Anyone not feel.... 'present'?

Anyone not feel.... 'present'?

Author
Discussion

BigGingerBob

Original Poster:

1,813 posts

197 months

Monday 29th July
quotequote all
I've been feeling like this for quite a while, like I'm not fully here and present. Almost like I'm viewing life from about a foot inside my own head.

That sounds absurd but it's the only way I can describe it really.

It's not all the time but more regular than I would like it to be. Sometimes life feels a bit fuzzy and not clear and sharp.

Does anyone know what I mean?

I've had a Google and scared myself because I'm 90% sure it's not Depersonalization-derealization Disorder but that's the only thing that comes up.

If someone can recommend anything to make me more 'in the room' then I would really appreciate it. I worry it's noticeable in my actions and expression on my face to people speaking with me, almost as if I look vacant. I'm usually quite switched on but it's an odd feeling.


Cheers!

StevieBee

13,570 posts

262 months

Monday 29th July
quotequote all
I know exactly what you mean.

I get it sometimes...a sense of detachment from the reality that you are in.

For me it passes after 30 mins or so and is rarely debilitating. I've not noticed any trend as to what triggers it other than it's more noticeable when I'm on my own. Whether that's because I have less distraction so can notice it more abruptly or the trigger I have no idea.

I suspect that it's just one of those weird things our brain does from time to time.

mcelliott

8,970 posts

188 months

Monday 29th July
quotequote all
Yes I have had this, came when my anxiety was off the scale, felt like I was in a little bubble looking out, even stuff and people that were comforting to me felt far away and well, a bit weird

Mr.Chips

1,039 posts

221 months

Monday 29th July
quotequote all
Yes, I have had this. About 14 years ago I was diagnosed with stress and anxiety. My GP gave me a variety of medications, one of which made me feel like I was watching my life via CCTV. This effect was so weird that I quickly came off it and was prescribed Citalopram instead. I stayed on that until last year when I very slowly weaned myself off it. Citalopram has it’s own side-effects, which I didn’t like, which is why I am glad that I no longer need it.

Krhuangbin

977 posts

138 months

Tuesday 30th July
quotequote all
BigGingerBob said:
I've been feeling like this for quite a while, like I'm not fully here and present. Almost like I'm viewing life from about a foot inside my own head.

That sounds absurd but it's the only way I can describe it really.

It's not all the time but more regular than I would like it to be. Sometimes life feels a bit fuzzy and not clear and sharp.

Does anyone know what I mean?

I've had a Google and scared myself because I'm 90% sure it's not Depersonalization-derealization Disorder but that's the only thing that comes up.

If someone can recommend anything to make me more 'in the room' then I would really appreciate it. I worry it's noticeable in my actions and expression on my face to people speaking with me, almost as if I look vacant. I'm usually quite switched on but it's an odd feeling.


Cheers!
Yes. I know EXACTLY what you mean. It started for me about 10 years ago. I am about 90% certain after endless research, that it is caused by overstimulation for me. Too much internet, endless browsing/"seeking", Youtube, Social Media, bingeing games/Netflix, screentime.... and also poor diet and too much alcohol at times.

In a complete haze sometimes and feel like i'm in a foggy, distant dream.

During a 2 week holiday for example and no phone/screens, I feel 75% of the way back. Then slip back into old habits. Seriously, reading forums or whatever after 2 weeks off almost gives me a bit of a buzz! I can pinpoint exactly when it started for me about 10 years ago, and got a lot worse over Covid lockdowns. Can also remember the "lustre" and colour everyday life used to have.

Not unhappy at all, far from it... just "numbed."

I think it's a mild form of Anhedonia from chronic overstimulation.

RoadToad84

770 posts

41 months

Tuesday 30th July
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This is something I've been experiencing recently. Least year I suffered quite a bad concussion after being knocked off my bike, and have also had issues with anxiety, dizziness and a few other fun issues.

It's quite an odd feeling, like you're operating yourself by remote control. Haven't determined any specific triggers yet, but it does come and go.

oddman

2,786 posts

259 months

Tuesday 30th July
quotequote all
It's called Depersonalisation

Can be part of normal experience. Often associated with anxiety disorders or dissociative states.

If it's distressing then it's more likely to be due to a psychological condition. Addressing the underlying problem whether through psychological, pharmacological treatments or a combination can help.


BigGingerBob

Original Poster:

1,813 posts

197 months

Tuesday 30th July
quotequote all
I'm glad it's not just me then!

Thank you for all the replies. It's a bit unnerving tbh, but as someone said above, I'm also not unhappy or depressed or anything but it does feel like I'm dreaming quite often.

I might try a phone 'detox' or something to get me out of it. It's hard at work now as I'm office and therefore computer based so it's screen time all the time.

Gas1883

568 posts

55 months

Wednesday 31st July
quotequote all
After getting up for a shift at midnight & walking back through the door about 17.00 I often feel detached from reality , do that 5/6 times a week & the wife often says Hello is anybody there !!
Though those wernt the words she used when I fell asleep & forgot all about picking her & her friends after a night out .