[squish_is_me]

I was doing a search on the net and stumbled into another msg board that told me I was experiencing depersonalization and then I did another search and found this place! Hello all!
All I know about this is the explanaition of it given on this site. Can anyone tell me:
What triggers this?
Why it happens?
Does it last forever?
Should I see a doc?
Do meds help?
Are there coping methods?
Is there anything I can do to lessen the frequency with which I have these attacks or the severity of them?

Really any info is appriciated! I only have comp access at work and not enough time to continue search.

 

[Milan]

If the anxiety is really bad see a doctor/psych.
Read Janine Bakers overview on this stuff and many of her threads.
Keep posting

 

[SillyPutty]

There you go again lookin' like ya always do.

READ "Unraveling" by Janine Baker ASAP.

 

[Monkeydust]

It would take a book to fully answer all those questions - which is probably why many have recommended you one - but I'll attempt to answer a few points quickly just to ease your mind.

Does it last forever?

No.

Technically it can, but realistically it shouldn't have to, especially if you want to recover and haven't been suffering too long.

Do meds help?

Usually yes, but they're not essential for recovery.

Should I see a doc?

If you feel it'll help, yes.

I wouldn't be so concerned about getting some "formal diagnosis" as I would be about getting some therapy to help try and solve the underlying issues.

Is there anything I can do to lessen the frequency with which I have these attacks or the severity of them?

In terms of severity and duration (frequency's a more lengthy answer), your best bet is to try and carry on as "normal" as you can, to "focus outward", to try not to overthink and over-worry and, if all else fails, take a valium or two .

 

[Shadow Cat]

I was doing a search on the net and stumbled into another msg board that told me I was experiencing depersonalization and then I did another search and found this place! Hello all!
All I know about this is the explanaition of it given on this site. Can anyone tell me:
What triggers this?
Why it happens?
Does it last forever?
Should I see a doc?
Do meds help?
Are there coping methods?
Is there anything I can do to lessen the frequency with which I have these attacks or the severity of them?

Really any info is appriciated! I only have comp access at work and not enough time to continue search.

Triggers are usually completely different for other people. Sometimes lights and certain situations trigger it. For me, thinking about it triggers it. Most people agree that it is a coping mechanism, but no one is really sure why it happens. For some people it lasts for a while, but plenty of people have completely recovered. For your other questions, you should try to go to a psychologist or a psychiatrist. It will probably help a lot.