Anyone else feel out of their body in crowds/cities?

[Ps76]

Hi!

One of the problems I have at the moment is that whenever I'm in a crowd or in a city or something I feel really dissassociated from my body for lack of a better term. I can't really explain it but I worry that my mind will dissassociate from my body and I won't be able to stand up and will fall down.

I live in the suburbs of London and sometimes take the train in but the furthest I get is Victoria station. Even getting from the train side to the other side to get a Starbucks was too much for me last time.

I don't really mind when I'm on my own though but when I'm with others it's worse because I have to go along with them and I'm too embarrassed to say "look guys I'm having a really hard time walking along this pavement!" The worst for me is a crowded bar which thankfully I rarely go to. Last time I got so spaced out I could barely make a conversation.

So anyone else ever have this problem of being in crowded places and feeling like your body will collapse? Sorry it's a bit strange.

 

[satstrn]

I have had this sensation for the past 6 months. Its called depersonalization/derealization and its a product of low level anxiety. Do some research on it....its a ****ty feeling, but as I understand it its not in any way dangerous, its more of a defense mechanism that is intended to protect you from overstimulation. As far as I know you have to work towards ridding yourself of the anxiety to get rid of it. Hope this helps.

 

[Ps76]

Hi!

Many thanks for the info. I also thought it must be due to anxiety or something. I'm fine when I'm back home though and am quite lucky in that I can amuse myself for weeks and months watching movies, playing computer games etc. I'm generally ok in the area where I live too although once or twice I have gone for a walk with my Mum and asked to come back at the end of the road because it hit me! Luckily my family are pretty understanding about it.

Many thanks.