Derealization

Did you ever feel that the reality which surrounds you isn't real? When experiencing derealization, an individual is not able to see their surroundings accurately and clearly.

You will feel like living in a dream, or catch yourself asking questions like: ''Is this real? Why I don't feel like living in the present? What causes this for me to see and feel?''

Some people who have experienced derealization many times claim that it can be like watching through a clouded window. Others reported that reality looked somehow black and white to them.

In one word, derealization will lead you to believe and experience life that doesn't seem real. Even people who surround you at that moment may seem lifeless. Plants and animals may appear foggy as well.

What I've come to realize is that derealization is closely linked to anxiety and all anxious disorders, as well as to prolonged depression. Prolonged depression and stress are usually a part of the grieving journey, especially for bereaved parents.

Derealization may appear before the panic attacks start too. It is common with burnout syndrome as well.

Severe emotional stress and trauma are highly linked to experiencing derealization, as well as depersonalization. I won't talk about depersonalization much here because I want to create a separate blog post about it.

Sometimes, your environment can trigger derealization. Usually, that is linked to some past traumatic memories your brain connects to that environment. All that is a bit too much for your brain and represents a huge burden, so your mind creates some sort of escape, experiencing derealization. 

Approximately, 1% to 2% of people can experience derealization, and it is more common among young adults, and adolescents, as well as among people who are experiencing mental health issues.

Some sources claim that high doses of caffeine can trigger derealization episodes, as well as consuming marijuana. 
It is important to note that people who experience derealization shouldn't be marked with psychosis. People who feel detached and that nothing is real for a moment or two are aware of what they are experiencing, which is the main difference here.

Both derealization and depersonalization can be put in the dissociative disorder group. What helps with derealization and dissociation in general - I'll tell you more in the next blog post. 

Have you ever experienced derealization?

Do people who surround you understand what you are feeling and going through?

If not, hope this article can help them understand. One of our main points is to spread awareness.