading during the depersonalization phases of my anxiety/depression.

Just try to relax and realize it will end at some point, and give your head break :)

Cheers,

Wes

I always thought it was fascinating and relaxing, not scary. Like, this life is too stressful/hurtful/depressing/anxiety-ridden...isn't it lovely that it isn't real at all?

...I guess that just makes me extra weird. :)

That's true miss scales! Can be an interesting feeling that's for sure

Thank you guys for the great insight. I think if I went with the flow with it more I may actually enjoy if I convince myself nothing is going to happen to me. They will make it less intense I'm sure.

I think a big part of anxiety as a whole is acceptance. Not that your going to be this way forever but accept it for what it is. Anxiety. It won't kill you...it won't harm you. It will feel uncomfortable as hell but you'll wake up the next morning alive and kicking.

Itd a very strange concept to accept something that feels so horrible but I found with me its helped tremendously.