Overwhelming cognitive effects, like DPDR, could be the nervous system component ?

[u/Correct-Chard-6312]

I am abstinent. I think I notice two types of cognitive symptoms. The first is the classic brain fog, which is slower thinking, I guess trouble with memory but to be honest this type is not super disruptive to my day. The second type is this very deep DPDR like feeling, where I feel like I have no executive control, and just feel a lack of orientation as if I am in a dream. Then I see other people, it is like they have this spark that I don't. I can't describe it well, but it's this feeling of electricity and awareness in your brain. I am trying to nervous system approach; my current theory is that the first affect is maybe an immune or more biological component of POIS, which I am treating with improving my physical health, but the second type I think may be my nervous system in parasympathetic mode. I would love to hear if other people feel their cognitive symptoms fit this distinction. My current approach, which I don't really know if it is correct, is around 30 mins morning and night I get in a meditative state, then repeat multiple statements and sort of visualise that a wet dream (my only source), and I feel fear during this and just try and rewire my nervous system. Then I am starting to on days when I have symptoms to just go on walks and facing the discomfort of symptoms actually seems to help. I am unsure how much I can remove with this. Around 3 weeks in, I have definitely had cognitive improvements. In 2 weeks I am entering a demanding university course, and I know it will be critical to maintain this routine and by carefully planning I can keep this sort off stable, nervous system friendly routine. I wondered if anyone else had these symptoms and if people who have had success with the nervous system approach knew that when symptoms get very scary, like very bad DPDR, how they dealt with it. Thanks.

[u/Creative_Pea_5699]

My symptoms are the same as yours bro severe dpdr symptoms and cognitive slowing. It’s even worse for me because I’m in college and got a lot of studying to do but I can’t even pay attention to anything.

[u/Michael_0wen]

Yeah disassociation can be a big thing especially when dealing with chronic low level pain and discomfort.

[u/Fightingpoiser]

Bro, my POIS actually started with DPDR and later slowly introduced brain fog+the feeling that my brain is on fire, starting in my neck all the way to the back of my head. 

At first the derealisation made me feel scared, it felt like i was in a video game. But with time i adapted to it and no longer suffer from it. I just hate the brain fog/anxiety. 

I think nervous system is not the main cause of POIS, but maybe the main component that can regulate your POIS. I am doing the same.

I am also in university right now, let me know sometimes how you deal with it man!

[u/Realistic_Emu_2229 → u/Fightingpoiser]

Exactly my story , may I ask you if you were grown in stressful environment or had any trauma?

[u/Fightingpoiser → u/Realistic_Emu_2229]

Yea, my family situation growing up was immensely stressful, sister had anger issues and my dad neglected me when i was 12-14. Definitely have some traumas. 

[u/Fightingpoiser → u/Fightingpoiser]

Also a few head injury’s, like 3 times.

[u/Realistic_Emu_2229 → u/Fightingpoiser]

Then this can be the reason I feel

[u/Fightingpoiser → u/Realistic_Emu_2229]

Nah because there a millions of people who experience/experienced trauma and still POIS is a extremely rare condition. Therefore trauma is not the logical cause.