Feeling disconnected when anxious

[lilmutegirl]

Recent events have caused me to be extremely anxious, and it occurred to me that I feel somewhat drugged when I am overwhelmed by anxiety. I have trouble concentrating and become light-headed. I was on Klonopin for anxiety and stopped taking it because I had a similar reaction to it. Does anyone else get like this?

 

[Pacific_Loner]

It's derealization / depersonalisation... I'm no scientist but I think it has something to do with some chemicals that your body relieves when you are anxious that go straight to your brain.

For what I read, it makes sense that medication gives you the same effect or makes it worst. In my case I noticed I get a similar effect with caffeine, lactose and sugar, which is why I try to avoid it.

 

[FountainandFairfax]

Unhooking from feelings in times of stress is one of the ways I get through life. I know it's depersonalization, but it's not an entirely negative feeling.

I get to go through the motions without being hindered by emotion and worry. It's beneficial in the short-run, at least. In the long term, however, I know it's bad. I sometimes catch myself saying strange things like "I live here..." or "That is my dog..." it's like I realize these things that should be obvious. :kickingmyself:

I know it's me getting a glimpse through my disconnected haze, and I wonder just how much of my life I spend there.

 

[kihira]

Recent events have caused me to be extremely anxious, and it occurred to me that I feel somewhat drugged when I am overwhelmed by anxiety. I have trouble concentrating and become light-headed. I was on Klonopin for anxiety and stopped taking it because I had a similar reaction to it. Does anyone else get like this?

Big problem for me, brain almost stops when I'm anxious, not that it works well normally anyway

 

[mismeek]

I love that feeling...

 

[HexNoir]

I've been there before, I call it 'not being present' because you're stuck in your head.

 

[nicsa]

Yes! It's like your brain gets lost in a mindless haze. I get like that in infer idea or when talking to new people or in a group. I get forgetfulness, stammering, muttering & then go all red & sweaty (as I have HH). I have mind blanks cos of so much anxiety and build up. It's like in school doing an exam with time running out rather than having time and freedom of a personal essay project.

 

[Kiwong]

I often feel light headed like I might collapse. The feeling used to scare me, and could often bring on a panic attack.