To worry about why I feel constantly dazed and like I'm in a dream?

[Shya]

I frequently feel like I'm dazed and in a dream, I'm aware of what's happening but there's like a fog over it all. It feels like when your eyes unfocus and you can feel that they are unfocussed but it's more comfortable to stare off into the distance so you just stay that way for a little while.

I can snap myself out of it but I just worry/wonder why it seems my default state is to have my eyes kind of glazed over and be a few steps back from the world. I have quite a poor memory of little details like the name of a new film I watched or the name of a certain celebrity as it feels like I'm not really engaged with all the little details enough to remember them.

My work is requires a lot of focus and thought so I know I'm capable of being switched on and I don't doubt my memory/cognitive abilities in that regard.

I noticed it as being a problem when outside my work there is a busy road and I deliberately slow my walking down or speed up so I can cross it with someone else next to me, relying more on their judgement than my own for when it's safe to cross. Writing that down sounds really bad... I am capable of crossing a road but it's like I'm in a comfy fog I don't want to get out of so I take the easy/lazy way.

It's not a new problem, I just think with lockdown and being more at home I didn't really notice it much. I was always the school girl in the back of the classroom daydreaming out the window.

Disasociation. Yoga is great for this.

OP talk to a professional. It sounds dibilitatating. I've been there and tbh I often still am. I guess many ppl are like it but when you think you're relaxing or trying to it's like you've gone into sleep mode. Because you're actually not relaxing if that makes any sense?
Oh yes.
It was overdoing it in my case.
Take time for yourself. Not anything else. For yourself.

I get this and haven't been able to put my finger on what's causing it. It's not b12 deficiency as I have frequent injections. I have had my eyes tested and they are perfectly fine.
Like you I have an intense job where I have to read and retain lots of info - I'm generally very organised but when I'm having an 'episode' I have to write everything down. When it's happening I find blue light reduction glasses can help a bit so don't know if it's a mixture of tiredness, eye strain and something else

I'm a vegetarian and have a pretty rubbish diet so I'm wondering if it is related to that.

I do get enough sleep though so it's not tiredness.

I think it could be psychological as it tends to happen mostly in places where I feel a bit overwhelmed (busy restaurants, the busy road outside my office), I've also noticed it happening when spending time with certain people who I find stressful.

I did have a pretty difficult childhood, my Dad was very unpredictable and emotionally unstable and had a bad temper (he never hurt us, but would shout and smash things up) and it feels like this foggy feeling is somehow protective, like it just takes the edge off of life.

It's interesting that Autism was brought up as I have siblings and cousins with Autism, so it definitely runs in my family. I have done research into the female presentation of Autism but it doesn't fully resonate with me, I don't think I have that.

@YNK

Are you anaemic for any reason? Get a blood test for B12, folate, ferritin, fbc and thyroid. Make sure you have a CO2 monitor.

This, OP. Before thinking of any psychiatric problems, go and have a basic blood test. I had very similar experience when severely anaemic - and there wasn't even any objective reason as to why I would be anaemic, it was a complete surprise to me. I guess it just sometimes happens, especially to women.

Get yourself checked for hypothyroidism

I get this, have done since was a DC, I have a MH issue, get easily overwhelmed with sensory ‘inputs’.

Use up a lot of energy / focus doing my (ordinary office!) job.

Worse when tired/hungry/stressed.

If it happens around certain people/groups, I avoid those people! As it’s a sign I don’t enjoy their company.

Agreeing with those saying to start with a blood test. My cognitive ability was hugely affected by a B12 deficiency.

The way you describe it as feeling “protective” makes it seem very much like dissociation to me. I suffered this to extremes when my PTSD was at its worst but I still get a bit foggy and absent when I’m stressed out now. It might be worth seeking some therapy if you’re able to, to process a bit of your childhood and try to find other coping strategies.

Have you ever had migraines? I feel a little bit like this sometimes and I think it is linked to migraines I sometimes get.

As others have said, it could be related to trauma. I had this in the immediate years after my baby died. 💐 for you and hope you find some answers.