Depersonalization

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I often have this feeling of depersonalization. It feels like some sort of zombie or robot. Not literally of course, but It's like I'm not really "there" in the physical world, and like I'm not attached to my body in a way? It often happens when I'm walking in public. It feels like I'm some sort of haze. Like my mind is in another place, and I'm not really "alive". Just existing.

I've suffered from a combination of anxiety and depression for 2 years now, and it seems like that was where this feeling of dissociation started. I don't feel like this constantly, but very often. Maybe every day, but mostly just for a couple hours at a time.

Have anyone else felt like this? What do you think the cause is? And how do you get better?

I feel like that all the time. It's a reaction to stress and anxiety I think. It's a rotten feeling.

I used to feel that way almost always in my teen years.
I got better because I've reduced my anxiety by doing things that made me slightly anxious and then discovering it's not so bad and I don't need to be anxious about. Also I don't get depersonalisation ow because I'm not in dangerous situations as much and since I've been diagnosed as having an ASD I've had support. Also I think age plays a part because now I'm older I can control my feelings a little better and I'm able to understand emotions more but that's just a guess on my part.

I feel that way sometimes especially when I am overwhelmed or exhausted or overstimulated. I have had that happen all my life.

I feel that way pretty often. It's usually momentary for me, so I just try not to focus on it too much.

In my most anxious and unhappy moments i've felt something like this, at least to the degree that when I read your post I knew what you meant.

When i went to high school, and again when I was in a job I hated, in a dark small office. My body was there but my mind was not, it was in a kind if strange detached white haze, floating somewhere, but detached from my body which was going through the motions.

This coming Saturday a close friend has convinced me to go to her meditation seminar, at a centre at a lake not far from here. She said it was actually, besides a combination of talking in pairs and group meditation (aargh!), about living in your body, and reconnecting it with the mind! I'll let you know how that goes. I'm rather nervous and if it weren't my friend i wouldn't have done it

Also, since it seems connected with well-being, perhaps you could just try out some of the things that i find are good for getting anxiety levels down, e.g.
- being in nature, away from human activity, in the woods or on the beach.. somewhere beautiful! but if not poss to really get away, walks in the park perhaps..
- do you like animals? holding and caressing a purring cat, going for walks with a dog you like. Talk to him
- going on a train or bus ride and daydreaming while gazing out of the window
- going and sitting in the park or garden with some tea and biscuits (no phone or ipad!)
- switching off the wifi, enjoying long breakfast with a book or magazine.
- libraries, art galleries (with comfy chairs), museums, if that's your thing?
- your favourite meal, cooked for yourself by yourself, with a glass of good wine and a novel (georgette heyer is the best ever for intelligent, humorous romance, i love it!), eat it in your favourite place in the house at a small table..do you have any windows with a view or at least that you can see the sky from? switch off phone.
- if you work, go to the doctor's and get a sick note so you have the time to do those things

Looking at this, basically i'm saying go easy on yourself and do things you enjoy, aren't i? Good luck, lovely one!!

I had something similar once, and it turned out to be anaemia. Perhaps check out a vitamin deficiency?

I have spells like that lazyflower, you described it very well. Things that can bring it on for me are not enough sleep, low electrolytes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), dehydration, hunger. Or sometimes it just happens. An unpleasant and sometimes very scary feeling.

My understanding from experience is that depersonalisation is caused directly by social isolation, and therefore the only way to avoid it is to have regular social contact with other people, which is obviously very difficult if you have social anxiety. You might have choose between the high stress of social contact and depersonalisation, although a psychiatrist is obviously the best person to ask. Sorry I can't help you more, I know that social anxiety just plain sucks.

I don't think it has anything to do with socialization. I feel the same way even when I'm having a conversation with someone.

Thanks for all the replies, guys! It really helps knowing that I'm not alone

Writing this right now, I'm actually quite depersonalization-ish.. Been feeling like this for the past couple hours
It seems like the feeling is always very much related to my arms and hands. For example, when I'm driving I don't really feel my hands on the wheel. Or at least not noticing them in a way. It's hard to describe! Or like right now, as I type this, it's like my fingers just move by themselves in a way. It's a quite disturbing feeling to be honest. So overall it's like i'm not really connected with my body. I wish I could just make it go away. Does anyone know how to properly treat this, aside from self-help tips and all that? Is there medication for it (I would like to avoid if possible), or is it more therapy sessions? I'm actually quite scared of telling people about this, cause I'm worried they're gonna think I'm crazy or something lol.

I have spent most of my adult life in that form of state. Luckily my anxiety levels are not compounded by others as they avoid me because of how deranged I appear.

It is rather unnerving though.

I think this is what you mean. Many times I feel like a passenger in my own body. Disconnected and just sorta alone.