Derealisation

[Crumpal]

Hello everybody,

I was curious how many people here have had experiences with derealisation when in awkward situations (being the center of attention, unexpected confrontations, etc)? Of all the symptoms I experience, I think derealisation is probably the worst, since it pretty much kills my ability to have a productive conversation in whatever situation it is that caused it to occur. Often I end up afterwards surprised at how I reacted or came across to somebody. When it happens, I feel more like I am watching myself in the activity than actually participating in the activity...

Anybody else feel that way? Is it normal? Do people without anxiety issues have this happen to them from time to time? If anybody happens to know, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[Pacific_Loner]

I didn't know it was called derealisation (I just googled it and it corresponds to what I usually call "almost black-out") but yes it happens to me a lot. It happens to me systematically when I have to do a speech in front of people. It also happens to me when I'm telling a long story, I start ok and as the story goes on, it's like my soul leaves my body because it's tired of talking, leaving my brain do the job on a mechanical mode. Sounds weird now that I write it. I swear I'm not crazy. Anyhow, according to what people say, my brain does a great job without my soul when it comes to speeches. But I kind of hate that

Edit - I just re-read your post and it seems it's not really the same thing as you, since I don't feel like I'm watching the scene so much. I mean I am watching the scene but I'm not really paying attention so I miss pieces of it. I don't know. And I don't know if it's normal but it doesn't feel good at all

 

[Crumpal]

I didn't know it was called derealisation (I just googled it and it corresponds to what I usually call "almost black-out") but yes it happens to me a lot. It happens to me systematically when I have to do a speech in front of people. It also happens to me when I'm telling a long story, I start ok and as the story goes on, it's like my soul leaves my body because it's tired of talking, leaving my brain do the job on a mechanical mode. Sounds weird now that I write it. I swear I'm not crazy. Anyhow, according to what people say, my brain does a great job without my soul when it comes to speeches. But I kind of hate that

Edit - I just re-read your post and it seems it's not really the same thing as you, since I don't feel like I'm watching the scene so much. I mean I am watching the scene but I'm not really paying attention so I miss pieces of it. I don't know. And I don't know if it's normal but it doesn't feel good at all

Sounds a lot like it, really. When I have to do anything like give a presentation, or more generally, have to be the center of attention for whatever reason, I can be pretty sure its going to happen.

But, for what its worth, i'm glad your brain does such a good job even if your soul decides to go for a walk..

 

[hoddesdon]

I have had it happen that when someone is getting too close I speak to them in a rough or off-handed way. This relates to what you are saying in that it seems to happen all by itself, and I am only consciously aware of it after it has started, and sometimes after it has finished. It does not seem like I am doing it myself.

 

[Death Rider]

I seem to be doing it all the time, non stop. I developed into a strange state of watching the surroundings, where I try to explain every phrase of a person, or people, where I use psychology to explain their emotions, their feelings... It's like looking for the logical sequence behind every action. I've researched psychology enough to be able to explain quite well... But I don't feel like I am participating fully :/

 

[Beatrice]

Ah, so THAT'S what that strange feeling is. Couldn't place it. I do this even when not in social situations. Being isolated (not completely but without friends and living with people you hate - as bad as being isolated, or worse, IMO) for such a long time has begun to mess with my head. I mean, obviously I can still think logically and clearly, but reality no longer feels like reality. I feel as if I'm locked in an unpleasant dream, and all these lives around me are merely illusions there to torture me. My mind scares me sometimes.