One feels detached, confused, and unreal all at the same time. Anxiety quickly seeps in as these feelings intensify. Appetite is lost and sleep eludes a very tired mind. This is precisely when the thoughts of doubt begin.
“Am I losing my mind?”
“Is my brain damaged from my wild lifestyle in college?”
“Am I sick with a rare disease that the doctor missed?”
“Do I have an undiagnosed illness like Lyme disease, meningitis, or diabetes?
It is understandable that all these thoughts go through one’s mind when experiencing symptoms that last longer than expected. This is the nature of depersonalization (dp) and the different path it follows in everyone who experiences it. The pattern is always the same, frustrating to the individual but predictable in nature.
The symptoms are strong enough to capture one’s full attention, convincing them that they must be seriously ill. The mind goes into overdrive trying to find connection and closure. It presents a list of “what if” diseases that might “qualify.” Just as one completes the full burden of proof ruling out this possibility, another symptom follows, just as strong, just as consuming.
Visits to the doctor, tests, more doctors and more studies, all come up empty. There is nothing physically wrong, and yet the symptoms continue. The mind remains cloudy, concentration worsens, worry intensifies, and life is interrupted.
I call depersonalization “The Great Impersonator” for good reason. I hear the pain and frustration over and over again from those experiencing these intrusive symptoms. They are perplexed and confused by the similarity to real diseases that this condition presents. You feel relieved when the tests come back negative, but frustrated when you still suffer. Identical stories of ongoing frustration come to me via phone and email every day. Many feel trapped as they often do not find or receive adequate treatment. Many despair because pharmaceutical reactions only exacerbate the situation.
Testing continues to rule out ailments with similar symptoms such as:
Lyme’s desease
Meningitis
Mononucleosis
allergies
adrenal fatigue
Diabetes
fibromyalgia
All test results came back negative. This is hopeful for the individual, but the relief is temporary as they are still struggling with the symptoms of depersonalization.
It is difficult to convince someone in this position that their symptoms, while similar to a true illness, are not physical at all. Naturally, they have become resistant to the fact that this is simply a mind weary from the habit (behavior) of constant fearful thinking. This deeply ingrained habit does not respond well to medication. The barrage of calls I receive from those on medication are proof of this fact.
The personality profile of someone experiencing this condition is as follows:
very smart guy
Analytical
over achiever
creative
Reactive to all external stimuli (drugs are high on the list)
They are also frustrated that most of the medical treatments they received have bypassed the real problem and buried it under chemicals that only exacerbate the situation. Remember, this is an individual who reacts to ALL external stimuli.
Once they learn the basic, yet specific approach that quickly eliminates symptoms, most are surprised by the quick relief a refreshed mind brings. A mind bogged down by constant fear and worry experiences great relief and returns to clarity once a new behavior replaces an unproductive one. This happens quickly in a short time.
One can only imagine how quickly symptoms disappear when this new approach is applied daily. That’s why we call our approach a no-nonsense, accelerated method that produces results. The mind is waiting to rejuvenate when given the chance. It is a simple and accelerated process that allows the mind to recharge, without medication.
To maintain this recovery, all one needs to do is be aware of unproductive habits when they occur. They should also maintain a specific eating plan that supports a less reactive mind and body. This would be one that keeps the levels of blood sugar and serotonin in the brain balanced, without the need for medication.
Depersonalization may be the great imitator, but when unmasked it is easy to remove, allowing true clarity and the comfort of true peace of mind to return.