[jft]

Hello. I have read a few posts lately referencing that many on this board have rid themselves of dp/dr or at least apparantly had it wane significantly. I go to the regaining reality section and don't see anything overwhelming there supporting this (maybe I was not too attentive while reading, correct me if so). I read Simeon's overview which states that dp/dr is extremely treatment resistant, that the disorder is not really understood, and that research is needed big time. I see in Janines book that very intense and long term psychoanalytical therapy seems to have the best prognosis, right? (something that few of us could ever afford).

What am I missing? Have a mess of you people really gotten over this? Why can't the rest of us do the same if this is the case? I know all people are unique and some work harder and have more insight than others, but what I need convincing on is the referenced fact that some of you peeps are indeed free and clear of this. I am a bit confused by my experience, what I read in journals and then what I see on this board. Just trying to put it all together. Thanks.
jft

 

[Guest]

Hi Jft

Yes, I can say that I am one of the recovered ones. I have not written no detailed recovery plan as such as for me its still early days, its still to new for me this normal existence. Also, once you do get better you honestly don't want to recall the horror days you try & blank them completely from your mind but when you do have a stressful day & get anxious your mind does wander & being the obsessive that I am I do get stuck in the thought pattern of oh my god what if it comes back!

So to put it as short & sweet as possible. You can get better if you can escape the ramblings of your mind & focus outward. If you stop analysing everything & start feeling, smelling & seeing reality moment by moment you can live your life as a normal happy person.

I have had anxiety, depression, obsessions for 3 years & the last year was when I got depersonalisation & derealisation. That was the worse year, the most horrifying. I went to the doctor & then when to a psych who gave me pills & told me plainly that I had all of the above & that I need to just learn to breathe properly, let the thoughts go & accpet that I would get better but when I get stressed it would come back but to be strong enough to let it pass & not get caught up in the mind games. He said I would possibly experience this 2 to 3 times a year & require no pills just relaxation. This is how my body & mind react to stress.

I have been off my pills for 6 weeks and have had no problems only till this week as I have had a build up of stress. I am experiencing feelings of anxiety, tiredness, shortness of breath & sensations of dp throughout the day. It is nothing that is sticking & all I am doing is getting more rest, telling myself it will pass & focusing outward.

I have done nothing different all along. I think its just plain persistence of just turning yourself outwards.

I will tell you that since I have been so well for 7 months & have only had this hiccup this week I am scared, I do have moments where I do talk bad to myself & let myself get more scared but I just have to keep reminding myself that it is just a horrible sensation brought on by stress & there is no boogie man lurking around the corner.

I hope I and all of you continue to get better and one day be rid of this horrible illness.

 

[jft]

Thanks Charger. Sounds like you found something good. When comfortable I hope you can detail a story. I am happier than a pig in shit for you, really am. I would give my right nut to be you.

How bout some more stories? Janine is one, I read the book. If I recovered I would be here every day to spread the word and help. The Regaining Reality section does not do it for my query. I sure would like to hear some more like Charger here.
jft
jft

 

[Guest]

Am I the only one that can't imagine not having something like this? Or at least, seeing the world in the way I imagine 'normal' people do? (I really apologies for the phrase - perhaps 'norms' would be better as it portrays them like automatons) :lol:

It's a confusing area for me - so I do apologise for rambling. But it feels like I have had something like this my whole life. Maybe not DP, but an awareness of self...and actually while my mind was turning over writing that I just had the phrase "feeling detached" pop into my head but that may be because for as long as I can remember I've never had a high self esteem...I've never considered myself 'worthy'.

Dammit, I'm off again. I'll stop there - sorry guys.

 

[Martinelv]

But it feels like I have had something like this my whole life.

Yes, I know - it's feels all consuming doesn't it. Part of the problem is that this illness prevents you remember what the 'real world' was like. But it's not, and you never really forget.

I too am a DR/DP recoveree, twice ! My recovery mirrors Charger's...the absolute neccessity to try and continue your life as you did before, occupy yourself. The irony is that DR/DP makes you want to curl up under the covers on 100mg of Diazepam and hope that it will all go away, but much like other things in life, recovery is a slog. As I've said before, it's got nothing to do with willpower, it's a simple choice. A life of unrelenting Misery, or happyness ?

Although it may not seem like it to you now, reality is out there, trust me. And once you have recovered, and you will, DR/DP won't neccessarily return at the slightest problem in your life. I've had just about as much shit in my life in the past two years, and while I've been pissed off and anxious, the dreaded DR never returned (as I expected it would.) It's not a life sentence.

 

[Guest]

But it feels like I have had something like this my whole life.

Yes, I know - it's feels all consuming doesn't it. Part of the problem is that this illness prevents you remember what the 'real world' was like. But it's not, and you never really forget.

I too am a DR/DP recoveree, twice ! My recovery mirrors Charger's...the absolute neccessity to try and continue your life as you did before, occupy yourself. The irony is that DR/DP makes you want to curl up under the covers on 100mg of Diazepam and hope that it will all go away, but much like other things in life, recovery is a slog. As I've said before, it's got nothing to do with willpower, it's a simple choice. A life of unrelenting Misery, or happyness ?

Although it may not seem like it to you now, reality is out there, trust me. And once you have recovered, and you will, DR/DP won't neccessarily return at the slightest problem in your life. I've had just about as much sh*t in my life in the past two years, and while I've been pissed off and anxious, the dreaded DR never returned (as I expected it would.) It's not a life sentence.

Thanks mate

I did mention that yesterday to my counceller - Once you are recovered does your memory recover? What I mean is, in my memories I feel DP/DR...but is this just my symptoms contaminating my memories, if you get me? And more importantly, does it clear up?!

 

[Martinelv]

Luckily for me, I didn't have any memory problems when I had DR. I never really had much DP either, just the awfull 'unreality' feeling that you get with DR, and the panic and anxiety. I didn't have any emotional blunting either, so I can't really answer that one I'm afraid. I'm sure your memories will return though...it's not permanent brain damage.

 

[Guest]

it's not permanent brain damage.

Good point Although sometimes it really feels like it!!

 

[Guest]

I never really had much DP either, just the awfull 'unreality' feeling that you get with DR

My first experience with this was over 3 years ago and after that much time I am still unsure of what the difference is between DP and DR

 

[Guest]

To answer a few questions. I will write something now to appease you but its not all pretty!

I had the memory problems real bad, its just your mind playing tricks on you. It will return to normal & your mind will stop working in that analysing way it will just get on with the job & you'll stop trying to test it out seeing if you can remember what you had for breakfast yesterday!

I know it sounds impossible to go from hell to normal but you can. You aren't brain damaged your nervous system has just taken a beating that is all. You will recover, long & hard as it is, you will get back to a state of normality.