[Guest]

In addition to the common symptoms of dp/dr, such as the 2-d cartoonesque appearance of the world, seeing colored spots and "floaters" a lot of the time, etc., I've also had a very harrowing experience during one of my dp/dr episodes and I was wondering if anyone else has experienced it:

I would be bedridden for days, crying like a little child (which I never did as a child, for some reason) because I could feel myself dissolving atom by atom into a cold, excruciating void of nothing as my inner demons compel me to think of nothing other than my own non-existence.

Any thoughts? Comments? Concerns? ...hatemail?

 

[kchendrix]

I don't exactly know how to comfort you, but it sounds like you are deeply depressed, and I know it is easier said then done, but try , try with all your might to get out of the bed when you get that way, and try to do something else. Again easier said then done. BUt I am finding the more close to normal things you can do the more you feel like doing them. Try not to waste yourself in Bed Crying, Crying can be good I think but find something anything to do but lay in the bed... If you are totally bed ridden and can't find it within yourself to get up , call your Doc and get some help with that. You will be amazed at how strong you are, how much you can help yourself by getting out of the bed and trying to do somthing. Even if it is a paint by numbers kit,, or get your camera out and go take some pictures. I know it sounds stupid but if you can find distraction in somethings you might be able to start putting a string together...

I wish you well

 

[mcsiegs]

I couldn't have put it any better than KCHENDRIX. His advice was sound and caring.

Here's wishing you well.

 

[Universal]

mr. hendrix hit it right on the head. the best thing to fight DP.DR is an attitude of hope. in other words, be considerate of your condition and don't give up on yourself. remember, you are still a valuable human being even though you are going through a very hard time right now. the key is to begin to have fun in life again, doesn't matter how, or what you do as long as it gives you some good vibes.

 

[Guest]

During my worst episode which lasted a month or two, I would sit in my living room under a blanket totally terrified of living and yet equally terrified of diying. I remember during this period i treid to go to thanks giving dinner with my family, but thought i was going blind so i ended up spending the whole evening in the other room crying. I don't know if anything can really help when your that deep in, but i did anything to take my mind of my problems. I made people play board games with me and i was too crazy to go to school so i'd follow my mom around and go grocery shopping with her and annoy her to death. Actually what helped the best was the valium my doctor prescribed me.

 

[Dreamland]

What you need to do is join a walking, or running group, or join a gym with some friends. I'm a big advocate for physical activity as a way for dealing with DP and depression symptoms, and to make you feel real again. It's going to be tough a first because everytime you get up to enage in some activity all of the symptoms and anxiety will creep into your mind again, prompting you to stay in bed or on the couch. But you need to keep in mind that it's an active form conditioning yourself, physically and mentally. Similar to a musician attempting to play a difficult music score, a gymnast practicing a routine, or learing a new language. You changing your way of thinking and getting out of bed is equal to learning a new skill. Set a short term goal for yourself so that you can measure your progress. You are not going to think your horrible thoughts away, but you need to engage in positive that requires moving around, getting up, out of the house, etc. I'm not implying that this will cure your condition, but it will make your symptoms easier to deal with. Shift this obsessive destructive thinking pattern into another more productive obsession.

 

[orangeaid]

I know working out or somethign is difficult while you are feeling in your state. Working out really helps a lot, I go swimming a lot and do laps, the water sensation makes my body feel very cool and relaxed, swimming is almost like a brake from my worries.

If your not on medication I would strongly reccomend it. I know many people feel that the best medication is no medication but I must say that all my experiences with anxiety and depression I have found great relief. I used to get some strong anxiety/depression and the first time I got it I was so scared I could not leave the house, go out with my friends, school, anything period. I was put on zoloft in a few weeks I felt GREAT. I know drugs do not work for everyone, but if you are up for it give it a chance.

Btw there are so many different drugs out there Antt-depressents that work on many differnt levels, each one is complex and different. When I feel scared or down I think of how much we have advanced in technnology and in the health care feild, espcially mental health. THink about 15-20 years ago we really did not have much for mental health, as of lately it is flurishing into a great business. BELIEVE ME DRUGS ARE BEING MADE TO CURE MENTAL ILLNESSES, big companies see BIG MONEY to be made, so trust me everyone is trying to put out a stronger more effective drug with fewer side effects. Maybe in the near future we can have a substance medication that helps much with dp/dr.

Best wishes,

orangeaid