Many people have experienced feeling detached from themselves at some point in life. This is more common when you are exhausted or have experienced a very stressful event, such as a physical assault or losing a loved one. But when this feeling of detachment becomes chronic, you may have a condition known as depersonalization or derealization disorder. It is more common in people who have experienced trauma or misuse certain drugs. If you know someone experiencing depersonalization and addiction, encourage them to check out their local addiction therapy programs.
At My 5 Palms, we know that depersonalization can be a scary experience, especially the first time it happens. With the help of our addiction therapy and dual diagnosis treatment, you can start to feel more present and grounded. Call us at 1.844.675.1022 to schedule an intake assessment so we can discuss your symptoms and whether you may have depersonalization disorder.
What Is Depersonalization Disorder?
Depersonalization disorder is a mental health condition that can cause people to feel detached from themselves and the outside world. It is sometimes described as feeling like you are watching yourself from above or in a dream. For some people, this can be a disturbing experience, primarily if it occurs suddenly or without warning.
Depersonalization disorder can be challenging to describe, but it may involve the following:
- Feeling like you are watching yourself in a movie
- Feeling you are floating from up high and looking down on yourself from above
- Not feeling real or alive
- Feeling like you are a robot
- Feeling as though your thoughts and actions are not yours
Some people with this condition compare the feeling of depersonalization to being in a lucid dream. Your mind separates from your body and witnesses all of your experiences from outside yourself.
Symptoms of Depersonalization Disorder
The symptoms of depersonalization disorder can range from mild to severe, which may include:
- Numbness – Feeling disconnected from your body
- Weakness – Muscle weakness and fatigue that can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities like walking or climbing stairs
- Difficulty concentrating – Unable to focus on tasks at work or school
- Confusion – Dull or foggy thoughts
- Memory loss – Difficulty recalling conversations or events that happened during detachment episodes
As you can imagine, depersonalization disorder symptoms can interfere with your daily life, making it hard to function at work or school. And since this condition is relatively uncommon, finding others who can relate may be difficult.
How Are Depersonalization and Addiction Related?
Deep personalization is a symptom of many mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Stressors like trauma or abuse can also trigger it. For this reason, people with depersonalization disorder may be more likely to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
Symptoms of depersonalization can be scary and confusing, especially if you do not understand why they are happening. You might feel like you are going crazy but do not seek help because you fear what others will think. Or you may be scared to discover you have a severe mental health condition. But your symptoms can worsen if you do not get proper treatment for depersonalization disorder. Numbing yourself with substances only increases your risk of addiction, which can exacerbate depersonalization symptoms.
Derealization and addiction are also closely related because certain substances can actually trigger depersonalization. This is often found with marijuana, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, and ecstasy.
Find Help for Derealization and Addiction in Florida at My 5 Palms
Derealization and depersonalization can deplete your life of joy. These disorders make it challenging to be fully present with your loved ones, weakening your relationships. You can find the resources to overcome depersonalization and addiction at My 5 Palms. Contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more about how we can help.
