Hello everyone...new here!!

by **ruby2shoes** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 12:08 am

I have just started seeing a psychotherapist and she says what is happening to me is depersonalization/derealization. I thought i would come to the forum and read others stories. I am a bit confused as to why this is happening...but aren't we all??? We are going back in time and i am telling my story to her to see where something might have triggered it. My symptoms are a "fish bowl" like view of the world, i cannot concentrate without my mind running, I feel off-balanced, shaky on the inside, arms and legs feel numb, feel like i don't exist sometimes, when i look down at my feet when i have these episodes I feel really tall, feel like my head is either floating or weighs 500 lbs. Do these seem like the disorder to you? Any help would be appreciated. Does anyone know if a very traumatic labor experience with my son could have triggered this?

Well, anxiety can cause depersonalization/derealization, and so can depression. The racing thoughts and shaky feeling sound like anxiety symptoms, so maybe that's what's causing it? A traumatic experience could cause anxiety problems.

If it started after your pregnancy, maybe you should check with your doctor to rule out physical causes, too (I've heard hormones can play a part in depersonalization).

Other people talking about depersonalization and derealization, after their pregnancies:
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/forums/Po ... ng_birth_/
http://counsellingresource.com/ask-the- ... -was-born/

About hormones and depersonalization/derealization (from http://www.dreamchild.net/Coping/coping.html):

Hormones: PMS, Menstruation, Pregnancy, Post-Partum, Menopause, Birth Control.

It is a medical fact that changing hormones can have a significant impact on all women and those with emotional disorders are no exception. Women in particular, have a roller-coaster of hormonal changes throughout their lives. There is also a growing awareness that hormones affect men as well.

PMS and a monthly menstrual cycle can exacerbate symptoms of DP/DR, anxiety and depression. Try keeping a journal. I plotted a chart for several months simply to track my symptoms; I wanted to see when the DP/DR got worse. Without fail in the week before my period I experienced a significant worsening of all of my symptoms and I realized that had been happening for most of my life.

It is also interesting that the beginning of my chronic DP came at around the time I first started menstruating. I'm not saying this was the only trigger, but it may contribute to exacerbation of emotional disorders in all young people at that age. Mental illness often appears in both sexes as children "come of age." The teenager brain is not fully developed. This is certainly not the only reason, but it is clearly a contributing factor.

Don't hesitate to discuss this with your psychiatrist and OB/GYN. Going on a hormonal birth control regimen can give you a completely accurate time frame which can assist in preparing for/avoiding bad days, and sometimes making them much less difficult.

An important note re: hormonal contraception. I was informed some years ago that anticonvulsants (such as Klonopin, Neurontin, or Lamictal) can reduce the efficacy of some birth control pills and the chances of pregnancy can increase. Your OB/GYN may suggest a change in the type or strength of birth control pill you are taking.

It is also obvious that pregnancy, the postpartum months, and menopause can also cause problems, sometimes very serious (such as post-partum depression). Do not hesitate to consult with both your psychiatrist and your OB/GYN at these extremely stressful times particularly when planning a pregnancy or as soon as you know you are pregnant. There is help available. Do not hesitate to ask your health care providers.

Hello everyone...new here!!

Hello everyone...new here!!

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Re: Hello everyone...new here!!

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