[luluinthefog]

I have had severe derealization and anxiety for 3 years. Derealization for 3 years before that. I have been to the hospital many times, I have been to see at least 8 different psychiatrists, several regular therapists, a CBT therapist an EDMR therapist. I've been on 20 different medications. I've had every medical test done including an EEG. Nothing has helped. Nothing. There was a time for about 5 months a few years ago where it started to get a little better and I was able to hold a job. I have no idea what changed. Then it just got worse again. Now I can barely leave the couch in my living room. I feel sick all the time. Im on lexapro, xanax, buspar, now my psychiatrist just put me on something else i cant remember the name of. None of it is helping except for the xanax which might help for about an hour or if Im lucky just knock me out for the day. When I tell my psychiatrist that Im not getting better he cant believe it. It makes me feel like a medical anomally or like theres something deeply deeply wrong with me that no one will ever be able to fix. At this point Im just waiting to die. Is there anything I can do? Do I just have to live like this? I know this is the world's most angsty post but believe it or not before all of this I was a really happu, optimistic person. Now I rarely feel anything but this gross feeling of darkness fogginess and fear. Can anybody help me?

 

[Tyree225]

Have you tried supplements yet?

 

[luluinthefog]

I went to the psychiatrist to try to get OFF meds and he just ended up putting me on more. I dont want to rely on xanax but I also dont want to have massive panic attacks lol when I get off I will taper. I take a multivitamin. What other supplements help?

 

[Chip1021]

Yeah, most psychiatrists will just keep putting you on meds, probably for life (though there are a few out there who will help you ween off if you need it). I would recommend finding help with tapering off some or all the meds, or at least go at your own pace, while being very adamant about new symptoms that may pop up.

Other supplements that might help would be a B-complex or at least B12 and Magnesium.

Can you tell us as specifically as possible what symptoms you are feeling at the moment?

 

[luluinthefog]

A foggy feeling in my head, strange almost psychedelic feelings especially when I'm outside. Reality is distorted. Lots of fear. Fear of dying, going crazy or being stuck like this forever. Lightheadedness. I feel irritable and also kind of like I'm moving through thick mud. Sadness and despair.

 

[Chip1021]

Yeah. I think many of us can relate to those symptoms. Unfortunately I haven't found anything that works yet, but others have. Check out the recovery section. There's one very long thread in there on supplements that might be worth checking out specifically.

 

[Saschasascha]

Hey, luluinthefog

Do you take Vitamin D? Cold showers and hot baths are also always a great add-on.

What do you think triggered the derealization for you?

Lots of love and strength from Germany

 

[luluinthefog]

I got it from smoking a lot of weed when I was 16-17. Really wish I hadn't. But I figure I would've ended up with it one way or another because I have had a bit of anxiety my whole life. I'll try taking vitamin d, i'm certain I don't get enough sunlight. Thanks for the love and advice everybody, I really really appreciate it. I'll keep look out for your posts too.

 

[Xerei]

A hobby can be extremely helpful. There's nothing like losing yourself in a hobby...feels good..make sure it's a productive one though; cause let's face it: watching TV 8 hours a day isn't very helpful.

Certain meds can cause your situation to be worse...be VERY careful with medicine.

You mentioned smoking weed in a post above; I'm not sure what you smoked, or if you smoke now, but if you do smoke now, stick to strains high in CBD, which can give a very "grounded" feeling.

It's also very important to relax...I know that's hard with DP/DR...no, not only hard..extremely hard actually! Do realize this: You're only scared because of DP/DR. You're completely sane, not losing your mind or losing touch at all, but there's so much fuckin stress in your head, man, and DP just has to defend you against that shit. I know...it seems weird as fuck: DP protecting you...yet giving anxiety. You'll eventually learn not to fear, and it'll get much better from there...it'll only get better, man, believe me!