[lost235]

Does anyone have any good tips to feel more like yourself again? I've been experiencing so much more DP than usual, and it's so so so claustrophobic. Because I still have a lot of derealisation, it's super scary when everything else + me feels unreal. I realise that I'm not the only one experiencing this, so does anyone have any advice? I'm scared of looking in the mirror because I can't connect my mind to the body. Also in general just feeling like my thoughts aren't my own, I feel nothing like myself.

I guess I'm just asking for advice to control it a little bit more. I've tried to "accept it", but it's harder with DP because I really am stuck in my head. It's difficult to calm yourself down when you don't really know what it is you're trying to calm down I guess. Does anyone know anything that would help?

 

[bluewine]

I find that TRE exercises really help ground me. I've only done them twice, so I'm no expert, but each time I've managed to get the closest to feeling 'reality' again. E.g. I've been running every day for the past month, feeling completely disconnected from myself and the environment. I ran the day after doing the TRE exercises and felt the heat on my body from running, the burning in my legs and also the music made me feel motivated and happy. I could go to the supermarket without it feeling like a total dream. I didn't feel 100% like my old self, but I felt better. I could hear my inner monologue which reminded me I am actually still the same person. Also, when I'm in this state I find it a lot easier to move my focus onto something else because my symptoms are reduced.. and as everyone on this forum who has recovered says distraction is key.. two birds and all.

Here's the link to the video I used:

EMDR therapy can be pretty effective too, I've heard. Not sure what the situation is during COVID though, pretty sure that's got to be an in person thing.

^ Probably should mention that the onset of my DPDR was stress/anxiety (panic attack) so these things are helpful for built up trauma and anxiety. Not sure about drug-induced DPDR.

I currently have talk therapy (CBT) once a week too which helps rationalise the bad thoughts. I barely pay my existential thoughts any attention now. The only one that sticks around is the persistent thought that I'll never recover. However, when I read recovery stories, it seems that everyone has thought that particular thought.

L-Theanine or green tea to calm the anxiety if you have it.

5-HTP I've heard is pretty good too but not to be taken with any SSRIs etc.

Magnesium and Vitamin D.

Acceptance is really hard when you're getting no relief. So try those things. If the TRE works, somatic therapy may be the way to go!