I know that many of you checking the comments desperately, so wanna leave my short story as I believe everyone can recover from DPDR. It started in June this year, when I was on my way to work (on the bus) and had a panic attack(must add that I was always fine with panic attacks, and they never scared me), but this time I did not snap out from weird sensations the panic attacks comes with. I felt foggy, like my vision dropped, then even more scarier symptoms followed such as: not recognizing myself in the mirror, family/friends/boyfriend felt like strangers, I felt to myself like a stranger, intrusive thoughts were MAD, object seemed weird, life seemed unreal and dreamy, felt spaced out, disconnected, surroundings felt too sharp or coloury, life seemed too much and felt so overwhelmed that all I could do is lay in bed and cry, thoughts of going crazy/insane, feeling on autopilot, hands, legs feeling weird, existential thoughts. I felt unsafe and I could not recognise my own room, flat, places outside. I must add that I always knew that ME it's ME, and my family is MY family, however the sensations were WILD. I felt like I will never be the same, never will recover, as my DPDR is DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER PPL( it's not true obv) All this symptoms warried , and when one of them started fading away, a new one would come. I had to stop working for 2.5 months, I could not be social, was scared to go out, having a coffee outside seemed to me a massive obstacle. I felt like someone taken my life away from me, and everything changed from one day to another. The physical symptoms I had: my vision dropped(but now it's back to normal), numb left hand heart, rapid heart beats, shortness of breath, itchy skin. What helped me is the acceptance that my feelings are valid, therapy, my friends who were super supportive. My family lives abroad, so I felt super lonely, however they would be with me on video calls almost every day for hours. Once I accepted the way I feel is okay and valid, stopped rushing the recovery and set deadlines, and understood the root of the problem of why I feel this way( THIS bit was a very important part of my ''almost'' recovery'' ) + I'm Christian so I prayed a lot, so it helped me massively. (If you are not, then meditation, relaxing music, candles and just chilled vibe) I started feeling better. I noticed that DPDR is not making me scared, and I gradually stopped having 24/7 anxiety because of it. You might feel that the small steps you are taking are useless, you might feel and wonder how could you be happy in the past, and your memories might seems like not even yours, however I can surely tell that I am feeling soo much better now. I am back to work, gradually adding back that social life. I started having mood to go to the gym and plan for the future. The majority of sensations/symptoms faded away gradually, the one I have atm is that I feel ''weird'' in my own body and basically why we are the way we are(seems a bit mad lol) but again, I know it's a DPDR thing so I am not in the terror, and I am feeling good. I have also started drinking coffee, as when all the DPDR started I stopped drinking it due to high levels of anxiety. Also, you will gradually recover, first days you will have few minutes where you feel ''normal'', but this will increase by time. And lastly, EMMA'S recovery story, and TIK TOK posts helped me A LOT. It was the first time I felt someone could relate to the way I felt and her videos made me feel safe. I still watch her content whenever I feel down.
How long did it last for you not to recognize yourself? So when you stopped obsessively looking at yourself and focused on other things, did you recognize yourself again?
@@jason34796 it lasted over 2 months for me, and the faded away gradually. Also, don’t check out yourself a lot in the mirror as then more you do it, you kinda remind yourself that you can’t recognise yourself. Just remember that your brain and nervous system is overwhelmed and it’s ok to feel this way.
Yes, the whack a mole example is exactly what I’ve been experiencing. My memory, existential thoughts, vision stuff, my arm feeling numb, etc etc. finding flow state activities to quickly shift my attention to is helpful. Thank you for making these videos, they’re so helpful!
My 12 year old autistic son who also has Tourette's syndrome, is now going through this. Begging to have his body back. I guess life didn't think he had enough on his plate. These videos give me some sort of glimmer, though hope is something I don't so much believe in anymore. It does give me comfort. He is surrounded by love and I know I will never give up on him, but mental health issues are brutal.
Hey Shaun and Emma this is probably the best conversation had on the channel about DPDR. I can really see the passion you both have for helping people and the understanding you both have for this condition. Thank you both hope everyone recovers soon!
I don’t have money to buy the manual at the moment but as soon as I can I will. This videos alone are helping me. I can’t believe my therapist didnt know what it was. Thank you for your videos ❤
Suffered from a cycle of DP/DR for 2 years now-at one point I was nearly recovered before having another panic attack a few weeks ago, which felt like a huge set back. I just want to say that this was powerful and motivating. Thank you, Sean. It’s time for me to get back to work ♥️
Thank you Shaun. A few years ago . After a bad wee* experience. I had dp/dr. I thought I was unaliving and going crazy . After accepting it and finding your channel. I found out I wasn’t alone . 2 years later. I’m so close to a full recovery . Thank you so much for saving me.
I'm 39 and I am so glad I found your channel. Now I know I'm not crazy. I'm not alone and that I can be cured. It's pretty crazy how the brain works and gets stuck in a loop. The symptoms are very annoying since I'm trying to work and just trying to survive and pay the bills.
@@diartahazrolli9411 yah you just gotta train yourself to focus on something else . Not checking doesn’t mean not noticing or feeling that they are there because of course you’re gonna notice . Not checking is more like omg in your head , omg is it still there am I still feeling it , how about now ?
@@iamthefiremanjj yes i understand i’m like 50% better but is normal to not feel like old you , i feel empty like a robot is like far away from my old me and old life is realy scary maybe is from depersonalization but is like i don’t have the same identity or like i’m not feeling or living the life direct
I think that, as a community, we should create something like an awareness day of DP/DR. I've been thinking a lot about that, since I've recovered, how scary it can be when you're first going through that, or even like happened to me, that went through, recovered but not really because I dind't fully understand the condition and when, 10 years after my first experience, it happened again, I literally almost commited suicide thinking it would never go away. But it did. And I'll never thank you guys enough.
@@araiq7005 well, It was a very slow process for me. I had to take care of my anxiety. I went on medication, therapy and cbd oil treatment because I was really terrified. I treated myself very gently and accepted that I was going through that, and eventually started to stop fighting It. I watched Shaun's recovery videos a million times. Slowly, I started internalizing that this was just my brain's reaction to something. It's like when you get drunk and everyrhing is spinning. It's not the world out there that is spinning. It's just your brain perceveing it that way. I talked to myself a lot until I really understand that, because for me the existencial thoughts were the worst part. I was really scared of solipsism and kind of got an OCD experience out of that. Once my anxiety got better, I was able to think clearer and understood that in life we have to hold on to what you really believe. For me, there's no reason for nature to try to fool me with such an absurd idea in a world full of people, and also full of people who actually went through what I went through too. That's why those videos were so important to me. I don't think I would have made it without them. I also had to stay away from weed, which was hard because i've had been a stoner for like 12 years. Now I have a different relationship with a lot of things. I enjoy myself sober a lot more. I take care of my anxiety. I learned that my thoughts are just toughts. They CAN'T hurt me. Once you understand that, you don't indulge into them anymore. And from that point, it's really just one more step. :) wish you well!!!
Hi guys , i hope you all doing fine Just give yourself time and you'll be fine, i been there i know how it feel it was so scary but it just a feeling it can't hurt you ( i know you brain can't believe this words but just try ) Advice : Stop watching videos about dP,dR , go to gym it will hep you alot , eat healthy. meditate even if its scary , and don't try to get better as soon as possible caus your already fine you just have high anxiety (Give it and do what u neeed to do in your life ) Wish you all the best
Great interview--really, really insightful conversation! I'm really grateful for this! I want to add some solutions that worked for me: cognitive defusion/emotional acceptance/mindfulness/nonjudgment (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy skills + Buddhism or what is referred to as 'surrender' in spirituality--letting go of the fear of fear or trying to control the symptoms, which creates resistance)--basically acknowledging feelings as they come and letting them pass through rather than resisting ("what you resist, persists", according to Carl Jung). This was transformative for me. Internal Family Systems therapy also saved my life and helped me understand that these symptoms are protectors who aren't bad or deliberately hurtful ("No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwartz is a good introduction)--also helpful for addressing trauma that often underlies these symptoms (though it can also come from stress)! Here we have dual awareness, where you can take a step back from the symptoms and see them as a part of you rather than identifying with the symptom as a whole. This helps with healing a ton, as you become a compassionate, curious observer of your mind and befriend yourself! I hope that helps!!
great podcast. I think the key feature of DPDR is the analysis paralysis it causes most people to go into to try and frame the experience to no avail, which in itself is the negative feedback loop one's trying to escape. so then the way out of that state of mind for some people tends to be to re-frame the perception from trying to make sense of that state of mind to understanding why you can't "let go" of that frame of perception and just let it pass by. framing DPDR in this way in itself may be liberating for some people, or it may prompt one to delve into the individual context that may have provoked that deep/fearful anxiety. delving into that personal context overtime may help to re-frame one's focus to something more personal and tangible, which should increase the emotional salience one has relative to the given scenario/context. increasing that salience tends to lessen the anxious fixation to the DPDR state itself (which seems to be the canonical aspect of DPDR), as you distance yourself from the need to contextualize that state versus dissociating from it. also, the best way I've found to describe DPDR for people that haven't experienced it is that it's the same experience as when someone is so surprised in a very delightful, happy, or excitement-provoking way and they say "is this real", "am I in a dream/is this a dream", etc., etc - except, this DPDR state is the opposite connotation to that state of mind and is seemingly impermeable.
Thanks for your comment David! And yes you're absolutely right: As with all anxiety-based conditions, the constant analysis and frantically trying to make sense of DPDR is one of the habits that, frustratingly, actually keeps it around. Letting go of trying to 'complete the puzzle' and understanding that there isn't actually a puzzle to complete (it's just anxiety!) is a big part of recovery 😊
This is so accurate but my brain says “but how do I stop trying to find context” it’s like I have no control over it, I can’t stop trying to find clarity. Then another part of me is trying to stop that part from trying to find clarity. It’s like a conflict of different parts of ourselves.
totally understand that my friend. what's helped me to the degree I cope w/ it is therapy and journaling. I think it's helpful because there may be some actual context provoking it, from which working through it may help. At the same time, there also may come a point where it's just objectively an anxiety/defense mechanism that's not context-specific, from which recognizing that and being able to move on from it may help. it's definitely a journey my friend, but there is 100% hope to get out of it. having/developing that faith in myself throughout this process was a pivotal aspect for me, and that aspect of resilience/fortitude seems to be characteristic of many people who report going through it. all the best my friend@@twillsJKZ
Everything you’re saying is exactly what I went through I think you’re doing a bloody great job ! And there is not enough awareness about this condition I’m going though this right now and went though it when I was young from weed and lasted years and now it has come back worse how you explained all the symptoms is exactly how I feel ! I would love to have a session with Emma a psychotherapist that understands this condition everyone I have seen do not help at all!
I was fine until two weeks ago before my teaching content exam, where I had all these existential thoughts, and they just kept going. I was doing fine and all of that went through the window. Seeing this makes me feel better.
Glad to hear the video was helpful! 😊 And don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
Don't worry Danielle, it doesn't matter what caused it, how long it’s lasted, or whether it’s been 24/7 or episodic, you can always switch DPDR off completely by stopping the anxiety that's causing it 😊 Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/
Currently going throigh this for the last almost month. Its sooo comforting to have found your videos. Wish i had the mkney for thr manual but these videos are helpfulcfor me too.
21:17 omg yes!! That’s exactly what I feel. Ever since my dpdr started I would randomly would be terrified of the fact that I can see my whole body and not my head (even though it’s been that way my whole life before and I was fine) and I would started freaking out and having a constant panick attack. kinda like I was trapped within my head and I couldn’t run which would give me more physical symptoms. It’s so weird how the smallest thoughts that were normal started bothering me
Don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
I,m on my long way off recovery, and come from far.and its completly true you can and will recover but it takes time.but my life is moving again things that is thought i could never do again ..keep strong❤
I experiencing this right now. I having so much trouble concentrating, but the worst thing is sleeping. I run with less than 4 hours of sleep. I’m exhausted. Today I feel a little better for few hours. Not so anxious. So I hope this feelings go away soon. It’s horrible, I want my old life back
Don’t worry, issues with sleeping are very common with DPDR and all anxiety-based conditions. 😊 I know it can be frustrating but they are temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues: www.dpmanual.com/articles/why-does-depersonalization-affect-sleep-and-dreams/
I have a question. My other dpdr symptoms aren’t bad, however whenever I smell weed I spiral into a small anxiety attack and my symptoms grow. I feel like I’m gonna get high by just smelling it. Any tips to stop this loop?
Oh yeah same my lord, exposure therapy strangely worked for me realizing I wasn't going to get high just by the smell, I also live in London so the smells everywhere hard to ignore
I went thru this as well where my heart would just start beating rapidly, honestly just changing ur thoughts while smelling weed and persisting in The fact it won’t get you high will help because ur body reacts after ur brain,so if ur telling ur self u won’t get high snd ignore all body reactions, ur fear will lessen
hello I'm struggling with floaters and visual snow and I noticed it makes me anxiety worse so it ends up effecting my dpdr pretty badly do you have any advice as far as the vs and floaters?
Don't worry, visual symptoms like you're describing are super common with DPDR and will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/does-depersonalization-affect-vision/
The doctors just diagnose me with depression and anxiety. But I always felt like there was something more. That I had something more than just depression and anxiety in what she described was exactly what I'm experiencing now. I just want to recover but I don't have any money to buy his book
Don’t worry, visual symptoms like that are super common with DPDR and will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/does-depersonalization-affect-vision/
how can I not think about the DP/DR distracting myself, if I no longer care about anything about my life, because before entering it I had some bad news that I already couldn't get over and it brought me anxiety, and it had already created a depression in me I wasn't interested in anything anymore, and in this state I smoked a joint for the first time which made me enter the DP, now I've been in it for a month how can I not think about it if I no longer have anything to distract me since I don't I don't care about anything, and this feeling of zeroing out the emotions of DP doesn't make me face the cause of my depression before smoking, am I stuck like this?? How can I do it? Should I try to resolve the cause of the depression first and then go back to not thinking about the PD and making it disappear?? Thank you
Shaun I think I’m the only person with the symptom of not knowing what my face looks like anymore . It’s made me lose my confidence. I’m so scared I don’t think this can go away .
Don't worry Brandy, experiences like that are very common with DPDR 😊I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as your recovery continues: www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/ And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
SHAUN please help me i am calm and foeget about dpdr still it persists and it came out of nowhere i didnt get any stessful event i am totally disconnected i am always in my head but i dont have any axiety i feel that i am in a video game and i dont even believe in anything please i dont have money help me ⚠️⚠️
Hey, thanks for your comment 😊 I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual. And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR 👍
Hey Shaun. I have smoked weed since I was 15 and I’m 27 now. I was ready to quit because it was making my anxiety worse and brain fog. But never caused me DPDR. I quit for 12 days and intended to be done for good and was working out and feeling good and turning my life around. I sustained a groin injury and started having panic attacks because it wasn’t healing well and all I could do was sit around. My doctor gave me Ativan for panic and I took one and it didn’t do much for me. So the next day I took one and took a few hits off of my brothers pipe that he offered me just because I wanted the panic to stop and thought it would help me sleep. I wish I didn’t do that because it made me have a trip that I didn’t want and it made me feel really confused and weird and faces looked weird and it wasn’t a good experience. 2 days later I had coffee and it triggered the exact same thing. I almost felt brain dead for the first week and almost had to go to ER. Ever since I have had DPDR for the last 5 weeks and my thoughts are really weird too. I’m scared of peoples faces now and I sometimes see violence on people that is unsettling. Sometimes I hyper focus on all the sounds in a room. Is the violence part normal? Im also severly constipated and can barley sleep when I used to sleep like a baby. Laying around all day is causing pretty bad back pain which is effecting sleep. I can’t work or function anymore and am constantly around my mom because I have to be now. I was just building discipline, changing my life and I loved watching joe Rogan and David goggins, Jordan Peterson, they taught me so much and nearly saved my life but now I can’t even watch them anymore because I feel like I failed them and myself. I used to love watching the browns and can’t even get into it anymore. Video games no longer do anything for me and I used to love to play them. Even when I’m not having symptoms it feels like I can’t enjoy anything I love anymore. Like everything is dull. It feels like my life is gone and the family needs me because we are tight on money and my dad has heart disease. Actually everyone in the family is struggling with health. It feels like my world is falling apart and I’m very suicidal. I can’t live like this forever. I Can’t believe this happened to me when I was so close to changing my life. Now my life is worse then it has ever been and the depression is very intense. I’m constantly replaying that night when I took that combo and how I ruined myself and my life. I can’t forgive myself. Everyday is so difficult now.
Hey Dylan, thanks for getting in touch and I'm sorry to hear you've been having a difficult time. Firstly, if you are experiencing any thoughts of self-harm, please do speak to a medical professional as soon as possible. Secondly, don’t worry, that all sounds like a very typical case of weed-induced DPDR to me. I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. It's not permanent and it can't hurt you. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual. And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Id like to add as someone who had weed induced DPDR your likely experiencing weed withdrawal symptoms on top of it especially if you were a chronic user which can make symptoms of anxiety and depression alot worse due to chemical imbalance but this goes away after the first month for some a bit longer for others, it might be tempting to smoke again believe me do not the longer you stay away from substances he better you will feel, I also reccomend quitting caffien, alchaole nicotine if you smoke because it naturally relaxes your nervous system more
@@awonderingcoconut6881 bro I’m so fucking bummed out. I was just getting my life on track too. I just want to feel normal again. I can’t get that night out of my head. It feels like my life is over. I can’t enjoy a single thing.
@@dylanteet7074 I mean this is you getting your life on track it's just an unfortunate bump in the road, dont fixate on what moment that caused it because it's common to experience this with withdrawals anyway, something that helped me was accepting this likely would've happened when I was quitting weed reguardless of when or how I smoked during the time, stopped me fixating and feeling regret about any particular moment because it's not like you knew this was going to happen so it really isnt your fault, its like feeling regret about a traumatic event that isn't your fault, common but good try accept it and work on the future. Again man it's all temporary change is the only constant
That happened to me as well I had a bad nightmare and I probably had a panic attack in the middle of the night and woke up out of it questioning everything and everyone and it scared the crap out of me and now its feeling kinda back to normal but still kinda out of it like brain fog but it well go away just try and not worry about it that much and you will start feeling better
Thanks for your comment and I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! 😊 And don't worry, it doesn't matter what caused it, how long it’s lasted, or whether it’s been 24/7 or episodic, you can always switch DPDR off completely by stopping the anxiety that's causing it. Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/what-causes-depersonalization-disorder/
So if anyone can help me please comment and give me some advice one September 22nd I had an DPDR episode and I knew what to do but what was different was that I can’t seem to picture things in my mind anymore like when I close my eyes I could picture a flower the sake etc but now when I close my eyes it just pitch black and I can’t picture those things anymore and I use those to help me sleep so there are times were I don’t sleep for over a day now will I ever be able to picture visuals in my mind again
i sometimes have irrational thoughts especially while im drifting off to sleep. thoughts that dont make sense at all. then after few seconds i realize what am i thinking, how am i thinking like that . Am i going crazy or what????
Don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
One thing that I am curious about is..once I am fully recovered my memories of the times of DPDR Will be VISUALLY ok? For example I have been at the Vatican museums and I wonder if I Will Remember the paintings correctly or confused because of the fucked up vision..
Don’t worry, visual symptoms like that are super common with DPDR and will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/does-depersonalization-affect-vision/ And yes, you will get 100% back to normal: www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/
Hi there, if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Hey i have a question, when i wake up my dpdr gets really weird, back then i would panic not knowing where i am or my body when i woke up but nowadays its still that but it feels weird, i just feel realllly detached from my body and mind; im like “wtf am i really here?” Is this apart lf the dpdr?
Hi, thanks for your comment 😊 Remember that ultimately, DPDR is just a symptom of anxiety so when the symptoms vary, it's just your anxiety levels going up and down, and certain situations / environments can change them. I know it might seem difficult to believe but you actually have complete control over it 😊 Make sure to read through all the info and articles on my website, starting with this one: www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-definition-what-is-it/
As someone who has experienced this on and off for 14 years and is experiencing it very intensely now, I have to say, don't be afraid guys and Shaun, I have a question for you. Everything in your book is towards full recovery and never experiencing dp/dr again? Because I don't want to experience dp/dr again
Yes, that's right 😊 Read these articles carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/ www.dpmanual.com/articles/does-depersonalization-come-back/
In the midst of a world so ordinary, We lived our lives, quite contrary. Friends and family, our anchors so strong, But little did we know, things would soon go wrong. We laughed, we cried, we lived without a care, Innocence was our robe, so easy to wear. But one fateful night, temptation took the lead, We sparked up that joint, planted a treacherous seed. We passed it 'round, the embers dancing high, A momentary escape into the sky. As the smoke enveloped, reality did fade, A twilight realm where I became a shade. My friends turned strangers, their faces unclear, As DPDR whispered, "Nothing's real here." I floated in a void, no tether to my past, In a carnival of thoughts, spinning way too fast. Time was a river, flowing through my grasp, But now it's a haze, a memory lapse. Familiar voices distant, echoes in the mist, In this altered state, I cease to exist. The days turned to nights, the nights into days, Caught in this DPDR maze. My world grew cold, a fractured kaleidoscope, Where colors and feelings had given up hope. I yearned to find the path back to the light, To reconnect with those I once held tight. But DPDR's grip, it tightened still, A relentless storm, an unbreakable chill. Now I'm drifting in a world unknown, Lost in the depths of my mind, all alone. DPDR, a tangled web I weave, Disconnected from the world I used to believe. So here I stand, a soul in disarray, Hoping for a dawn to break through the gray. Though DPDR's storm may never cease, I'll find my way back to a world of inner peace.
Don’t worry, feelings like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
@@Dpmanual thankyou, and one more question I regularly feel from yesterday my soul leaves my body even when i’m going to sleep or doing something and I slightly panic.
I just want to know, is the sudden loss of all usual interests a major symptom? I’ve been struggling to enjoy myself like usual with all of my usual interests feeling gone or muted. Like I’m disconnected from myself personality-wise. Like I KNOW the things I usually enjoy, just like how I can remember the events of before my second round of DP with enough effort, it just feels like they’re gone. It also doesn’t help that sometimes it does feel like I’m becoming a different person sometimes. Like it’s all the same stream of consciousness obviously. I’m not blacking out with no memory of what happened before or anything. It also doesn’t help that it feels like everything I used to enjoy is now a trigger for anxiety.
@@emmaratliff7410 you got all or most of them back after the first go-around right? Because I remember that happening too, eventually. That’s what makes the second one so much worse, like I JUST got around to finally feeling like a real, growing person, then BAM, back in the hole.
@@dimetrodon2250 I was completely back to normal for months, and it’s started to get bad again over the past month. Not nearly as terrifying and unbearable as it was the first time, but it’s still not fun. I couldn’t agree more though! I had JUST gotten comfortable being a functioning human again, new job, new relationship, and BAM DPDR shows back up. It’s awful, but I’m working on it.
@@emmaratliff7410 for me it was over 3 years (so my coping skills fit it have faded). I’ve changed and grown a lot in these three years, and I don’t want to lose that. Even when I’m calm and not anxious anymore, I’m left with depression and anhedonia.
TRIGGER WARNING (DR personal experience) 16 year old daily weed smoker DR experience: For a few months now I have been experiencing chronic DR almost every minute of everyday until I smoked and then it went away for about 20 minutes and comes back. For me, I feel like reality is all predetermined, that it isnt real, and kind of everything feeling like it is all revolving around my life (not in a narcissist way). Things would look so strange but I recognize them. For example, I was watching south park and out of nowhere, Randy just started looking super alien, like it was looking at me. I never experienced feeling disconnected, or that I was out of body, but my head was always super foggy. (DR is now hitting as I'm typing) Sometimes in my DR episodes, I tend to think suicide is a super viable option because I just don't think anything matters since otit's "predetermined" Derealization is an extremely terrifying experience that affects not just me, but other people too. Don't think that suicide can be viable because it isn't. Stay safe guys
I don’t know who will read this but I hope it inspires even just one person. I’ve always been an anxious sort of person even as a kid I had this feeling of impending doom, intrusive thoughts, reoccurring negative thoughts, dizziness etc (all the symptoms of anxiety) 3 months ago I had one of the worst panic attacks of my life, it felt like I was going insane and I was going to lose control and die…how ridiculous now looking back😂 my anxiety spiraled from then on and my biggest symptom was dpdr, for 2 months straight I didn’t feel like myself, I had this constant dreadful feeling of impending doom, I felt like I was constantly losing my mind, I stopped going out, I stopped eating, I was in a constant state of panic, I’d wake up and my mind was already racing, I’d go to sleep and my mind was already racing. all I wanted to do was lay in my bed and stay in my comfort zone. I constantly felt like i was dying, it was so mentally and physically draining. I started forcing myself to act normal again and do the things I’d usually do even though I didn’t mentally feel normal and didn’t want to, which was a struggle for me because nothing felt real and everything felt off and out of place. But eventually I started to feel a little better day by day. I started listening to Micheal a singer, he’s a great author and speaker, he speaks a lot on being mentally spiritual as well as releasing the burden of worries etc which really shifted my mindset and helped me so much with my anxiety and how I had trained my brain to be thinking at the time as I was in a constant state of flight or fight, I’m also Muslim hamdillah so I was looking for religious advice as well which helped a lot too! I’ve gotten so much better but I still have little anxious feelings and thoughts here and there which is completely normal, I’ve learnt to just not pay a lot of attention to them like I used to, giving those feelings and thoughts attention and making it out to be that there is some big issue that needs to be fixed immediately causes resistance to the emotions, that’s subconsciously signifying those little off feelings so now you subconsciously think that anytime you feel off or have negative/intrusive thoughts that they need to be fixed right away, truth is that no they don’t, you don’t need to react to them in a negative/panic way , that will just give u more uncomfortable feelings and thoughts because now your brain thinks it’s so important because everytime you get those feelings or thoughts you’re panicking and giving it a reaction. Anyone who is reading this, you’re doing a good job and this won’t last forever ❤
Hi shaun I developed dp/dr 13yrs ago after mold exposure whilst cleaning my shower with no ventilation. Ever since ive been stuck with this what should i do Do you think i have a biotoxic illness ive been researching and it says mold can cause a bunch on mental health issues including dp/dr. Im stuggling so much with recognising my kids and memory loss please help with any tips ❤
Hey, thanks for your comment 😊 I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual. And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR 👍
Nice video! Sadly it's my 4 Rotation with dp/dr, but it's my one fault because i tried weed again and had a panic Attack after that :))) This time it's scarier because I got it without drug abuse but just with a panic attack. So i am thinking now I can get it random at Andy time and not because I smoke weed, that thought triggered the hell out of me! I am dealing with it 1 month now, but I am sure I will recover soon! I am currently looking for therapies to bury my dp/dr for good this time ! I am still going to work meet friends and inanely just meet my now new girlfriend in this situation. I am just hoping I am back to normal soon GL to you all fellas you all deserve and will be getting back your normal good life🙏🏽
I am only feel normal in morning but after and while at job I m angry 😮why this is !? I do construction work 6 days a week and after job I do walk around 8 kilometres but if I compare fast to present so I can say I m much better. But I hope I will do it completely ❤
Hi, thanks for your comment 😊 Remember that ultimately, DPDR is just a symptom of anxiety so when the symptoms vary, it's just your anxiety levels going up and down, and certain situations / environments can change them. I know it might seem difficult to believe but you actually have complete control over it 😊 Make sure to read through all the info and articles on my website, starting with this one: www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-definition-what-is-it/
I have extreme Benzodiazepine Withdrawal. I can't stand up, my head is numb, ears stuffed in, burning pain in ear, face, head. Can't take anything in, confused, thoughts blocked. Extreme Akathisia shaking like Parkinsons and screaming. Suicidal. Spinning, floppy body. In hell. I feel like I don't know if I'm dead or not. I'm not in body. Numb body. I can't see . Everything is weird. I need HELP!!!!!!!!
learned so much that i don’t get scared about it anymore i don’t panic about nothing just been excepting it and living my life.and i been feeling great but the only thing is its sometimes hard to sleep.but does this mean im going through recovery..any tips on sleep tho
Hi, thanks for your comment 😊 Remember that ultimately, DPDR is just a symptom of anxiety so when the symptoms vary, it's just your anxiety levels going up and down, and certain situations / environments can change them. I know it might seem difficult to believe but you actually have complete control over it 😊 Make sure to read through all the info and articles on my website, starting with this one: www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-definition-what-is-it/ And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
@@Dpmanual so is it more the anxiety about the condition or just anxiety going to work triggers it? Because I’m always anxious before going to work or going into public even before the condition. On naturally an anxious person. So can I still recover?
Hello, I don't recognize myself in the mirror, I feel like I'm another person, my doctor told me it's just anxiety, however I'm afraid I have dissociative identity disorder or schizophrenia. Is it possible to recognize myself again and for this to be just the result of anxiety? As I mentioned before, in my entire life I have only been diagnosed with anxiety, not anything else.
Hi Jason, if your doctor assessed you and told you it's just anxiety, then it's safe to say that that's the case. Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/schizophrenia_cancer_depersonalization/
Its not dissociative identity disorder or schizophrenia. If it was, doctor would probably know it, and people around you too.. Schizophrenia is pretty obvious. About dissociative identity disorder, you would also recognize that probably or some close people around you. Having thoughts and fighring inside your head between those thoughts does not mean you have dissociative identity disorder, its common for people with anxiety/ dpdr. Im also fighting this problem for 10 months and feel kinda lost, but I sstudied about it so I can tell you 99% you dont really have any of those, just anxious and dpdr.
Hi there, I had this out of many symptom of DPDR, I was questioning who am I, could not recognise myself in the mirror. You need to remember that you are still YOU, however when you are anxious your brain is overwhelmed and more sensitive. You are also disconnected mentally from yourself. It is difficult, however try to accept it and distract yourself. It will fade away. Mine faded away in weeks, and now I can't even recall the sensation of it or the feeling I just remember that it was bad and unpleasant. And btw, I thought the same as you that it's maybe identity disorder or schizophrenia. Trust me, it's not and you will definitely recover. Just give your body and mind break and time to heal.
@@kimmilavi So you were cured by being distracted and losing your fear? or what else did you do, I would like your advice 🙌 thank you very much for your comment
Don’t worry, feelings like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
Hi Shaun, I have DPDR for almost 10 years now and I already did a different course which I found prior to your channel and now Im really scared that this one will also just get my hopes up for a normal life and then also don't work ... Maybe that sounds really weird and dumb but I really feel like Im so distant from me and my surroundings that I can't even change my thoughts cause I don't even know what Im thinking the whole day, that is causing all of it ....
Hey, thanks for your comment 😊 I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual. And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR 👍
There are several courses out there and Shaun's is the only one I know that works 100%. Try it, stick to the rules Shaun mentions in the book and you will be 100% back to normal soon.
@@Dpmanual Thank you so much for your answer! It's really hard to see everything logically in these times. I´m excited your your content, just bought the manual and starting now 🦋!
Hello guys, im sorry to say this but i want to know if anxiety can make you fear of the reality? Im fear of what i am,who i am,where i am And also the feeling of unfamiliarity can happen even though your vission is clear no brain fog but hard to remember or focus? Also hard to understand what i read or what i hear, feels like there not absorbing in my brain,. My feeling of everything is numb,time,day,weather, morning, evening,,.but my vission is clear no brain fog feels like im new to this world even though i know everything
Don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/ And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Hey Sean, wouldn’t trying to focus and distract yourself from dp in turn make it worse? Since they say that trying to not feel anxiety or thoughts /dp actually in turn make it worse? I’m having trouble on this part.
Yes I have the same reaction to this rhetoric. I don't know why he thinks that is the way to recovery because it absolutely is not. True recovery is willful exposure to panic attacks repeatedly. The dpdr will not simply "fade away" when you "ignore" it.
Don't worry, it doesn't matter what caused it, how long it’s lasted, or whether it’s been 24/7 or episodic, you can always switch DPDR off completely by stopping the anxiety that's causing it 😊 Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/ And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Hi guys, Anyone experienced feelings of fixation or hyper focus on how your mouth and teeth feel And being aware of saliva and mouth movements and the positioning of the tongue at all times and feeling bizarre to it
Don’t worry, feelings of hyper-awareness like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
@@Dpmanual is it common to repeatedly get episodes of dp even tho I’ve got over it before you’d think after having it you would deal with it easier but doesn’t seem to be the case, thanks again
@@alan_smith3976 Remember that ultimately, DPDR is just a symptom of anxiety so when the symptoms vary, it's just your anxiety levels going up and down, and certain situations / environments can change them. I know it might seem difficult to believe but you actually have complete control over it 😊 Make sure to read through all the info and articles on my website, starting with this one: www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-definition-what-is-it/
Is it normal to feel like you’re an observer out of your body ? Feeling like you’re high and you’re not actually living your life . I’ve had this problem about 2 months ago and it went away after 10 days , it’s got back to me 2 weeks ago and worse than ever , I feel like I’m genuinely out of my body , It’s hard for me to do anything , I keep having weird thoughts like who am I and super hyperaware of my thoughts and myself . I can’t leave my bed or go outside from it ☹️ I feel like every day is worse
Don’t worry, feelings like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/ And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Can anyone tell me if it sounds like I have dpdr. No one will diagnose me with it. Even my therapist. I had a lot of traumatic stuff happen leading up to it- but I woke up one more feeling completely out of it. The only way I can describe it is looking through a foggy window. I am so tired all day every day. I feel that feeling out of it every single day. All day long. It’s almost like a feeling of being h I g h.
Don’t worry, from what you've described that all sounds like a very typical case of DPDR to me. I know it can be frightening but remember that it's just your body and brain's natural response to stress and anxiety. It's not permanent and it can't hurt you 😊 If you're in any doubt take a look through the list of symptoms here and see if they sound familiar: www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/ www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-symptoms-the-10-most-common/ And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
I have to disagree with something said either you are an anxious person and have anxiety or you don’t . There is a way where you don’t get any of those what if thoughts and no self doubt but it takes extra work . Sure getting worried about a circumstance is fine but worrying about your self in those ways means we still need work. Regardless good job on your progress it gets even better than that. You can have a quiet and clear mind .
Don't worry, it doesn't matter what caused it, how long it’s lasted, or whether it’s been 24/7 or episodic, you can always switch DPDR off completely by stopping the anxiety that's causing it 😊 Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/
Don’t worry, intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
Hey, thanks for your comment. I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual. And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR 👍
Don’t worry, feelings like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
I'm sorry I don't want to he freaking anyone about but I just want to know if anyone feels the same as me. Watching these videos when normally I'd feel assured instead I just think "how do I know everyone else is real how can I tell that they are real people what if I'm just In a simulation" I feel so alone someone please help me
Don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/ And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
⚡ Start YOUR 💯 recovery from DPDR today! 👉🏼 www.dpmanual.com/purchase/
⭐ 1-on-1 DPDR Recovery Coaching 👉🏼 www.dpmanual.com/coaching/
I know that many of you checking the comments desperately, so wanna leave my short story as I believe everyone can recover from DPDR. It started in June this year, when I was on my way to work (on the bus) and had a panic attack(must add that I was always fine with panic attacks, and they never scared me), but this time I did not snap out from weird sensations the panic attacks comes with. I felt foggy, like my vision dropped, then even more scarier symptoms followed such as: not recognizing myself in the mirror, family/friends/boyfriend felt like strangers, I felt to myself like a stranger, intrusive thoughts were MAD, object seemed weird, life seemed unreal and dreamy, felt spaced out, disconnected, surroundings felt too sharp or coloury, life seemed too much and felt so overwhelmed that all I could do is lay in bed and cry, thoughts of going crazy/insane, feeling on autopilot, hands, legs feeling weird, existential thoughts. I felt unsafe and I could not recognise my own room, flat, places outside. I must add that I always knew that ME it's ME, and my family is MY family, however the sensations were WILD. I felt like I will never be the same, never will recover, as my DPDR is DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER PPL( it's not true obv)
All this symptoms warried , and when one of them started fading away, a new one would come. I had to stop working for 2.5 months, I could not be social, was scared to go out, having a coffee outside seemed to me a massive obstacle. I felt like someone taken my life away from me, and everything changed from one day to another.
The physical symptoms I had: my vision dropped(but now it's back to normal), numb left hand heart, rapid heart beats, shortness of breath, itchy skin.
What helped me is the acceptance that my feelings are valid, therapy, my friends who were super supportive. My family lives abroad, so I felt super lonely, however they would be with me on video calls almost every day for hours.
Once I accepted the way I feel is okay and valid, stopped rushing the recovery and set deadlines, and understood the root of the problem of why I feel this way( THIS bit was a very important part of my ''almost'' recovery'' ) + I'm Christian so I prayed a lot, so it helped me massively. (If you are not, then meditation, relaxing music, candles and just chilled vibe) I started feeling better. I noticed that DPDR is not making me scared, and I gradually stopped having 24/7 anxiety because of it. You might feel that the small steps you are taking are useless, you might feel and wonder how could you be happy in the past, and your memories might seems like not even yours, however I can surely tell that I am feeling soo much better now. I am back to work, gradually adding back that social life. I started having mood to go to the gym and plan for the future. The majority of sensations/symptoms faded away gradually, the one I have atm is that I feel ''weird'' in my own body and basically why we are the way we are(seems a bit mad lol) but again, I know it's a DPDR thing so I am not in the terror, and I am feeling good. I have also started drinking coffee, as when all the DPDR started I stopped drinking it due to high levels of anxiety.
Also, you will gradually recover, first days you will have few minutes where you feel ''normal'', but this will increase by time.
And lastly, EMMA'S recovery story, and TIK TOK posts helped me A LOT. It was the first time I felt someone could relate to the way I felt and her videos made me feel safe. I still watch her content whenever I feel down.
How long did it last for you not to recognize yourself? So when you stopped obsessively looking at yourself and focused on other things, did you recognize yourself again?
@@jason34796 it lasted over 2 months for me, and the faded away gradually. Also, don’t check out yourself a lot in the mirror as then more you do it, you kinda remind yourself that you can’t recognise yourself. Just remember that your brain and nervous system is overwhelmed and it’s ok to feel this way.
@@jason34796 and yes I do recognise and I can’t even recall the sensation of how is it “not recognising yourself”
Did you ever take medicine?
@@brittneywelch2186 no i didn’t
Shaun I appreciate what you doing. Please continue making these videos.
Happy to help 😊
Yes, the whack a mole example is exactly what I’ve been experiencing. My memory, existential thoughts, vision stuff, my arm feeling numb, etc etc. finding flow state activities to quickly shift my attention to is helpful. Thank you for making these videos, they’re so helpful!
Glad the videos have been so useful! 😊
how is you vision now?
My 12 year old autistic son who also has Tourette's syndrome, is now going through this. Begging to have his body back. I guess life didn't think he had enough on his plate. These videos give me some sort of glimmer, though hope is something I don't so much believe in anymore. It does give me comfort. He is surrounded by love and I know I will never give up on him, but mental health issues are brutal.
Hey Shaun and Emma this is probably the best conversation had on the channel about DPDR. I can really see the passion you both have for helping people and the understanding you both have for this condition.
Thank you both hope everyone recovers soon!
Thanks Daniel, so glad you enjoyed it! 😊
That’s so kind, thank you! 🙏
It was the best vid I have seen
Thank you SO much for this interview Shaun!!! I'm so grateful to tell my story and SO grateful for your help through all of it.
Thank you Emma, it was so great to feature your story on the channel! 😊❤️
Amazing story Emma . Shaun thank you for putting so much effort to this videos.
You’ve helped so many people Shaun. seriously, thank you
Happy to help 😊
I don’t have money to buy the manual at the moment but as soon as I can I will. This videos alone are helping me. I can’t believe my therapist didnt know what it was. Thank you for your videos ❤
Suffered from a cycle of DP/DR for 2 years now-at one point I was nearly recovered before having another panic attack a few weeks ago, which felt like a huge set back. I just want to say that this was powerful and motivating. Thank you, Sean. It’s time for me to get back to work ♥️
So glad it was helpful Jack 😊
Thank you Shaun. A few years ago . After a bad wee* experience. I had dp/dr. I thought I was unaliving and going crazy . After accepting it and finding your channel. I found out I wasn’t alone . 2 years later. I’m so close to a full recovery . Thank you so much for saving me.
Thanks for your comment Brennen, I'm so happy to hear you're on the road to recovery! 😊
What symptoms are you feeling now that 2 years have passed?
"...DPDR has been around since Adam was in shorts" so on point! Thank you for this testimonies Shaun! And thank you Emma!
Glad it was helpful! 😊
I'm 39 and I am so glad I found your channel. Now I know I'm not crazy. I'm not alone and that I can be cured. It's pretty crazy how the brain works and gets stuck in a loop. The symptoms are very annoying since I'm trying to work and just trying to survive and pay the bills.
Quitting caffeine was a very very important part for me this video randomly popped up and yes you can recover you guys it’s 100% possible
My only problem is that i can’t stop checking my symtoms
@@diartahazrolli9411 yah you just gotta train yourself to focus on something else . Not checking doesn’t mean not noticing or feeling that they are there because of course you’re gonna notice . Not checking is more like omg in your head , omg is it still there am I still feeling it , how about now ?
@@iamthefiremanjj Can i contact you to speak about some symtoms?
@@iamthefiremanjj yes i understand i’m like 50% better but is normal to not feel like old you , i feel empty like a robot is like far away from my old me and old life is realy scary maybe is from depersonalization but is like i don’t have the same identity or like i’m not feeling or living the life direct
I think that, as a community, we should create something like an awareness day of DP/DR. I've been thinking a lot about that, since I've recovered, how scary it can be when you're first going through that, or even like happened to me, that went through, recovered but not really because I dind't fully understand the condition and when, 10 years after my first experience, it happened again, I literally almost commited suicide thinking it would never go away. But it did. And I'll never thank you guys enough.
How did you recover?
@@araiq7005 well, It was a very slow process for me. I had to take care of my anxiety. I went on medication, therapy and cbd oil treatment because I was really terrified. I treated myself very gently and accepted that I was going through that, and eventually started to stop fighting It. I watched Shaun's recovery videos a million times. Slowly, I started internalizing that this was just my brain's reaction to something. It's like when you get drunk and everyrhing is spinning. It's not the world out there that is spinning. It's just your brain perceveing it that way. I talked to myself a lot until I really understand that, because for me the existencial thoughts were the worst part. I was really scared of solipsism and kind of got an OCD experience out of that. Once my anxiety got better, I was able to think clearer and understood that in life we have to hold on to what you really believe. For me, there's no reason for nature to try to fool me with such an absurd idea in a world full of people, and also full of people who actually went through what I went through too. That's why those videos were so important to me. I don't think I would have made it without them. I also had to stay away from weed, which was hard because i've had been a stoner for like 12 years. Now I have a different relationship with a lot of things. I enjoy myself sober a lot more. I take care of my anxiety. I learned that my thoughts are just toughts. They CAN'T hurt me. Once you understand that, you don't indulge into them anymore. And from that point, it's really just one more step. :) wish you well!!!
I’m on the brink of suicide myself. I also have meniers disease, an inner ear disorder, which makes this even harder to deal with.
Hi guys , i hope you all doing fine
Just give yourself time and you'll be fine, i been there i know how it feel it was so scary but it just a feeling it can't hurt you ( i know you brain can't believe this words but just try )
Advice : Stop watching videos about dP,dR , go to gym it will hep you alot , eat healthy. meditate even if its scary , and don't try to get better as soon as possible caus your already fine you just have high anxiety (Give it and do what u neeed to do in your life )
Wish you all the best
Thanks for your comment and I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! 😊
Great interview--really, really insightful conversation! I'm really grateful for this!
I want to add some solutions that worked for me: cognitive defusion/emotional acceptance/mindfulness/nonjudgment (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy skills + Buddhism or what is referred to as 'surrender' in spirituality--letting go of the fear of fear or trying to control the symptoms, which creates resistance)--basically acknowledging feelings as they come and letting them pass through rather than resisting ("what you resist, persists", according to Carl Jung). This was transformative for me.
Internal Family Systems therapy also saved my life and helped me understand that these symptoms are protectors who aren't bad or deliberately hurtful ("No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwartz is a good introduction)--also helpful for addressing trauma that often underlies these symptoms (though it can also come from stress)! Here we have dual awareness, where you can take a step back from the symptoms and see them as a part of you rather than identifying with the symptom as a whole. This helps with healing a ton, as you become a compassionate, curious observer of your mind and befriend yourself!
I hope that helps!!
great podcast. I think the key feature of DPDR is the analysis paralysis it causes most people to go into to try and frame the experience to no avail, which in itself is the negative feedback loop one's trying to escape. so then the way out of that state of mind for some people tends to be to re-frame the perception from trying to make sense of that state of mind to understanding why you can't "let go" of that frame of perception and just let it pass by. framing DPDR in this way in itself may be liberating for some people, or it may prompt one to delve into the individual context that may have provoked that deep/fearful anxiety. delving into that personal context overtime may help to re-frame one's focus to something more personal and tangible, which should increase the emotional salience one has relative to the given scenario/context. increasing that salience tends to lessen the anxious fixation to the DPDR state itself (which seems to be the canonical aspect of DPDR), as you distance yourself from the need to contextualize that state versus dissociating from it. also, the best way I've found to describe DPDR for people that haven't experienced it is that it's the same experience as when someone is so surprised in a very delightful, happy, or excitement-provoking way and they say "is this real", "am I in a dream/is this a dream", etc., etc - except, this DPDR state is the opposite connotation to that state of mind and is seemingly impermeable.
Thanks for your comment David! And yes you're absolutely right: As with all anxiety-based conditions, the constant analysis and frantically trying to make sense of DPDR is one of the habits that, frustratingly, actually keeps it around. Letting go of trying to 'complete the puzzle' and understanding that there isn't actually a puzzle to complete (it's just anxiety!) is a big part of recovery 😊
for sure!@@Dpmanual
@@davidlakhter 😊😊
This is so accurate but my brain says “but how do I stop trying to find context” it’s like I have no control over it, I can’t stop trying to find clarity. Then another part of me is trying to stop that part from trying to find clarity. It’s like a conflict of different parts of ourselves.
totally understand that my friend. what's helped me to the degree I cope w/ it is therapy and journaling. I think it's helpful because there may be some actual context provoking it, from which working through it may help. At the same time, there also may come a point where it's just objectively an anxiety/defense mechanism that's not context-specific, from which recognizing that and being able to move on from it may help. it's definitely a journey my friend, but there is 100% hope to get out of it. having/developing that faith in myself throughout this process was a pivotal aspect for me, and that aspect of resilience/fortitude seems to be characteristic of many people who report going through it. all the best my friend@@twillsJKZ
Much love Shaun - from a university music student currently struggling with it
Glad the channel has been helpful! 😊
Everything you’re saying is exactly what I went through I think you’re doing a bloody great job ! And there is not enough awareness about this condition I’m going though this right now and went though it when I was young from weed and lasted years and now it has come back worse how you explained all the symptoms is exactly how I feel ! I would love to have a session with Emma a psychotherapist that understands this condition everyone I have seen do not help at all!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! ❤
😊😊
I was fine until two weeks ago before my teaching content exam, where I had all these existential thoughts, and they just kept going. I was doing fine and all of that went through the window. Seeing this makes me feel better.
Glad to hear the video was helpful! 😊 And don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
Most awful thing anyone can actually experience/ live with currently on my second episode of dp/dr. It does go away with time 😊
Don't worry Danielle, it doesn't matter what caused it, how long it’s lasted, or whether it’s been 24/7 or episodic, you can always switch DPDR off completely by stopping the anxiety that's causing it 😊 Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/
Currently going throigh this for the last almost month. Its sooo comforting to have found your videos. Wish i had the mkney for thr manual but these videos are helpfulcfor me too.
21:17 omg yes!! That’s exactly what I feel. Ever since my dpdr started I would randomly would be terrified of the fact that I can see my whole body and not my head (even though it’s been that way my whole life before and I was fine) and I would started freaking out and having a constant panick attack. kinda like I was trapped within my head and I couldn’t run which would give me more physical symptoms. It’s so weird how the smallest thoughts that were normal started bothering me
Don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
I,m on my long way off recovery, and come from far.and its completly true you can and will recover but it takes time.but my life is moving again things that is thought i could never do again ..keep strong❤
How long has it been since you started having dpdr?
I experiencing this right now. I having so much trouble concentrating, but the worst thing is sleeping. I run with less than 4 hours of sleep. I’m exhausted. Today I feel a little better for few hours. Not so anxious. So I hope this feelings go away soon. It’s horrible, I want my old life back
Don’t worry, issues with sleeping are very common with DPDR and all anxiety-based conditions. 😊 I know it can be frustrating but they are temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues: www.dpmanual.com/articles/why-does-depersonalization-affect-sleep-and-dreams/
I have a question. My other dpdr symptoms aren’t bad, however whenever I smell weed I spiral into a small anxiety attack and my symptoms grow. I feel like I’m gonna get high by just smelling it. Any tips to stop this loop?
just so you know you’re not alone in this. i do the same thing
Oh yeah same my lord, exposure therapy strangely worked for me realizing I wasn't going to get high just by the smell, I also live in London so the smells everywhere hard to ignore
I went thru this as well where my heart would just start beating rapidly, honestly just changing ur thoughts while smelling weed and persisting in The fact it won’t get you high will help because ur body reacts after ur brain,so if ur telling ur self u won’t get high snd ignore all body reactions, ur fear will lessen
hello I'm struggling with floaters and visual snow and I noticed it makes me anxiety worse so it ends up effecting my dpdr pretty badly do you have any advice as far as the vs and floaters?
Don't worry, visual symptoms like you're describing are super common with DPDR and will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/does-depersonalization-affect-vision/
The doctors just diagnose me with depression and anxiety. But I always felt like there was something more. That I had something more than just depression and anxiety in what she described was exactly what I'm experiencing now. I just want to recover but I don't have any money to buy his book
Did the snowy, tv staticky vision went back to normal for Emma? I'm experiencing the same symptom and it's so debilitating.
Don’t worry, visual symptoms like that are super common with DPDR and will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/does-depersonalization-affect-vision/
It’s completely gone ☺️🙌
how can I not think about the DP/DR distracting myself, if I no longer care about anything about my life, because before entering it I had some bad news that I already couldn't get over and it brought me anxiety, and it had already created a depression in me I wasn't interested in anything anymore, and in this state I smoked a joint for the first time which made me enter the DP, now I've been in it for a month how can I not think about it if I no longer have anything to distract me since I don't I don't care about anything, and this feeling of zeroing out the emotions of DP doesn't make me face the cause of my depression before smoking, am I stuck like this??
How can I do it? Should I try to resolve the cause of the depression first and then go back to not thinking about the PD and making it disappear??
Thank you
Shaun I think I’m the only person with the symptom of not knowing what my face looks like anymore . It’s made me lose my confidence. I’m so scared I don’t think this can go away .
I haven’t heard anyone else mention this symptom
I have a newborn and I’m thinking about ending my life 😞
No perception of what I look like
I have to keep looking in the mirror to remind myself of what I look like . This is no way to live 😞
Don't worry Brandy, experiences like that are very common with DPDR 😊I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as your recovery continues: www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
SHAUN please help me i am calm and foeget about dpdr still it persists and it came out of nowhere i didnt get any stessful event i am totally disconnected i am always in my head but i dont have any axiety i feel that i am in a video game and i dont even believe in anything please i dont have money help me ⚠️⚠️
Hey, thanks for your comment 😊 I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual.
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR 👍
Hey Shaun. I have smoked weed since I was 15 and I’m 27 now. I was ready to quit because it was making my anxiety worse and brain fog. But never caused me DPDR. I quit for 12 days and intended to be done for good and was working out and feeling good and turning my life around. I sustained a groin injury and started having panic attacks because it wasn’t healing well and all I could do was sit around. My doctor gave me Ativan for panic and I took one and it didn’t do much for me. So the next day I took one and took a few hits off of my brothers pipe that he offered me just because I wanted the panic to stop and thought it would help me sleep. I wish I didn’t do that because it made me have a trip that I didn’t want and it made me feel really confused and weird and faces looked weird and it wasn’t a good experience. 2 days later I had coffee and it triggered the exact same thing. I almost felt brain dead for the first week and almost had to go to ER. Ever since I have had DPDR for the last 5 weeks and my thoughts are really weird too. I’m scared of peoples faces now and I sometimes see violence on people that is unsettling. Sometimes I hyper focus on all the sounds in a room. Is the violence part normal? Im also severly constipated and can barley sleep when I used to sleep like a baby. Laying around all day is causing pretty bad back pain which is effecting sleep. I can’t work or function anymore and am constantly around my mom because I have to be now. I was just building discipline, changing my life and I loved watching joe Rogan and David goggins, Jordan Peterson, they taught me so much and nearly saved my life but now I can’t even watch them anymore because I feel like I failed them and myself. I used to love watching the browns and can’t even get into it anymore. Video games no longer do anything for me and I used to love to play them. Even when I’m not having symptoms it feels like I can’t enjoy anything I love anymore. Like everything is dull. It feels like my life is gone and the family needs me because we are tight on money and my dad has heart disease. Actually everyone in the family is struggling with health. It feels like my world is falling apart and I’m very suicidal. I can’t live like this forever. I Can’t believe this happened to me when I was so close to changing my life. Now my life is worse then it has ever been and the depression is very intense. I’m constantly replaying that night when I took that combo and how I ruined myself and my life. I can’t forgive myself. Everyday is so difficult now.
go to 59:14 on the video, i hope it’s going to help! i also had a bad weed experience!
Hey Dylan, thanks for getting in touch and I'm sorry to hear you've been having a difficult time.
Firstly, if you are experiencing any thoughts of self-harm, please do speak to a medical professional as soon as possible.
Secondly, don’t worry, that all sounds like a very typical case of weed-induced DPDR to me.
I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. It's not permanent and it can't hurt you. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual.
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Id like to add as someone who had weed induced DPDR your likely experiencing weed withdrawal symptoms on top of it especially if you were a chronic user which can make symptoms of anxiety and depression alot worse due to chemical imbalance but this goes away after the first month for some a bit longer for others, it might be tempting to smoke again believe me do not the longer you stay away from substances he better you will feel, I also reccomend quitting caffien, alchaole nicotine if you smoke because it naturally relaxes your nervous system more
@@awonderingcoconut6881 bro I’m so fucking bummed out. I was just getting my life on track too. I just want to feel normal again. I can’t get that night out of my head. It feels like my life is over. I can’t enjoy a single thing.
@@dylanteet7074 I mean this is you getting your life on track it's just an unfortunate bump in the road, dont fixate on what moment that caused it because it's common to experience this with withdrawals anyway, something that helped me was accepting this likely would've happened when I was quitting weed reguardless of when or how I smoked during the time, stopped me fixating and feeling regret about any particular moment because it's not like you knew this was going to happen so it really isnt your fault, its like feeling regret about a traumatic event that isn't your fault, common but good try accept it and work on the future. Again man it's all temporary change is the only constant
That happened to me as well I had a bad nightmare and I probably had a panic attack in the middle of the night and woke up out of it questioning everything and everyone and it scared the crap out of me and now its feeling kinda back to normal but still kinda out of it like brain fog but it well go away just try and not worry about it that much and you will start feeling better
Thanks for your comment and I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! 😊 And don't worry, it doesn't matter what caused it, how long it’s lasted, or whether it’s been 24/7 or episodic, you can always switch DPDR off completely by stopping the anxiety that's causing it. Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/what-causes-depersonalization-disorder/
So if anyone can help me please comment and give me some advice one September 22nd I had an DPDR episode and I knew what to do but what was different was that I can’t seem to picture things in my mind anymore like when I close my eyes I could picture a flower the sake etc but now when I close my eyes it just pitch black and I can’t picture those things anymore and I use those to help me sleep so there are times were I don’t sleep for over a day now will I ever be able to picture visuals in my mind again
Read this, I think you'll find it very helpful: www.dpmanual.com/articles/the-truth-about-blank-mind-syndrome/
i sometimes have irrational thoughts especially while im drifting off to sleep. thoughts that dont make sense at all. then after few seconds i realize what am i thinking, how am i thinking like that . Am i going crazy or what????
Don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
One thing that I am curious about is..once I am fully recovered my memories of the times of DPDR Will be VISUALLY ok? For example I have been at the Vatican museums and I wonder if I Will Remember the paintings correctly or confused because of the fucked up vision..
Don’t worry, visual symptoms like that are super common with DPDR and will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/does-depersonalization-affect-vision/
And yes, you will get 100% back to normal:
www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/
Can i get the dp pep talks only because I have your dp manual book but not dp pep talk, please reply
Is meditation helps to recover??
Did she also recover from the OCD, i find DPDR naturally comes with obsession about ones mental health
Does DPDR require a medical diagnosis?
Thank you in advance.
Hi there, if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Hey i have a question, when i wake up my dpdr gets really weird, back then i would panic not knowing where i am or my body when i woke up but nowadays its still that but it feels weird, i just feel realllly detached from my body and mind; im like “wtf am i really here?” Is this apart lf the dpdr?
Hi, thanks for your comment 😊 Remember that ultimately, DPDR is just a symptom of anxiety so when the symptoms vary, it's just your anxiety levels going up and down, and certain situations / environments can change them. I know it might seem difficult to believe but you actually have complete control over it 😊 Make sure to read through all the info and articles on my website, starting with this one: www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-definition-what-is-it/
As someone who has experienced this on and off for 14 years and is experiencing it very intensely now, I have to say, don't be afraid guys and Shaun, I have a question for you. Everything in your book is towards full recovery and never experiencing dp/dr again? Because I don't want to experience dp/dr again
Yes, that's right 😊
Read these articles carefully:
www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/
www.dpmanual.com/articles/does-depersonalization-come-back/
U have to not be s area of it, because then it will have no reason to come back
Scared*
@@olive.yoo888 I know all I have to do right now is give it time to pass, time will solve everything.
In the midst of a world so ordinary,
We lived our lives, quite contrary.
Friends and family, our anchors so strong,
But little did we know, things would soon go wrong.
We laughed, we cried, we lived without a care,
Innocence was our robe, so easy to wear.
But one fateful night, temptation took the lead,
We sparked up that joint, planted a treacherous seed.
We passed it 'round, the embers dancing high,
A momentary escape into the sky.
As the smoke enveloped, reality did fade,
A twilight realm where I became a shade.
My friends turned strangers, their faces unclear,
As DPDR whispered, "Nothing's real here."
I floated in a void, no tether to my past,
In a carnival of thoughts, spinning way too fast.
Time was a river, flowing through my grasp,
But now it's a haze, a memory lapse.
Familiar voices distant, echoes in the mist,
In this altered state, I cease to exist.
The days turned to nights, the nights into days,
Caught in this DPDR maze.
My world grew cold, a fractured kaleidoscope,
Where colors and feelings had given up hope.
I yearned to find the path back to the light,
To reconnect with those I once held tight.
But DPDR's grip, it tightened still,
A relentless storm, an unbreakable chill.
Now I'm drifting in a world unknown,
Lost in the depths of my mind, all alone.
DPDR, a tangled web I weave,
Disconnected from the world I used to believe.
So here I stand, a soul in disarray,
Hoping for a dawn to break through the gray.
Though DPDR's storm may never cease,
I'll find my way back to a world of inner peace.
That is such a beautiful poem ,and so completely describes this terrifying state , I wish you very well in your recovery .❤
Shaun do you do private coaching?
I do 😊 I have limited availability over the next two weeks, but check back again soon: calendly.com/dpmanual/coaching
Is there any copy in arabic of the book!?
Yes, The DP Manual comes with a complete Arabic translation 😊www.dpmanual.com/the-depersonalization-manual/
Hey, i feel like my soul leaves body is this also a symptom of dpdr? Please answer me!🙏
Don’t worry, feelings like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
@@Dpmanual thankyou, and one more question I regularly feel from yesterday my soul leaves my body even when i’m going to sleep or doing something and I slightly panic.
@@Dpmanual Please reply i am very panicked right now.🙏
@@kunalkeshri3809 Yes, again, feelings like that are super common with DPDR: www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
I just want to know, is the sudden loss of all usual interests a major symptom? I’ve been struggling to enjoy myself like usual with all of my usual interests feeling gone or muted. Like I’m disconnected from myself personality-wise. Like I KNOW the things I usually enjoy, just like how I can remember the events of before my second round of DP with enough effort, it just feels like they’re gone. It also doesn’t help that sometimes it does feel like I’m becoming a different person sometimes. Like it’s all the same stream of consciousness obviously. I’m not blacking out with no memory of what happened before or anything. It also doesn’t help that it feels like everything I used to enjoy is now a trigger for anxiety.
I feel the exact same way. This is my second go around with DPDR
@@emmaratliff7410 you got all or most of them back after the first go-around right? Because I remember that happening too, eventually. That’s what makes the second one so much worse, like I JUST got around to finally feeling like a real, growing person, then BAM, back in the hole.
@@dimetrodon2250 I was completely back to normal for months, and it’s started to get bad again over the past month. Not nearly as terrifying and unbearable as it was the first time, but it’s still not fun. I couldn’t agree more though! I had JUST gotten comfortable being a functioning human again, new job, new relationship, and BAM DPDR shows back up. It’s awful, but I’m working on it.
@@emmaratliff7410 for me it was over 3 years (so my coping skills fit it have faded). I’ve changed and grown a lot in these three years, and I don’t want to lose that. Even when I’m calm and not anxious anymore, I’m left with depression and anhedonia.
TRIGGER WARNING (DR personal experience)
16 year old daily weed smoker DR experience: For a few months now I have been experiencing chronic DR almost every minute of everyday until I smoked and then it went away for about 20 minutes and comes back. For me, I feel like reality is all predetermined, that it isnt real, and kind of everything feeling like it is all revolving around my life (not in a narcissist way). Things would look so strange but I recognize them. For example, I was watching south park and out of nowhere, Randy just started looking super alien, like it was looking at me. I never experienced feeling disconnected, or that I was out of body, but my head was always super foggy. (DR is now hitting as I'm typing) Sometimes in my DR episodes, I tend to think suicide is a super viable option because I just don't think anything matters since otit's "predetermined"
Derealization is an extremely terrifying experience that affects not just me, but other people too. Don't think that suicide can be viable because it isn't. Stay safe guys
I don’t know who will read this but I hope it inspires even just one person. I’ve always been an anxious sort of person even as a kid I had this feeling of impending doom, intrusive thoughts, reoccurring negative thoughts, dizziness etc (all the symptoms of anxiety) 3 months ago I had one of the worst panic attacks of my life, it felt like I was going insane and I was going to lose control and die…how ridiculous now looking back😂 my anxiety spiraled from then on and my biggest symptom was dpdr, for 2 months straight I didn’t feel like myself, I had this constant dreadful feeling of impending doom, I felt like I was constantly losing my mind, I stopped going out, I stopped eating, I was in a constant state of panic, I’d wake up and my mind was already racing, I’d go to sleep and my mind was already racing. all I wanted to do was lay in my bed and stay in my comfort zone. I constantly felt like i was dying, it was so mentally and physically draining. I started forcing myself to act normal again and do the things I’d usually do even though I didn’t mentally feel normal and didn’t want to, which was a struggle for me because nothing felt real and everything felt off and out of place. But eventually I started to feel a little better day by day. I started listening to Micheal a singer, he’s a great author and speaker, he speaks a lot on being mentally spiritual as well as releasing the burden of worries etc which really shifted my mindset and helped me so much with my anxiety and how I had trained my brain to be thinking at the time as I was in a constant state of flight or fight, I’m also Muslim hamdillah so I was looking for religious advice as well which helped a lot too! I’ve gotten so much better but I still have little anxious feelings and thoughts here and there which is completely normal, I’ve learnt to just not pay a lot of attention to them like I used to, giving those feelings and thoughts attention and making it out to be that there is some big issue that needs to be fixed immediately causes resistance to the emotions, that’s subconsciously signifying those little off feelings so now you subconsciously think that anytime you feel off or have negative/intrusive thoughts that they need to be fixed right away, truth is that no they don’t, you don’t need to react to them in a negative/panic way , that will just give u more uncomfortable feelings and thoughts because now your brain thinks it’s so important because everytime you get those feelings or thoughts you’re panicking and giving it a reaction.
Anyone who is reading this, you’re doing a good job and this won’t last forever ❤
Shaun have you posted this video before? i could swear i’ve seen this same video before
Nope, I can guarantee this is brand new 😊
Can i get the dp manual all products in hindi language
Yes, The DP Manual comes with a complete Hindi translation 😊
www.dpmanual.com/the-depersonalization-manual/
Hi shaun
I developed dp/dr 13yrs ago after mold exposure whilst cleaning my shower with no ventilation. Ever since ive been stuck with this what should i do
Do you think i have a biotoxic illness ive been researching and it says mold can cause a bunch on mental health issues including dp/dr.
Im stuggling so much with recognising my kids and memory loss please help with any tips ❤
Hey, thanks for your comment 😊 I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual.
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR 👍
Nice video!
Sadly it's my 4 Rotation with dp/dr, but it's my one fault because i tried weed again and had a panic Attack after that :)))
This time it's scarier because I got it without drug abuse but just with a panic attack. So i am thinking now I can get it random at Andy time and not because I smoke weed, that thought triggered the hell out of me! I am dealing with it 1 month now, but I am sure I will recover soon! I am currently looking for therapies to bury my dp/dr for good this time !
I am still going to work meet friends and inanely just meet my now new girlfriend in this situation.
I am just hoping I am back to normal soon
GL to you all fellas you all deserve and will be getting back your normal good life🙏🏽
I am only feel normal in morning but after and while at job I m angry 😮why this is !? I do construction work 6 days a week and after job I do walk around 8 kilometres but if I compare fast to present so I can say I m much better. But I hope I will do it completely ❤
Hi, thanks for your comment 😊 Remember that ultimately, DPDR is just a symptom of anxiety so when the symptoms vary, it's just your anxiety levels going up and down, and certain situations / environments can change them. I know it might seem difficult to believe but you actually have complete control over it 😊 Make sure to read through all the info and articles on my website, starting with this one: www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-definition-what-is-it/
I have extreme Benzodiazepine Withdrawal. I can't stand up, my head is numb, ears stuffed in, burning pain in ear, face, head. Can't take anything in, confused, thoughts blocked. Extreme Akathisia shaking like Parkinsons and screaming. Suicidal. Spinning, floppy body. In hell. I feel like I don't know if I'm dead or not. I'm not in body. Numb body. I can't see . Everything is weird. I need HELP!!!!!!!!
Are you feel better?
@@Bosanska19Ljepoticaare you
learned so much that i don’t get scared about it anymore i don’t panic about nothing just been excepting it and living my life.and i been feeling great but the only thing is its sometimes hard to sleep.but does this mean im going through recovery..any tips on sleep tho
Read this carefully, I think you'll find it useful 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/why-does-depersonalization-affect-sleep-and-dreams/
What if I feel like I can’t control the anxiety and stress. I’m struggling with it. I’m trying so hard.
Hi, thanks for your comment 😊 Remember that ultimately, DPDR is just a symptom of anxiety so when the symptoms vary, it's just your anxiety levels going up and down, and certain situations / environments can change them. I know it might seem difficult to believe but you actually have complete control over it 😊 Make sure to read through all the info and articles on my website, starting with this one: www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-definition-what-is-it/
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
@@Dpmanual so is it more the anxiety about the condition or just anxiety going to work triggers it? Because I’m always anxious before going to work or going into public even before the condition. On naturally an anxious person. So can I still recover?
Hello, I don't recognize myself in the mirror, I feel like I'm another person, my doctor told me it's just anxiety, however I'm afraid I have dissociative identity disorder or schizophrenia. Is it possible to recognize myself again and for this to be just the result of anxiety? As I mentioned before, in my entire life I have only been diagnosed with anxiety, not anything else.
Hi Jason, if your doctor assessed you and told you it's just anxiety, then it's safe to say that that's the case. Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/schizophrenia_cancer_depersonalization/
Its not dissociative identity disorder or schizophrenia. If it was, doctor would probably know it, and people around you too.. Schizophrenia is pretty obvious. About dissociative identity disorder, you would also recognize that probably or some close people around you. Having thoughts and fighring inside your head between those thoughts does not mean you have dissociative identity disorder, its common for people with anxiety/ dpdr. Im also fighting this problem for 10 months and feel kinda lost, but I sstudied about it so I can tell you 99% you dont really have any of those, just anxious and dpdr.
Hi there, I had this out of many symptom of DPDR, I was questioning who am I, could not recognise myself in the mirror. You need to remember that you are still YOU, however when you are anxious your brain is overwhelmed and more sensitive. You are also disconnected mentally from yourself. It is difficult, however try to accept it and distract yourself. It will fade away. Mine faded away in weeks, and now I can't even recall the sensation of it or the feeling I just remember that it was bad and unpleasant. And btw, I thought the same as you that it's maybe identity disorder or schizophrenia. Trust me, it's not and you will definitely recover. Just give your body and mind break and time to heal.
@@kimmilavi So you were cured by being distracted and losing your fear? or what else did you do, I would like your advice 🙌 thank you very much for your comment
@@jason34796 I left a long comment, it’s literally on the top, but if you have more questions about my experience after you read it let me know :)
What about if you just feel numb all the time? Like no emotions and blah?
Don’t worry, feelings like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
Hi Shaun, I have DPDR for almost 10 years now and I already did a different course which I found prior to your channel and now Im really scared that this one will also just get my hopes up for a normal life and then also don't work ...
Maybe that sounds really weird and dumb but I really feel like Im so distant from me and my surroundings that I can't even change my thoughts cause I don't even know what Im thinking the whole day, that is causing all of it ....
Hey, thanks for your comment 😊 I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual.
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR 👍
There are several courses out there and Shaun's is the only one I know that works 100%. Try it, stick to the rules Shaun mentions in the book and you will be 100% back to normal soon.
@@Dpmanual Thank you so much for your answer! It's really hard to see everything logically in these times. I´m excited your your content, just bought the manual and starting now 🦋!
@@IldikoCsamay Thank you for your input! I just downloaded it!!
@@nullachtfunfzehn280 Super, thank you for purchasing, I know you'll find The DP Manual to be extremely helpful! 😊
Hello guys, im sorry to say this but i want to know if anxiety can make you fear of the reality?
Im fear of what i am,who i am,where i am
And also the feeling of unfamiliarity can happen even though your vission is clear no brain fog but hard to remember or focus?
Also hard to understand what i read or what i hear, feels like there not absorbing in my brain,.
My feeling of everything is numb,time,day,weather, morning, evening,,.but my vission is clear no brain fog feels like im new to this world even though i know everything
Don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
@@Dpmanual thank you so much,God bless you bro
@@HardlocK-uo3qxAre you better?
Hey Sean, wouldn’t trying to focus and distract yourself from dp in turn make it worse? Since they say that trying to not feel anxiety or thoughts /dp actually in turn make it worse? I’m having trouble on this part.
Yes I have the same reaction to this rhetoric. I don't know why he thinks that is the way to recovery because it absolutely is not. True recovery is willful exposure to panic attacks repeatedly. The dpdr will not simply "fade away" when you "ignore" it.
Nope, that's why we talk about the idea of 'reengagement' in the video 😊 th-cam.com/video/gUsB_56IVPc/w-d-xo.html
i wish she talked more about how her adhd affected it :(
I have more on my TikTok about it and Instagram - therapy em!
i dont know if i can recover any more 😢
Don't worry, it doesn't matter what caused it, how long it’s lasted, or whether it’s been 24/7 or episodic, you can always switch DPDR off completely by stopping the anxiety that's causing it 😊 Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Interesting take on DPDR. I usually see it more as a "lack of" than as an "excess of"
Glad you found it interesting 😊
@@Dpmanual just discovered yesterday that many people who deal with DPDR call it Anhedonia. Maybe worth a video
Hi guys, Anyone experienced feelings of fixation or hyper focus on how your mouth and teeth feel And being aware of saliva and mouth movements and the positioning of the tongue at all times and feeling bizarre to it
Don’t worry, feelings of hyper-awareness like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
@@Dpmanual is it common to repeatedly get episodes of dp even tho I’ve got over it before you’d think after having it you would deal with it easier but doesn’t seem to be the case, thanks again
@@alan_smith3976 Remember that ultimately, DPDR is just a symptom of anxiety so when the symptoms vary, it's just your anxiety levels going up and down, and certain situations / environments can change them. I know it might seem difficult to believe but you actually have complete control over it 😊 Make sure to read through all the info and articles on my website, starting with this one: www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-definition-what-is-it/
@@Dpmanual thankyou !
@@alan_smith3976 Happy to help 😊
Is this the same guy who says if you can firget about it for 5’ mins you can forget about it forever ? Amazing
Is it normal to feel like you’re an observer out of your body ? Feeling like you’re high and you’re not actually living your life .
I’ve had this problem about 2 months ago and it went away after 10 days , it’s got back to me 2 weeks ago and worse than ever , I feel like I’m genuinely out of my body , It’s hard for me to do anything , I keep having weird thoughts like who am I and super hyperaware of my thoughts and myself . I can’t leave my bed or go outside from it ☹️ I feel like every day is worse
Don’t worry, feelings like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Can anyone tell me if it sounds like I have dpdr. No one will diagnose me with it. Even my therapist.
I had a lot of traumatic stuff happen leading up to it- but I woke up one more feeling completely out of it. The only way I can describe it is looking through a foggy window. I am so tired all day every day. I feel that feeling out of it every single day. All day long. It’s almost like a feeling of being h I g h.
Don’t worry, from what you've described that all sounds like a very typical case of DPDR to me. I know it can be frightening but remember that it's just your body and brain's natural response to stress and anxiety. It's not permanent and it can't hurt you 😊
If you're in any doubt take a look through the list of symptoms here and see if they sound familiar:
www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
www.dpmanual.com/about/depersonalization-symptoms-the-10-most-common/
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
I have to disagree with something said either you are an anxious person and have anxiety or you don’t . There is a way where you don’t get any of those what if thoughts and no self doubt but it takes extra work . Sure getting worried about a circumstance is fine but worrying about your self in those ways means we still need work. Regardless good job on your progress it gets even better than that. You can have a quiet and clear mind .
Can you open a little more
Dpdr: knowing I'm like this from it but not seeing that better after it
Do people really have that many thoughts I day . I feel like my mind is quiet most of the time after recovering from anxiety
1:13:14 This is the stage I'm at right now.
Don't worry, it doesn't matter what caused it, how long it’s lasted, or whether it’s been 24/7 or episodic, you can always switch DPDR off completely by stopping the anxiety that's causing it 😊 Read this carefully: www.dpmanual.com/articles/back-to-normal-after-depersonalization/
Did u recover i got mine from laced weed
It is also impossible for a human to feel the level of depression that dpdr gives
Can it feel like your getting traped in thought and getting irritated by it
Don’t worry, intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
I just want to be free of this already I don’t have any energy left
Hey, thanks for your comment. I know DPDR can be scary but just remember that it’s a natural reaction to stress and anxiety, and people experience it all the time. The National Institute on Mental Illness estimates that up to 75% of people experience at least one depersonalization / derealization episode in their lives. It's part of your brain's natural defence mechanism and usually it only lasts a few seconds or minutes at a time. It's only when it's focused on as a separate problem (feeling like you're going crazy / in a dream etc) that it can turn into a feedback loop with the anxiety that caused it in the first place. But no matter what caused it or how long you've had it, you can always switch it off completely by stopping that anxious feedback loop. Make sure to carefully read through all the articles and info on my website at www.dpmanual.com and my book The Depersonalization Manual.
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR 👍
I couldn’t work- layer in bed for months. I lost 3 years of my life.
I lost 2: www.dpmanual.com/about/my-depersonalization-story/
I hope you're feeling better these days ❤️
I think i lost my soul and happiness
Don’t worry, feelings like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating but they will fade away and stop as you recover 😊 www.dpmanual.com/about/do-i-have-depersonalization-disorder/
I'm sorry I don't want to he freaking anyone about but I just want to know if anyone feels the same as me.
Watching these videos when normally I'd feel assured instead I just think "how do I know everyone else is real how can I tell that they are real people what if I'm just In a simulation" I feel so alone someone please help me
Don’t worry, existential / intrusive thoughts like that are super common with DPDR. I know they can be frustrating and frightening but they are also temporary and harmless and will fade away and stop as your recovery continues 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/depersonalization-fears-and-anxious-thoughts/
And if you would like to speak to a medical professional please don't hesitate to do so. I would recommend finding an anxiety specialist if possible as they will likely be more familiar with DPDR.
Lol getting drunk feels 3x crazier with dp
Read this, I think you'll find it interesting 😊 www.dpmanual.com/articles/can-alcohol-cause-depersonalization/