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Depersonalisation really getting to me

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,875,648 The Mix Honorary Guru
in Health & Wellbeing
I've been suffering with depersonalisation since last May, which first occurred after the death of a friend and was worsened by the death of another friend a few months later. I am seeking help for this and other mental health issues that I'm dealing with but it's a slow process and I haven't got the help I need yet as I'm being passed around the mental health system :P In the meantime I'm feeling really intense depersonalisation and I have no idea how to deal with it. I feel depersonalised 24/7 now, and it just seems to be getting worse. Sometimes ideas of self harm come into my head just to be able to connect with something. And as I also have OCD it's hard to dispel these intrusive thoughts :( Any advice from people or personal experience would be much appreciated x

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 131 The Mix Convert
    Hi Phoebe, sorry to hear of the death of your friends and I hope in this year you find some comfort.

    Although this must be painful for you, it is encouraging that you are seeking help, and reaching out on here - you may find others that have had similar experiences too.

    The charity Mind have further information on depersonalization and dissociate disorders that you might find helpful. As you say getting help is a slow process, do contact your GP again if the feelings are causing you distress.

    You say you are having ideas of self harm and intrusive thoughts - could you tell us more about them? We have some info on self harm with plenty of ideas for distractions. Have you ever thought about journaling / writing out your thoughts? This would allow you to get many of those intrusive thoughts out of your head, and onto paper.

    Also, if things get too much and you think you might be in any severe distress, don't hesitate to visit your local A&E or call Samaritans 116 123.

    Do keep us updated on how you're getting on.

    Nikki :heart:
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,875,648 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Hey Nikki, thanks for the response and the support numbers. I have some appointments lined up for mental health assessments so I'm going to try those before going back to my GP, though they are helpful. It is hard in the short term but my GP doesn't have experience with dealing with depersonalisation. And I've been having ideas about a specific type of self harm for a while, which I obviously won't go into detail about here but I basically know I can't do it because my blood doesn't clot properly and I know it would therefore be too dangerous. Also I know how easy it is to get trapped into behaviours. But at tough times it is tempting, and I have to take measures to protect myself in the evenings. I do write things out when my mind is rushing, but when it's so foggy and these self harm thoughts dominate my mind it doesn't seem to work as well. But I'm seeing a psychiatrist on Friday who may be able to give me some advice.
  • SienaSiena Posts: 15,687 Skive's The Limit
    Hi.
    I have experienced depresionalision. I dont have anxiety or anything but only happeneed for about a month but was intense and horrible. It was from my medication i was taking for my mental health.

    But in that month i learnt ways to cope with it. But it depends if it is constant or suddely comes. What i would suggest is to think about the times it starts and why it could be. And if it is just reacurring and not constant then what i got suggested was the touch things around you to keep in touch with the world.
    Another thing that can cause it is not enough sleep. So would recommend youre getting a lot of sleep.
    “And when they look at you, they won't see everything you've been through. They won't see the **** that turned to scars that began to fade with time. They won't see the heartbreaking things that shook up and changed your entire world. They won't know how many tears you cried or even what it was you were crying about. They won't see how strong you had to be because you had no other choice. What they will see though is how compassionate you are because you experienced pain. What they will see is how kind you are because you experienced how cruel the world is. What they will see is how good you are because you've seen how bad things or people can be. The difference between you and your experiences are who you choose to be, despite everything that could have turned you cold and unkind.You are the good the world needs and the best of us.” ~ Kirsten Corley
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,875,648 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Hey Phoebe,

    I'm so sorry to hear about your recent losses, and how it's affecting you. It can be really distressing and difficult to get back to normality after such traumatic events. It's good to hear you've got some support arranged :yes:

    I wonder if you managed to take a look at the article on distractions that Nikki posted? We also have a thread on the boards from a member with some further distractions which may help: Self Harm distractions. Is there anything you have tried in the past that has helped? If the temptations become overwhelming, you could also get in touch with someone at TESS for some support.

    Shaunie has posted some good advice there too, and you can always use this space as an outlet if you need to.

    *hug*
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 131 The Mix Convert
    Hi Phoebe, how are you getting on? Did your psychiatrist manage to offer some useful advice? Hope all is well and do keep us updated.

    Nikki x
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