Anxiety Makes You Feel Unreal and Disconnected
Panic attacks suck the reality out of us!
I talked two people down from panic attacks recently and both of them had been worrying that they had lost touch with reality. They felt totally disconnected to the world around them. In talking to them, they were so convincing. I almost believed that this episode was different. But I let go of my own fear for them. (My worry doesn't help anyone.) I quickly assessed that they were not, in fact, psychotic. They were speaking rationally and eloquently.
And I remember from my panicky days how I felt different and disconnected.
And this feeling different and disconnection totally charged up my panic. It went through the roof! Making me feel even more disconnected. This is because anxiety is what we feel when we are disconnected. Anxiety comes from a feeling of separation. That there is something missing in us that doesn't allow us to handle situations. A false assumption that we are different than other people (thus separate).
Feeling Unreal and Disconnected Is a Very Scary Illusion
It feels so much like it is possible we won't come back to ourselves. Like our sanity is about to go off a cliff somewhere, never to return. This is terrifying! And feeds the anxiety. An already huge snow ball, rolling around, gathering yet a wider girth. Intense panic ensues.
If your panic is that intense:
Stop and remind yourself that this is just panic, not death, not psychosis, not a cliff.
Remember: I cannot guarantee much in life, but I can guarantee that things will change, you will not stay here forever. That is impossible. This too shall pass.
Remember: You have most likely been here before and came out the other side, it only feels like this is more intense because it is happening right now. It was probably this intense before and you survived (or you wouldn't be reading this.)
Know: You can get rid of problem anxiety
Please tell me what is on your mind!
I blog here: Heal Now and Forever Be In Peace,
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APA Reference
Lobozzo, J.
(2012, August 15). Anxiety Makes You Feel Unreal and Disconnected, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, December 18 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/anxiety-schmanxiety/2012/08/anxiety-makes-us-feel-unreal
Author: Jodi Lobozzo Aman, LCSW-R
Hello again Molly,
Know that yes, this has happened to other people, and yes, it is a normal part of anxiety -- including the chest pains. Please don't feel hopeless, although feeling that way is definitely understandable because anxiety can be so frustrating and overwhelming. Overcoming anxiety isn't a quick process, but it is very possible. Perhaps comments here from other readers might offer reassurance and even suggestions. Keep doing what you're doing -- seeking information and ways to feel better. Be patient with yourself as you work to beat anxiety.
If the Axiety going away im not axious no more really and i can stop my axiety and panic attacks it just the axiety symtoms like headache,constipation, and the funny feeling in my chest. I've been to the doctors and the hospital im fine. Just wanna know im I progressing forword? I forgot is it normal to lose wieght from axiety.cause i eat a liitle now
Hello Daquell,
Anxiety can be frustration for a lot of reasons, including the fact that we can't always tell if we're progressing forward! It's great that you notice some changes and can stop anxiety and panic attacks. That definitely is progress. Anxiety is felt in so many ways throughout the body, and it takes time to get ride of it everywhere. It's very good that you've seen a doctor to make sure that you don't have underlying symptoms causing the symptoms. And you've stopped smoking. That's awesome! But it does take the body time to adjust. What have you been doing that is working (what do you do to stop panic attacks, for example)? Are there things you can keep doing, and are things that make you feel better that you can do more of? Perhaps seeking the help of a therapist might be helpful in ridding yourself of this anxiety. It sounds from your message that you are making progress. Hang in there and keep going!
My name is daquell and I had axiety for about two months. I stop smoking cigarettes two months ago so I know my axiety came from that .I sometimes have weired feel in my chest and I feel unreal. I be having a feeling like I got to throw up but. I dont throw up. I wanna know
when i fell a panic attack i just fell like nothing is real,like im traped in a kind of jail of illusion and everything arround me are holograms and they are not real...i dont know what to do
Hi Mihai,
Thank you for sharing your description of what a panic attack feels like for you. I think that many people will relate to that. I hope that you find things here that you can relate to as well as helpful tips for what to do during a panic attack. Sometimes when people experience that unreal feeling, they find it helpful to ground themselves in the present moment by engaging all of their senses -- what do you see (and describe it), what do you hear, smell, feel, etc. It's a simple exercise that can help return you to the moment and remind you that everything around you is real.
Hi thank you again for replying, what causes this though I never had this symptom I always just had bad panic attacks my entire life but never this feeling of not here or it's not real. May I ask a question ever since I've been little when anything used to scare me I would have a bad panic attack and I used to have OCD really bad to control it but that eventually just went away not sure how but after the OCD I used to close my eyes and keep repeating it wasn't real and that would eventually calm me down do u think that's how I developed this or is this from something else? I do apologize for all the questions it's just so scary sometimes I feel like I'm not even alive or dreaming like I don't even know who I am anymore and walking around everyday like a robot .... It's my thoughts I keep repeating that's what still bothers me cuz it just won't go away if I feel ok all if a sudden I feel it in my chest and think to myself wait ur supposed to be scared than that same feeling comes back and I feel totally out of it....
Not much feedback on this blog ? Would've liked to hear some input or if anybody can relate? Is this a dying forum?
Hello Albie,
I'm sorry that you seem to be having difficulty seeing feedback. There are over 150 comments/interactions on this thread, and very recently someone responded directly to your comment, addressing you by the name you used. I don't have any advice for you, aside from refreshing your page (but if you've left the site and returned, that is a refresh) regarding how to remedy the problem. Perhaps using a different computer might help. I do hope you can see the conversations and your direct response soon.
Hey Albie here I been following and reading everyone's posts. I'm going thru similar to what Georgie is going through. And its pretty scary to not feel the same or see things differently its like being in a dream but your awake. My anxiety is so severe I do not know what to do with myself I can't deal with living another day like this. I can't think clearly enough to make a clear decision. I'm depressed I'm tired from the anxiety attacks I just want to end it all god forgive me but I feel helpless and alone. 6mo ago I was attacked by 2men bcus I was acting gay. I'm gay so what they called me faggot and I said I'm sorry if my being bothers you and the men ran up to me and started punching my face and beating me I managed to get away after a minute or so but after that I started having panic attacks and reatreatin back to my house and not coming out for months I relive it in my mind I cry I can't sleep I think the world hates me I don't belong I'm an abomination I let everybody down I'm just nothing. My mind is racing I can't control it I'm going mad my mind just snapped and now everything seem not real outside is not real I don't wrecgnize my surroundings anymore I'm lost I'm confused I'm in another realm I'm disconnected to everything I once knew. Even my home is looking unfamiliar like I'm being erased from existence can anybody share the same feelings or am I some sort of crazy?
Hey , ever since i can remember I've been passionated & full of determination in everything i did whether it was in socializing, new experinces, new challenges i'll always bring that positive attitude that one the now i realize has a priceless value.I was pretty much the type of person that was view as "out going" by a lot of people, that proud feeling inside of me was always there( not to brag). but from about 2-3 I've been feeling disconnected with friends/family its like i don't know who i am & most of the great memories and my happiness is pretty much gone.i feel like I'm totally the opposite from what i used to be:( I'm not as active, don't socialize as much or approach new challenges bc i feel a big empty feeling inside of me, its really hard for me to talk (pronounces the words) i cant make the right mouth movements (tongue is too big/feels akward) & no matter how hard i try i run out of breath while talking very often and so people can't understand me:(. how is this possible ?? its extremely difficult of me to concentrate thats another thing that really hit me bc i considered myself to be a "thinker" always analizing but now even something basic usual feels unusual. & that activeness is no longer there. on top of that i just started my first college & it'll be a big challenge from what i had view so far me to continue with out finding my self.from my point of view its like a nightmare. i'll appreciate it so much if you could read this & give me a few tips.
Hi everyone I've read a lot of your posts and it helps thank you. I woke up one day 2mo ago seeing my familiar surroundings looking and feeling unfamiliar? Like I'm lost? And it is a constant nonstop symptom now. Is it memory loss? Alzheimer's? I'm only 35 this can't be happening I feel like I'm dying I've been on my couch doing nothing but laying down. I haven't been sleeping good I wake up out of breath. Prob sleep apnea. I get 2-3hrs sleep if I'm lucky. I'm full of anxiety like my adrenalin is on n won't shut off for days. I am starting to lose my grip on reality. Im confined to the house. Everything I look at has that weird unfamiliar feel to it. I feel like I'm dreaming while I'm awake. I am not on any drugs or prescription meds yet I just saw my Dr n he says just anxiety. Went to the emergency room freaking out and they say its anxiety. I however think I may have some kind of brain dAmage from sleep apnea maybe I stopped breathing in my sleep for too long n did damage?. I'm really out of it on not my old self at all. Nothing feels like it usto. Im scared to be left home alone bcus I'm so out of it I think im gonna have a seizure or pass out or die. I feel like I'm living in a blackout like parts of my brain is shutdown or died. I'm exhausted n weak its only been 2mo I've been in this state of being but its unbearable my gf is fed up w me she thinks I just need to take a Tylenol pm n shut up. My Dr gave me hydroxyzine and the er gave me lorazapam but I was scared to take it bcus of my sleep apnea I think i won't be able to wake up to breath when I need too. Today has been the worst so far I feel like I'm in a psychosis I can't snap out of! All I want is to snap out of this. I truly believe I'm dyng a slow sad death. Can anyone relate to these Alzheimer like symptoms with anxiety??? Pls I need to know if I'm the only one experiencing this . is it just anxiety????????
Hi Michelle I can relate to what your going thru. I've always had anxiety my whole life but on n off. The good news is is that at thst level it does go away. Its like a faucet that gets turned on by something happening that's too much to mentally handle. Once you realize that there's a cause for it you begin to understand how panic works and how to control it. Removing toxic relationships from your live .abusive people. Doing stressful things you don't want to do. Don't push yourself to do more than you can. Remove all negative things from your life or avoid them AS much as possible. Breathe ....know that you were put on this earth bcus you are loved and important to this world. Your heart isn't going to stop from a panic attack it beats faster reminding you that you are alive!!! Its a scary feeling none of us like but at times in my life when I could convince myself I was strong it went away and I mean for years at a time. Be well michelle
Thank you I hope you are doing well too..... I know the feeling with the heart beating fast I used to think I was having a heart attack or dying but that went away now now I'm just scared of this weird feeling like I'm not even here just walking in a dream I don't feel like myself and I even try to have a panic attack to feel normal again and can't.... Have you ever gone through that as well? Thanks for your reply I feel alone sometimes like I'm the only one who has it. Hope ur are having a good day
Anxiety, stress and tension gives our body and mind a bad energy and can cause a disease. I suggest you to try asian massage therapy, it's a relaxing treatment and uses a range of strokes, gliding, kneading, or cross-fiber friction to work on the muscles and enhance circulation.It gives your body and mind a good energy to be able to fight the negative vibes.
Hi. I am 48 years old and having panic attacks since about 2002. They were not too frequent. Now I have them quite often. I have a great family and a great job. I've always had some anxiety, but now it's worse. I have panic out of no where, and it is scary. It only lasts a few minutes. I feel sooo unreal and not here on earth. I feel like I'm in a different place and time. It is very scary. After the panic attack, I shake really bad, then sweat, and the I get very cold. It's so weird to me and so strange. I actually find it very scary. It always only happened in the shower, and when I am alone. Today, it happened at work in front of someone who got very scared for me, and he said I looked totally lifeless for the few minutes it happened. I see someone when this panic happens. I stopped fighting it. I think I am seeing me, but not sure and figure all this out. It happens out of no where. I have to say, I don't feel like I'm here on earth when it happens, and it is real scary. Josie
I just wanted to thank you again for answering all my questions, and sorry for bothering u with so many but do you think one day I can go back to how I used to be and feel connected to myself and not be scared of everything. I try everyday
Hi Michelle,
I think it's great that you are seeking information and answers and have such a strong desire to get better. I really do believe that you will be able to feel connected to yourself once again and have the fear go away. Working with a counselor who will get to know you and with whom you will become comfortable would be very helpful because you'll get to explore what is going on and develop helpful techniques that will allow you to kick all this junk to the curb!
I started having panic attacks n getting dizzy in my car while driving my kids to school. I thought maybe carbon monoxide was getting in my car but it wasn't I was just thinking crazy. So I sold my car thinking it would go away. I since have been in my house and have not left for 6mo. I woke up one day and had trouble wrecognizing my surrounding's this has been like this nonstop now for 2months I feel like I'm in another place I never been b4 will this go away??
Hi georgie,
I'm glad you visited and read Jodi's informative post, and I thank you for commenting. You are not alone in what you are experiencing, and panic attacks are frightening. What you describe sounds a bit like agoraphobia, although it is not possible to even suggest a diagnosis in a limited online exchange. I merely mentioned it in case you'd like to look it up to learn more information and see if it fits what you are experiencing. I can confidently say that yes, anxiety disorders like this can absolutely diminish. Often, professional help is in order. Perhaps you might become comfortable with the idea of having someone you trust help get you to appointments with a therapist. At first it might feel very difficult to leave your house, but with patience and help, you'll feel better doing it, and working with a therapist can be so beneficial. In the meantime, keep finding information and seeking answers by visiting websites like Healthy Place, reading comments from people in forums, etc. Know that you can heal.
Im not sure if its an anxiety attack but when I close my eyes I see planet earth and its getting increasingly small, as if its getting out of reach from me. I see things in my household, people I love slowly fading away and shrinking down. I the feel they are so small and I am so big and I will hurt them. My heart beats rapidly and my vision goes blurry. A face I have never seen before appears in my head ever since I was child. I have no idea what's going on in my head. Although I do have ocd and I am under massive amounts of stress.
Hello derek,
Anxiety attacks, while they have common symptoms, are very unique and look/feel different for different individuals. Rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, images, etc. can definitely be components of anxiety attacks. The images and thoughts, as you very likely know, can be a component of OCD. Throw stress into the mix, and our brains can do things that feel very bizarre and often frightening. Visiting with a therapist and discussing any changes as well as recurring things might be quite helpful. He/she can help you explore the root of certain things, learn techniques to manage and reduce this, and perhaps recommend medication (or an adjustment of current medication). What you are experiencing might be very bothersome, but you're not stuck with it forever.
Thank you for replying so very much, I used to be scared I was going to die and though what if my heart stopped I focused on that 24/7 and the. Developed this where I feel like I'm watching myself all day I keep checking to see if it's there and makes it feel worse I think who am I why am I hear I'm going crazy etc.... Is there anything that can be done to help this go away faster it's the scariest thing ever, I have apptd once a week with my counselor but I feel like I'm not even experiencing life I just walk like a zombie and do stuff like a robot I can't ever calm down my hearts always racing and I wake up from sleeping and it's pounding for no reason. I feel like everything's diffrent but it's all like it was just I've changed somehow I can't even think of the future cuz I go into a panic mode what if I go crazy what if I don't know where I am like I used to be so excited to get married to my bf now I can't even think about it because I think I'm going crazy and what happens if I'm like a zombie on the biggest day of my life or what if I stay like this forever.... My hands shake all day cuz I feel so confused and dizzy..... Can u offer any advice on ways this can go away faster I try talking to people and no one understands my bf is in the military and he just got back from Afghanistan so I feel like if I talk to him it will make things worse for him, so I do apologize for the long messages I just don't ever have anyone to talk to so I stay in my room..... Thank u again I appreciate it very much
Hello again Michelle,
Experiencing what you are experiencing is definitely very scary. I have good news and bad news. :) The bad news is that there are no "quick" fixes, and the good news is that there are fixes -- and that you are already on the right track. You have weekly appointments with a counselor, and that is excellent. Keep going to them even though it might not feel very helpful right away. Overcoming this is a process and does take time as you explore the root of what's happening, learn new ways of thinking and being, and learn little techniques to help you along the way. But just by starting, you are on your way. Also good news -- you have made a conscious decision to seek answers and you truly want to overcome this (it may seem strange, but not everyone who lives with such things is ready to make changes, and that's okay because that's where they are -- but you are in a different place). Just being in this space, of seeking information and help and wanting to get better, you are strong and capable. Here's one little tip that isn't a full-blown solution but is something that might be helpful: When you feel like a zombie (even when it goes on and on), find just one thing in a given moment to focus on. Maybe it's a flower or a saying or eating cereal (by yourself or with someone). Become fully present in that moment, and engage all of your senses. How does something look/sound/feel/taste (when appropriate). Focus your mind on an object or person in the present moment to train yourself to "feel" again. Do this again and again, and you just might notice a difference. And keep seeking info and keep seeing your counselor!
Can someone help me? I've had anxiety for several years and I've experienced all the attacks possible (well I thought) until a few days ago I just started ffeeling down just thinking I'm fixing to die soon not wanting to do anything around the house or with my children because this thought has taken over has anyone experienced this is it like a mental part of the anxiety without having any physical symptoms or what's going on with me?
Hello Katie,
First, know that you definitely aren't alone in this. What you describe is not uncommon in those living with anxiety. I'm wondering if you have ever seen a doctor or therapist about this? While I would never attempt to make any sort of diagnosis (doing so in this setting would be impossible), I will say that in general, anxiety and depression frequently occur together. Visiting with a doctor/therapist could help you sort things out and help you find a path toward healing. In the meantime, keep doing what you're doing -- reading articles, commenting in forums, etc. to help you gather information. Taking charge in this way is an important step in beating anxiety and/or depression.
Hi I'm sorry to write this as it might be a bit long, but I'm scared. I'm 28 have had panic attacks and anxiety since I've been twelve. At 16 my grandma passed away and she was my best friend and I started having it even more bad panic attacks, my dad become verbally abusive after his mom past away and I began to have more and more anxiety as the days go by. I've always been scared to move out on my own because of my anxiety have little to no friends still live at home and my dads even more abusive than he was years ago. Well two weeks ago I had a horrible panic attacks and ever since then things seem fake I feel fake everything around me feels weird like I have changed somehow or in a fog. I feel scared 24/7 I can barely think my heart races all day I wake up in a panic and I feel like I'm going crazy I'm scared I cry all the time and want this to go away do bad. I started seeing a counselor he said I need to control my anxiety and get out of that environment and it will get better what if I'm like this the rest if my life can u please help me with some advice I'm scared all the time and keep thinking who am I .... Thank you and agin I apologize for the long story
Hello Michelle,
Your feelings of intense anxiety and derealization/depersonalization are very normal in the context of what you describe. It's great that you are seeing a counselor as it is typical for people to benefit from professional support through something like this. From what you wrote about what he told you, it seems like he is on the right track. He should have strategies to help you control/overcome your anxiety, and he might be able to point you to resources in your community for getting yourself away from an abusive situation. When you take action, step by step, you will very likely find yourself overcoming your struggles. It isn't always easy, but you are definitely worth it. I wish you well.
Hi! I went through a mental breakdown early this year and had experienced feelings of unreality myself. It was the most horrbile experience i've ever had. Please try reading Claire Weekes' book which is Hope and Help for your Nerves. It's a must read for all peaple suffering from anxiety disorders.
Hi Grey,
Thank you so much for visiting and leaving a comment. Thanks, too, for sharing a resource that was helpful to you. Anxiety disorders can indeed be horrible experiences, but they don't have to stay that way forever. Having resources and information is so helpful.
It's been a month since I've had a complete physical. So there's nothing new that could have developed within that time frame?
Hello again! I just wanted to ask about another symptom of mine that has me completely freaked out.
Every so often, I'll get moments when I feel like I'm about to lose control. Sometimes, It feels like I'm just a pair of eyes. Other times, it feels like I'm just consciousness and I'm terrified I'll lose control. It feels like insanity, but I heard a person who is aware of how they feel doesn't make insanity probable.
Last night, I got the thought in my head of hurting someone and I was terrified that I'd suddenly lose my mental controls. I keep trying to remind myself that this is anxiety, but I haven't found the symptom, which gives me no relief as to if anyone has felt this way and recovered.
Other times, I'll be sitting down and I'll suddenly forget like, how I look. I mean I know how I look, but it's like I'm suddenly devoid of the ability to look inside myself and see me. Does that make sense? I also get light headed/dizzy and I feel like there's a brace over my head.
Is this still all anxiety?
Is this what depersonalization feels like?
And to everyone experiencing derealization: after I found that symptom, I stopped feeling so afraid and my focus shifted to another symptom which was light headedness. Well, the derealization is completely gone and the light headedness worsened the more I thought about it.
So I'm just really scared right now, more so than I was last time.
Hi again T,
It's good that you've had a complete physical recently. Everything you describe does fit into anxiety and/or depersonalization (which can be part of an anxiety or a dissociative disorder). Even the random thought of hurting someone is something that people report, and because it's so anxiety provoking, can become an obsession. These are all things that are treatable through therapy and possibly even medication. Seeing a professional mental health provider could be very helpful to you. Do know that there is nothing "wrong" with you. You are experiencing something very distressing that is something others experience, too. Again, what's wrong isn't you yourself but something you're dealing with that is treatable. I wish you the best.
I've had anxiety for a while now. If feels so long ago since I felt normal like I can't even remember the sudden transition from normal to anxious and without this feeling. I experience depersonalisation and derealisation but on a 24/7 basis. I literally live with it feeling detached and disconnected from the world, from people every second. Some days when I'm distracted and happy and I temporarily forget. I hadn't had a panic attack in a while until last night. This one was so intense I literally thought this was it, I've gone crazy, I'm having or about to have a psychotic episode. During the episode I actually feared a girl irrationally in my classroom where I was having the attack. I'm so scared I'm going to develop psychosis. Or that intense attack of feel extremely disconnected, like a dream, lightheaded ness, feeling like the floor was losing balance, it just felt so surreal and crazy I thought it had to be something else. I keep thinking it's definitely got to be something medical. It's so horrible.
I've felt the same way. My derealization went away when I stopped thinking of it. I got too worried thinking of another symptom that the symptom I wasn't worried about went away. I didn't even notice it was gone until I checked once and was like, "Hey, I'm enjoying this movie. I feel like I am experiencing this movie and not seemingly detached from where I am.
But now I've got depersonalization. Sometimes, it feels like I disappear from my body or like, I'm slightly out-of-body. And I've gotten panic attacks and have felt like I was a second from losing every bit of control, but I never have.
Every symptom I have had has gone if I don't think about it. After derealization went away, I felt light headed so that freaked me out. After I started having depersonalization and that scared me and I forgot about the light headedness for awhile.
After my first panic attack, I felt so so so dizzy for like, two weeks and I went to the doctor, did tests and everything came back fine.
What helped me with derealization was knowing that no matter how off I felt, I could still handle the situation. I forced myself to go places and saw that nothing bad happened. That was the turning point. Then I backtracked when I started fearing my new symptoms and got pushed into another cycle.
Now my light headedness has me freaking out.
People generally only have two fears: death or losing control.
For me, it's losing control and feeling light headed makes me feel out of control.
Hello Nat,
Anxiety wreaks havoc on us, and you're right--it's very horrible. That fear of going crazy you describe is common and intense. Sometimes, but not always, there is a medical condition underlying these symptoms. It's always a good idea to get things checked out with a physician. If it turns out that it isn't medical in nature (aside from the brain, of course), it still is something that can definitely be treated with help. Perhaps your doctor can recommend a trusted psychiatrist or psychologist to help you overcome your anxiety. It is possible, and having professional help along the way can be a very good thing.
I have never head it before it just started and it is very scary. Is Disaonation something that I can recover from? Can anxiety make me have that??
Hello again, Eleni,
Experiencing all of these sensations and learning new information is indeed scary. Know that it's okay to be scared. As you learn more and come to understand your anxiety, etc. more, things won't seem as frightening as they do right now. Anxiety and dissociation are two different things, but they can be intertwined. Anxiety can create that feeling that you aren't real or the world isn't real, but these sensations can also exist without a person having anxiety. You absolutely can recover from anxiety and from dissociation. There are many different paths to recovery, and a mental health professional can help you along the path that is right for you. He or she will talk to you and learn about you so he/she can make a diagnosis of what, exactly, you are experiencing, and then he/she will help you begin treatment. It's a process, but recovery is definitely possible.
I have been having anxiety for about 5 years now but I never feel like I do now. Last year after taking a nap I woke up and had crazy thoughts of killing , hurting and all of the about. I mean everything that I heard on the news I got. Everything I would hear from people I kept asking my husband " am I going to turn like that" is this going to happen to me? Well I went to the doctors he said that it is part if my anxiety but this is so strange. Everything that I am afraid of I keep getting the thoughts in my head. It took me a year to finally feel better untill 2 weeks ago. I heard about a young person dying at a young age just drop dead because their hurt stoped of blood clots. This has me terrified, I was shocked and still am. I have been upsesing about how could this happen? What if it happens to me? How is a person made? I mean every question there is in the world I have it. I also feel like I am outside of my body. I look at my self like I am not real or I don't know the feeling. I have never felt like this. I feel sad scared and like I am outside my body. Please help!! Is this also anxiety? Am I loosing it?
Hello Eleni,
I'm glad you found HealthyPlace and Jodi's article. It does indeed sound like you are experiencing anxiety and even dissociation. You aren't losing it! But it does feel that way. Anxiety can make us feel out of control, but the good news is that it's very possible to re-gain control. When anxiety is so problematic, it's helpful to meet with a professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Sometimes medication is helpful, and there are other ways a professional can work with you to help you overcome anxiety and dissociation. You can get better, and there are people who will help. Hang in there!
Hello all,
Iv had a full blown panic attack after i smoked weed 3 mnths ago, and nothing has been the same, i was diagnosed with mysophobia as a kid and was afraid of the dark, but these problems have always been on control, i have always been a bit of a hypocondriac and have always feared aids and other physical illness. Recently, my anxiety made me worry about my future, as if i wont be able to live a normal life, i started escitalopram and inderal both 10 mg as i am now diagnosed with gad. I felt a lot better and i dont worry about the future thing anymore.. However the recent anxiety has shifted to the fear of madness or going crazy.. Just two days ago i was watching tv and then suddenly my mind said " what if ur a psychopath, what if ur schizophrenic, what if u start killing ppl right now, etc" i got so overwhelmed with fear that i had to go to my bed straightaway, the scariest part came after that, i now feared that i was going to act on that impulse and that i am going crazy but was contrilling the impulse l, so i was scared i cud go berjerk any time now.. The feeling has gone as of now.. But im scared and the anxiety has risen.. I felt so good for 2 mnths and then suddenly it seems the anxiety is back..
However im still hopefull ill be better soon.
Hello atit,
Two good things to start out: You are not alone. Many people have described experiences like this, so this isn't just you. And You had a spell of feeling better. While it must be disheartening to feel like you've sld backward, remind yourself of the fact that you did make progress and will do so again. Medications are a process of trial and error and seemingly endless adjustments. It is possible that you might need an adjustment. That is a good place to start. It could be helpful to return to your doctor, explain all that has happened, and see what he/she says. It's very common for medication to need adjusting. It doesn't mean you're doomed. And if your doctor thinks the medication is fine, he/she can work with you on other steps you can take to feel better.
Hi I've been suffering with anxiety and depression for 7 months now and I can't even pin point to how any of this started, I constantly feel like
I'm dying and that something is seriously wrong I had my first panic attack only on Sunday and it was horrific I genuinely thought I was going to just fall to the floor and collapse!! I had to go to the hospital as I thought there was something seriously wrong. In 7 months I have been to the doctors more than 20 times (stupid I know!) but I just can't shift these thoughts. I've actually made my self physically ill by constantly thinking about it, I too have been really out of it since my panic attack Sunday. I just physically can't believe anxiety makes me feel the way I do? I feel that nobody is listening to me and I'm just going pure and utter crazy! It's taking over my life and job!!!! Please tell me this gets better! :(
Thanks
Hello Rach,
I'm sorry to hear of your struggles. The feelings/experiences you share are very common in people living with anxiety, and you aren't alone in this. Know that you're not "stupid" for going to the doctor. Anxiety causes very real physical symptoms, symptoms so pronounced that they make you pay attention. While anxiety can take over your life because it's so all-encompassing, it doesn't have to do so forever. I can assure that yes, anxiety does get better. It is often very helpful to enlist the help of a professional. A therapist can help you work through your anxiety with proven techniques, and a psychiatrist can determine if medication would help you as you defeat your anxiety. Also, keep doing what you're doing: searching for and reading information. Thanks for stopping by. Visit often!
Sometimes when I am conversing with someone for example once while talking to my mom,I felt like I dint know her,like there is some distance or like she is a stranger or something ? The same thing happened while talking to my father.
And once I thought about myself like that !
Today I felt very uneasy inside I was very restless amd I still dont know what that was! Please help.
Hello iiniki,
I'm glad you found Jodi's article, and I hope that you can see that you're not alone in this. What you describe is a scary feeling, but know that it is something that can be helped. Have you seen a doctor or a therapist? It's often a good idea to work with a professional to get to the root of what's going on so you can take the right steps to overcome it. Your descriptions sound a bit like depersonalization and derealization, experiences that can be part of anxiety and/or part of some dissociative disorders. Only a doctor/therapist working closely with you to learn more about you can determine what's going on. There are absolutely strategies to overcoming these unsettling sensations, and working with someone could help you do so. I wish you the best of luck!
I broke my foot 5 weeks ago and have been sitting. I'm usually very active. ThenMy oldest son, his wife and their 3 children came to visit for 8 days. Also my daughters boyfriend was here. She lives with me with her 3 yr old. I also have two other grown children living with us. My husband travels so he's not home very much. I was upset because he had not been home since I broke my foot and then he was only going to be here for 3 days. Well, we had the 3 yr olds birthday party, the 8 yr olds birthday party and then celebrated the 4th. M y husband was grilling and I was sitting outside while everyone else was in the pool. I started to get a tightness in my chest and neck and went inside. Within 10 minutes I could not breathe and called my husband. I had never had panic attacks before. It was so bad we went tothe hospital where they found a blood clot in my lung. I stayed in the hospital for 5 days and have been home for 2. I'm taking Coumadin. I went to my GP yesterday and he put me on 10 mg. Lexpro and 0.25Xanax. I took one Lexapro this morning and it made me very nervous. I just took a half xanax to try to calm me down. Since I've been home I feel like I'm just wandering, I don't want to talk to anyone, don't want nobody at my house, don't want to go anywhere and every thought, every movie, everything somehow scares me. We've always had a lot going on at our house and I've always been very active, outgoing and traveled for my work. Every moment I'm sitting here I want to call 911 to take me back to the hospital. I have this lump in my throat and getting to where I don't want to eat. I'm nervous, shaky and so scared!!!!.I have a big house and enjoyed it immensely until I broke my foot. 6 to8 more weeks in a walking boot. I don't want anyone to see me like this, I'm ata loss
Hello Viola,
It sounds like you've been experiencing quite a bit of unusual stress. Any bit of that on its own could potentially be anxiety-provoking, and when you pile them all together it becomes intense. There is something important to know as you work through this: panic attacks absolutely can't cause blood clots. The tightness in your chest and neck were likely caused by the blood clot. That doesn't mean that you aren't having anxiety, of course. Anxiety can cause the things you describe (feeling scared, not wanting anyone around, being nervous, etc.). Then, because these thoughts and feelings are new for you, that makes your anxiety increase. An important first step is to know that what you're feeling isn't unusual for anxiety, and a great many people wrestle with this. You're not alone. Also, this can improve; you're not stuck this way forever. Start with small steps (even with a broken foot!). What one thing is bothering you the most right now? What are little things you can do to make it better? Working through your anxieties this way can go a long way in helping you rid yourself of them.