Interesting question, but very difficult for me to answer.
1. When I had DP/DR as a young girl I was terrified of disappearing, or being "just a thought". I was anxious, probably all of the time. I was afraid and lonely. I was terrified "people would find out", and I did a helluva lot of "faking it".
When a horrible WAVE of DP hit, I'd be either terrified -- make that horrified.
2. Now older, maybe burnt out, with this damn thing being chronic, the anxiety and DP/DR don't always work together. Sometimes I'm anxious, sometimes not. Right now I'm my "normal" DP/DR. I don't feel anxious. Not at all. I'm tired, and I don't feel like doing anything.
3. Now if I had to go to work tomorrow, I'd be in a panic NOW, and my DP/DR would start increasing to unbearable levels. I would not be able to sleep in anticipation of how bad I know I feel at work ... being "scrutinized".. which is ridiculous I know ... I would wake up DP/DR to the hilt. Terrified.
Unfortunately, in my little isolated world, I'm "safe". If I have things I need to do for myself, fine. I can get together with people, but it has to be LOW key. I like to know the person understands... and I know such people, some with DP some not. Some who've had it or other problems.
I don't know why I'm rambling about this. I checked I have the worst fear during "panic attacks" but I really don't have panic attacks. I have severe anticipatory anxiety that has reinforced itself over the years. I have tried and tried and tried and I can't kick it.
The effect of the DP is one thing, then the things that effect the DP are another. The vicious circle.
But at this moment, I'm DP/DR, it's "OK", I'm not afraid of it, and I'm not anxious, but I'm not happy in the least. I have plans for the coming weeks, I'm trying to get out more, but I no longer have high expectations.
I have worked in all sorts of jobs, been to all sorts of parties, been in terrible situations, and have made it through, sometimes anxious, sometimes very DP/DR, but never feeling good, and feeling any sense of accomplishment other than I made it through another day without disappearing.
But I'm still here.
Go figure.
Best,
D