A sense of unreality which is worse than anxiety

[Lilyofthevalley]

How to explain this? Even walking to my bins, I have a sense of watching myself walking or well, like slow motion and it is such a HORRIBLE feeling and always disappears when I have done what is causing the panic.

I read that this is the brain's effort to stop one going mad.

Anyone else experienced this?

 

[jaim38]

Are you talking about performance anxiety? I feel self conscious even when I'm by myself at times. For example, I could be alone typing on my computer and all of a sudden, I started thinking people are watching what I'm typing and feel shy and awkward for no apparent reason. My movements become stiff and robotic, but I try not to let it show.

 

[Lilyofthevalley]

Not sure if that is what I mean, but perhaps! Because it is the act that is causing the panic that causes this feeling and thus, I guess that is what it means.

Ah well, I used to feel that way but have got over it now, for I guess having spent so much time on my own, due to no choice, ie husband working, I came to actually enjoy being on my own and so I don't get any of these feelings. But when I was much younger ie my teens, I would never even do this - what I am doing now or pose a question for it would crush me with acute shyness, so I have come a long way.

 

[Flanscho]

I experienced a slight feeling of unreality whenever I haven't left my home for a longer time (several days in a row) or only for very short moments, and then leave it and feel the environment again. Wasn't scary, just odd. I guess it's because your body has evolved to filter a lot of sensory information, and while at home it gets somewhat dulled or more sensitive after a while due to the reduced input.

 

[Kiwong]

I think it is called depersonalisation. I have felt it on occasion. It is a sinking feeling, of who am I, is this nightmare really my life?

 

[susieq]

I have experienced what you are describing (I think) Is it like you are dreaming for a minute and are not quite there? maybe it is your brain trying to remove you from a stressful situation. Just an uneducated guess.
It often happens to me when I am walking along a street going somewhere I don't want to go, or in a place where I am nervous I might meet someone who I will feel uncomfortable talking to.

 

[Opaline]

Yes, all the time lately since about 6 months ago. Mine is a little different, though; I don't seem to see myself from a different perspective or looking down on myself or anything. Instead I feel disconnected and like I'm in a dream, a feeling of "unreality" as you've said. It is freaky but I personally don't find it scary or awful, just odd and sometimes soothing (sometimes annoying as well).

Maybe speak to a professional about it?

 

[CosmicHippo]

Yeah, that's depersonalization. It's a type of anxiety that can be experienced on both ends of the scale -- super excited or numb. I get it all the time, and it really doesn't bother me anymore. I'd look into reading about it and stuff.

Anyhow, I hope things get better for you!

 

[jaim38]

I experienced a slight feeling of unreality whenever I haven't left my home for a longer time (several days in a row) or only for very short moments, and then leave it and feel the environment again. Wasn't scary, just odd. I guess it's because your body has evolved to filter a lot of sensory information, and while at home it gets somewhat dulled or more sensitive after a while due to the reduced input.

I think this is it. I'm home a lot, and could feel my senses getting very dull from under-stimulation, especially my eyesight since it tends to be dark at home. My sense of hearing has sharpened, and I find myself withdrawing more into my mind. It's good to go out and get some sunshine once in a while; you'd realize how bright it is out there and how fresh the air is compared to inside.

 

[Lilyofthevalley]

Ah many thanks for all your responses!

Yes I guess it does feel like a dream! I always get it when I have no choice or at least, impossible to run away and lol feels like I am floating towards what ever it is!

 

[R3K]

I've been getting these unreality sensations my whole life. it used to be accompanied by a perceived white fog in my mind, with the temporary memory issues, then panic- etc. it happens as often as once or twice a day, to once or twice a week, but they always hit me. it was the most terrifying sh*t in the world when I was like 5 years old. I thought I was dead sometimes, or that I was a damn alien. I'd be just staring at other kids like: are they feeling this sensation too? they look completely unconcerned, it must just be me then...

something to do with brain chemicals fluctuations and extreme stress on the mind... I think of these situations as reboots for the mind/brain. and when they hit, I just escape from what I'm doing and let my brain reboot itself. sometimes it takes 30 seconds, sometimes it takes half an hour. I basically have to distract myself with simple stuff and force myself to relax.

the real scary thing is that I can kinda self-inflict these sensations, just by thinking about it.

in conclusion though, I don't think these unreality sensations are that bad or dangerous, they're just scary and take a while to get used to. when they hit me and I can't really escape the situation (at work), I tap my thumbs to fingers in opposing directions a few times... somehow this helps, Idk why:idontknow: