[kyrikyri]

Hi Everyone,

I have experienced DPDR at least 3-4 times before and now again, it has reappeared two days ago following a prolonged period of anxiety and a flight (I have great fear of flying).

I thought I'd share my experience and thoughts so far if it helps.

The first two times I experienced DPDR was after panic attacks and was such a scary experience. Truth is, after 3-4 months it faded away by itself. The other times was during periods of very high anxiety when ti eventually faded away after 1-2 weeks. As many people say in this forum, once you stop thinking about it, it kind of magically goes away. Of course, we know very well how difficult this is in practice.

I would describe my case as mild. It's still scary don't get me wrong. I feel for all of you.

What is DPDR? In my own understanding (I have a background in Psychology) and in simple words, it is a defence mechanism your mind activates to protect you from high stress/anxiety. Believe me, it's as simple as this. It's a smart move from your brain... by dissociating you with external stimuli, it protects your physical and emotional being. In my opinion, the fact that my DPDR was so strong right after panic attacks, shows that there is some relationship between cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline) overflow. For me this is a key parameter.

And I ask... if your mind actually activates a mechanism to protect you from prolonged stress/anxiety, perhaps will disable it if you "convince" it you can manage your stress/anxiety. Could it work this way? I repeat, "convince" your mind that all is OK. You can manage by yourself now!

How I'm planning to do it then? I'll work both on a physical and mental/cognitive level.

Physical
I'm planning to flush out cortisol and adrenaline by exercising, drinking lots of water, eating as healthy as possible, absolutely avoid alcohol and caffeine or any other substances, stretch etc. This way I control the physical aspect of what I'm experiencing. Remember, everything we experience in life (even love!) is chemistry. So let's work on that chemistry as much as possible! And of course, where all the aforementioned is not enough, perhaps medication can help. This is about rebalancing our hormonal levels since in essence, cortisol and adrenaline won't go totally away. They are actually vital for many bodily functions. It's all about dropping their level and rebalancing/resetting our chemistry.

Cognitive
As much as everything is chemistry, cognitive patterns play an important role and that's where a different kind of work needs to happen. That's how you train your mind and "convince" it that you are now ready to manage stress/anxiety by yourself and without DPDR. How? Well, therapy for a start (CBT in my case) and meditation. This includes working on traumas, thinking patterns, etc. Also, be positive and keep smiling as much as possible.
Let's release those dopamines and serotonins (anti-cortisol) as much as possible (physical + cognitive impact). I realise that music also helps me a lot by the way, especially when it comes to songs I know very well and can sing along. This way my mind doesn't trip too much, analysing the lyrics, and overthinking. I suggest music with lyrics.

That's all from my side. Would be very happy to discuss and learn from you.
We can do it! I know that some of you may have tried this without success. This cannot stop us from trying.

Let's f------ do it!

 

[kyrikyri]

one question. how can you speak for people who have this for decades, while you did have it only for 3-4 months?

Hi there,
I speak for my self and explain that my case is mild. I want to motivate people (including my self) and explain how this can be approached both physically and cognitively. It has worked for me in the past it's what I say. I feel for everyone and wish I could help. If one single person gets help from my post then I'm happy. I understand the struggle as I'm struggling myself too at the moment. I wish nothing but the best to all sufferers, short-term and long-term.

 

[kyrikyri]

Thanks to everyone for your replies.

Surely there are various degrees of severity out there.
My approach has always been positivity with physical and cognitive optimization. I wanted to share my story with people out there and to help as many as possible. I have relapses from time to time but I've learned by now how to manage it.
I remember while experiencing DPDR for the first time (lowest point of my life!), I read an interesting advice somewhere about embracing the condition: "It's like being drunk or high without spending a penny if you think about it." Somehow this funny approach helped me in the darkest hour.
Of course, scientific evidence is beyond what I tell you. But I'll keep saying it again and again. You can do it. Identify the source of the problem with a therapist, work hard on it, optimise your body and mind, take pills if you have to but don't rely on them solely. Medication can be an excellent booster if nothing else works, but it's there only to propell you and give you that extra push in my honest opinion. I've taken pills, both anti-depressant and anti-psychotics. You know what? They made me number than I was, their side effects were insufferable. It was after I stopped them that my mind could finally think and my heart could finally feel.
This story is mine people. But the fight is our fight.
We simply cannot give up! It's one life guys!

 

[kyrikyri]

Never interrupt or stop your medication without your doctor's approval!!! Always inform and follow professional advice when it comes to that.