[StaciMarie333]

I just returned from a 5 day vacation (first time on a cruise) and my DR is worse. I know the first few nights I had a terrible time with sleeping, waking up several times in the night and having nightmares. I almost felt psychotic from the anxiety and delusional feelings I was having at night. I am assuming being in such a drastically different environment put a lot of stress on me (easy to do).

I've had a few very stressful events happen this year that caused it to get a little worse each time, and this is the worst it's ever been. I'm not sure it has ever gotten better in the 14 years I've had it, only worse. I used to believe mine was not anxiety related since I have been in very deep states of relaxation with it still present, but now I am not so sure. I am beginning cognitive therapy soon with my therapist so I am hoping that will help. I have been on SSRIs in the past that got rid of the anxiety/panic attacks but DR was still fully present. Didn't develop panic attacks until 2 years after DR onset.

Sorry for all the weird rambling but I am just hoping to hear something that may help. Meditation relaxes me but does not make the DR go away. I think I would have to meditate all day every day and quit my job to be stress free. Help? :sad:

 

[Wingman]

I think that even with "deep states" of relaxation, you can still experience DPDR... The problem is the underlying stress, anxiety, or depression that is causing your brain to naturally try to escape reality. I am no expert on the subject, just a guy that has been living with DPDR for awhile and my comments only come from experience. In your case especially, I can see how leaving on vacation could cause an elevation in anxiety which in turn lead to an increase in the DPDR symptoms. But, from everything that I have read, you are doing the RIGHT thing. Getting out of your comfort zone will probably actually help you in the long run and leaving for vacation is essentially kicking DPDR in the a$$ by pretty much telling the sickness "screw you, I am going to go and do my thing with or without you". Eventually, that feeling will go away as your brain gets used to it. if it comforts you at all.. DPDR isn't dangerous, just scary as hell. The CBT should help, but the first step is just accepting you have it and try not to battle it. Just live your life as if it wasn't there.. Kind of the fake it till you make it technique Hang in there! Everything is going to be okay!