Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS. Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Depersonalization is a dissociative symptom that causes a person to feel as if they are observing themselves from outside of their body. Similar to derealization, a person experiencing depersonalization may feel mentally detached from their physical body as if they are observing their body as an outsider and their sense of self may seem unreal or distorted. Their senses may feel numb and even their memories may feel unreal.[1] About 25% of people experience brief episodes of depersonalization at some point in their lives, but for others, it is a chronic, disturbing feeling. If you are suffering from chronic depersonalization that is interfering with your work, daily activities, or relationships, or if you feel emotionally unstable, contact a doctor immediately.[2]
Steps
Acknowledge and accept the feeling of depersonalization.[3] The feeling of depersonalization is usually not dangerous and commonly fades. Remind yourself that the feeling is uncomfortable, but temporary. This will make depersonalization have less control over you.- Tell yourself, “This feeling will go away.”
- Tell yourself, “I feel weird right now, but I am OK.”
- Think about any other instances in which you experienced depersonalization, and remember that the feeling went away then, too.
Focus on your immediate surroundings.[4] Notice what the temperature is, what things are around you, and what sounds you are hearing. Engage with a nearby object, such as turning on a fan or writing with a pen. This will force your mind to be in the present moment, and will lessen the feeling of depersonalization.- You can also carry around a tactile item, such as sandpaper or something furry, to touch during intense depersonalization moments.
- Mentally list things you see, hear, and feel around you.
- If possible, listen to music. Aim for favorite tunes that give you positive feelings, rather than any music that may increase anxiety or sadness. Research shows that music therapy is effective for all sorts of mental illnesses and can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, or agitation, all of which may be present in chronic cases of depersonalization.[5]
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Engage with those around you.[6] Begin a conversation, or get back into the conversation you were having. This will bring you into the present moment. If you are alone, text or call a friend or family member just to chat.- You do not have to reveal your depersonalization to others.
- At the same time, many people are aware of and have experienced depersonalization; if you feel comfortable, talk about your feelings with a friend as they are happening.
Practice diaphragmatic breathing.[7] When you feel anxious, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing can interrupt that reaction and help you to relax. To practice diaphragmatic breathing, lie on your back on your bed. Leave your knees bent by placing a pillow beneath them for support. Place one hand on your chest and one below your rib cage to monitor the movement of your diaphragm. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Notice your stomach pushing your lower hand out (the upper hand should remain still). Tighten your stomach muscles, and exhale the breath through pursed lips making sure that your chest is not moving. Repeat.- If you are in a group situation, excuse yourself to the bathroom or another private area to practice deep breathing.
- You can breathe in this rhythmic way for 5 to 10 minutes about 3 or 4 times per day when you notice yourself feeling anxious or disconnected.
Combat negative thoughts. Having feelings of depersonalization can cause you to think you are crazy, to feel as if you are not in control, or might even make you feel like you will faint or stop breathing.[8] Combat any negative thoughts with positive statements, such as:- I’m going to be ok. I will relax.
- Feeling like I’m not real isn’t dangerous; I’ll be fine.
- I don’t like these feelings, but they will go away.
- I am present in this moment.
Make time to engage in positive activities. Your hobbies may include playing the guitar, scrapbooking, or collecting antiques. Whatever it is that relieves your stress, try to do it often, particularly when you find yourself experiencing more anxiety or depersonalization. This will prevent moments of severe anxiety and will help lessen the instances where you feel depersonalization.- Practice stress management daily whether that means taking time out for quiet or pulling aside a few minutes everyday to take part in an activity you enjoy.
Exercise regularly. Because depersonalization is commonly associated with anxiety and depression, exercise is a great way to relieve feelings of being “un-real.” Exercise boosts your confidence, releases tension, and helps manage stress levels.[9] Engage in daily walks, begin a jogging regimen, or find another type of physical activity that relieves your stress.- Scientists have found that a neuropeptide called galanin, which is released during and after exercise, protects the synapses in the prefrontal cortex and helps our brains with emotion regulation and stress resilience.[10]
Get adequate sleep. Maintaining a regular sleep regimen of about 8 to 9 hours per night is significant for relieving anxiety and overcoming the resulting depersonalization that can occur from it. The link between sleep and anxiety/stress is a two-way street, in which not managing one causes a problem in the other. Practice good sleep hygiene to ensure that you get the amount of sleep required to fend off feelings of depersonalization.- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they both can trigger anxiety and keep you up at night.
- Establish a winding down routine nightly that includes relaxing activities such as reading, listening to soothing music, or meditating.
- Reserve the bedroom for sleep and relaxation only. And, shut down all electronics at least one hour before bed.
Find a therapist. If your feelings of depersonalization are interfering with your daily life, you need to consult a medical professional. There are many types of therapy for treating depersonalization disorder. When finding a therapist, ask what type of counseling they provide and which type of counseling is right for you. Common forms of treatment for depersonalization include:[11]- Cognitive therapy- works on changing your thoughts about feeling unreal
- Behavioral therapy- helps you to develop behavioral strategies to distract yourself from depersonalization symptoms
- Psychodynamic therapy- aims to resolve painful feelings and experiences that stimulate a need to detach from yourself and reality
- Grounding techniques- similar to those listed above, these tactics use the five senses to help you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you
- If you find a certain therapist to be unhelpful, you can always go to a different one.
Attend therapy as often as necessary. This will vary according to the severity of your depersonalization. Some people attend therapy monthly, weekly, and, in severe cases, daily. Your doctor will determine how often you should go to therapy.- Skipping out on therapy sessions will prevent you from getting the help you need; attend all scheduled appointments.
- If you do not have a scheduled appointment and feel like you need immediate help, call 911.
- If you are suicidal, contact a suicide prevention hotline such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you're in the United States, which can be reached by calling or texting 988.
Keep a diary of your symptoms. This will greatly aid you in communicating about your depersonalization. Write down where and when you have any attacks, and record as much detail about the attack as possible, including your thoughts at the time. If you feel comfortable, show these records to your therapist, or bring them to therapy sessions as a reference.- Be sure to take note if the symptoms of your depersonalization overlap with that of another illness. Depersonalization often accompanies serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Tell your doctor if you are avoiding friends, family, work or activities that you once enjoyed because of your symptoms, as this could indicate a larger problem or a co-morbid disorder.[12]
Take medication if necessary. Though there is no medication specifically prescribed for dissociative disorders, anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants are commonly prescribed, with varying degrees of success. Your doctor may prescribe fluoxetine, clomipramine, or clonazepam.[13]- Just remember, if you do begin to take medication, never stop taking it without consulting your doctor first.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol when taking any anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication.
- Never take more medication than your doctor prescribed.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
- Your mind needs time and rest to overcome depersonalization, and worrying or stressing about it will only make your symptoms worse.Thanks
- Thoroughly research depersonalization. The more familiar you are with the feeling, the better you can cope with it and overcome it.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352911
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352911
- ↑ http://www.anxietycoach.com/depersonalization.html
- ↑ http://www.anxietycoach.com/depersonalization.html
- ↑ file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/BenzA_2010-1_BODY.pdf
- ↑ http://www.anxietycoach.com/depersonalization.html
- ↑ http://www.psychology.uga.edu/sites/default/files/CVs/Clinic_Diaphragmatic_Breathing.pdf
- ↑ http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/articles/coping
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/coping-with-panic-attacks.aspx
- ↑ http://news.uga.edu/releases/article/galanin-stress-reducing-benefit/
- ↑ http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mental-health-disorders/dissociative-disorders/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352911
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352916
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Depersonalization can be a scary experience where you feel like you're observing yourself from outside your body, causing your senses and emotions to feel numb. You can help overcome depersonalization by engaging your senses. For example, try picking up a nearby object and using it or focusing on the way something feels. If you’re with someone else, start up a conversation with them to force yourself to concentrate on the here and now. Even if you’re alone, you can take your mind off the feeling by texting or calling someone. Remember to tell yourself that feelings of depersonalization are temporary and will go away. This can help you control any anxiety or fear you're experiencing. You can also breathe in deeply through your nose and out slowly through your mouth several times, since deep breathing can help you relax. Spending time doing hobbies or activities can also help manage stress and depersonalization, so try doing the things you enjoy, whether it’s playing guitar or exercising. For tips from our co-author on when to seek professional help for your depersonalization feelings, keep reading.
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