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Derealisation

9 replies

Everestisthebest · 09/03/2025 21:46

I think I am experiencing derealisation. I've never realised or had a name for what it was but a relative of mine passed away on Friday and I am feeling extremely out of sorts today. Yesterday I was crying a lot and today everything feels really strange. Not like anxiety but just a weird, detached feeling.. any tips for this?

OP posts:
Hemlocked · 09/03/2025 22:01

Sorry to hear of your loss. Try and get into your senses as much as possible. Touch, smell, taste, listen.. do things that comfort or delight your senses. It's a way of grounding back into your body and reality.

Waitingforspring77 · 09/03/2025 22:08

Sorry for your loss.
I have experience of derealisation and find a walk in the fresh air helps. Even if it's only 5 minutes, it always makes a difference and I feel more 'grounded' if you see what I mean.
Also watching something on TV or listening to something on the radio as it distracts me for a while.
Hope you are ok

Eyesopenwideawake · 09/03/2025 22:10

It's your minds way of protecting you from overwhelm, it can't hurt you so take some time out (in nature if possible as suggested) and allow it to fade.

Hemlocked · 09/03/2025 22:28

I agree with the TV suggestion. What helped me a lot was watching a familiar sitcom with a cup of tea and marmite on toast with a good friend who is happy to just sit with you. Familiarity and comfort is a good thing.

parietal · 09/03/2025 22:46

there is a small charity called 'unreal' who can give advice.

good things to do if you experience depersonalisation include

  • walking outdoors
  • strong pleasant scents - roses / vanilla / favourite food etc
  • sensory things - a hot cup of tea, a spicy curry, a massage
  • swimming or other physical movement
  • being with other people - yoga class, gym class etc
  • dancing [I realize you probably don't feel like this right now, but in general it is good]

things that are not helpful include

  • spending too long on the internet
  • mediation / solo self-focused activities
Everestisthebest · 10/03/2025 09:38

Thank you all for taking the time to comment, I'm still feeling much the same this morning. Normally my partner is home on a monday and hes in the office today so just me and 3 and 5 year old. I woke several times last night in a bit of a panick almost. The school run was hard but got it done. Its an extremely bizarre uncomfortable feeling I have to say

OP posts:
Patrryk2003 · 15/03/2025 02:40

Everestisthebest · 09/03/2025 21:46

I think I am experiencing derealisation. I've never realised or had a name for what it was but a relative of mine passed away on Friday and I am feeling extremely out of sorts today. Yesterday I was crying a lot and today everything feels really strange. Not like anxiety but just a weird, detached feeling.. any tips for this?

Derealization can happen when you're overwhelmed, especially with big emotions like griefTry to ground yourself, take deep breaths or focus on something simple around you. Don't be too hard on yourself, and give yourself time.

Jamess28 · 16/03/2025 19:51

Everestisthebest · 09/03/2025 21:46

I think I am experiencing derealisation. I've never realised or had a name for what it was but a relative of mine passed away on Friday and I am feeling extremely out of sorts today. Yesterday I was crying a lot and today everything feels really strange. Not like anxiety but just a weird, detached feeling.. any tips for this?

Sorry to hear about your loss. What you're feeling sounds like derealization, where everything feels off or detached In moments like this, try to focus on something around you touch, sound, or just something familiar. Take your time with it; there's no rush to feel better right away. Just be patient with yourself.

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Niqb12 · 11/02/2026 10:58

Hi just come across this I know it’s an old post how are u feeling now I hope better x

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