I have wanted to write lately about my recovery but haven't had the time to do so. Now that I can say I am fully recovered, I would like to share my story and how I was able to put DPDR behind me and actually benefit from it, in a way or another. This will be a bit long .
I first experienced DPDR in June 2016 so almost 2 years ago and it was a result of numerous lifestyle changes. At that time I started a new job, I moved to a new city and everything was just overwhelming at a point. In addition to that, I started smoking weed frequently and drinking alcohol. It happened all of a sudden but I am sure it was accumulated effects.
I was talking to my flatmate after work like every day, discussing life as usual, and suddenly I felt like I was watching a movie. It felt so weird as if I am stuck inside a body that isn't mine. I felt a killer headache and told my flatmate that I am going to bed and I am not feeling well. Honestly, I have never felt anything like this before. I thought that maybe the following day I will feel better and sleep will cure all of this. I remember not being able to sleep well and when I woke up the feeling hadn't gone away. It was still there and it was scary because you feel like you are detached from everything and everyone around you. Like everyone else I googled the symptoms and was 100% sure it was DPDR but went to a therapist anyway to see what he has to say and he confirmed it. This feeling went on for 1 year with the same intensity and I thought i would never get out. I refused to take any medication because I believed this was solely in my head and if stress and bad life style habits brought this, then for sure there is a way out with changing the lifestyle and most importantly the mind-set.
So here is what I believe is relevant to getting better:
1) After a while I started changing my lifestyle. I wanted to get better and I was willing to do anything to get there. I started by getting to know if my body was ok and if there is anything missing; I got my vitamins checked and minerals as well and saw that vitamin D3 was low (about 18 ng/mL) and found out that is associated to anxiety and depression and so I started taking about 4000 IU a day and it did boost my energy levels and mood.
2)I have always played sports and been active but at that time period I have moved to a colder country and it made it hard for me to go out and walk, jog or hike so I became really lazy and that contributed a lot to DPDR as it made me stay indoors for days and just watch movies or series or read. I am not saying it's bad but moderation is key. I started going to the gym and increased my activity level noticeably and this also contributed to a huge enhancement in my condition.
3) In addition to that, I made sure to socialize more and go out even though I didn't want to and it did feel hard to do so. I also opened up to a couple of my close friends and told them my situation and it helped so much having someone you can say what goes on your mind to.
4) I was feeling dehydrated and fatigued most of the time so I started drinking more water and eating healthier than usual which enhanced my skin and my energy levels and it really changed everything dramatically.
It was a tough journey for me as I am sure it is to you, It changed me drastically and even when I am fully recovered I can say I am not the same person I used to be 2 years ago. I am a better version of me now as I have gotten to know myself more and love myself more than I have ever imagined. My horizons have expanded throughout this journey, I have to understand myself, people, opportunities and fun more. This bad experience with DPDR enabled me to improve all aspects in my life and honestly I would never want to be the person I was 2 years ago. I am exactly who I want to be.
DPDR is a symptom; it is not the problem itself. It's a symptom that you are not living life the way you should be and I believe that it's God, a higher power or whatever you wanna call it giving you a chance to redirect your life and start living according to what suits you and your mental and physical health. Do more of what you love, be surrounded by people you actually enjoy and not someone that drains your energy, be more active and exploit the day and your opportunities. Life is meant to be lived and we will find that exactly outside of our comfort zone.
Let go of any expectations, don't overthink DPDR , don't read negative stories only read the positive ones, give it time and just be busy with life and you will wake up one day and think : I am more than ok. J